After a terrific first day at the National Junior Championships, the ACT Under 13 Girls faced at fomidable opponent this morning - South Australia.
South Australia's form at the end of day one was very impressive.
The game against SA this morning was on a ground covered by heavy dew - heavy conditions. This meant that passing required some adjustment, as sprays of water came off the ball on the ground and slowed the speed of the ball. Both teams were challenged by this change in playing conditions.
The first half was all ACT. Itw as easily their best technical performance of the competition thus far. They dominated possession, played an impressive passing / possession game, but just could not put away any of several chances. The SA defence coped - just!
Then came the half time break.
The game turned around completely. The SA team consciously pressed their defence well forward and held the ACT in it's defencive third for more time than was good them. SA dominated possession and the ACT turned out "all hands on deck" to repell the SA team. Fortunately for the ACT, the SA team could do no better at scoring a winning goal than the ACT.
When the full time whistle went, it ended 0:0. A fair result.
So there we have it for the ACT midway through Day 2 - one win (against Queensland), and two draws (NSW Metro and SA) and probably the best of the opposition in their group seen off without loss. However, as each day passes the teams are playing better football. It can only get a bit harder for all concerned.
For example - the game that followed the ACT game this morning was between NSW Metro and Queensland. It was easily the highest quality game I have seen in Group A. Very impressive and to a standard that was a little excess of our ACT performances (based on a whole match performance).
The ACT players must be very pleased with themselves. They are playing as they trained and for much of the time, it looks real good. What a pleasure to watch. Great campaign!
Now on to Northern NSW this afternoon and Victoria metro tomorrow morning.
For all the results so far go to this location:
http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/site/njc_girls_2010.php