Westville soccer team showcases pure resilience

THE wintry weather did not dampen the spirits of Westville boys as they finally got to put on their boots and blues and get onto Bowden’s and Commons’ fields for some match action after the extended lockdown periods.

“The 1st XI encounter was a match that would have had the spectators in a frenzy had they been allowed in but those that were fortunate to be there were treated to a real tussle in the slippery conditions,” said 1st team football coach, Dan Haswell.

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The Westville boys showed true grit and resilience in coming back twice, at 0 – 1 and at 1 – 2 down in this encounter.

“Clifton scored first after a slip up in our defence for an early led but we responded with a cool penalty by captain Austin Ibeleme.

“After the visitors took the lead again it looked like they would go into the half time break ahead but we managed to level the scores with Bande Gumede managing lobbing the goalkeeper,” said Haswell.

WBHS came out firing in the second half and took an early lead from a corner that Ethan Vincent hammered home and seemed to be managing the game out from there on but this time a Clifton equaliser levelled the scores at 3-3.

“With the weather worsening and conditions more conducive to ice skating it seemed as if that might be the result but we launched a final foray into the Clifton half and it was Bande Gumede who showed great composure to score his second, Westville’s fourth and the match winning goal at 4 – 3.”

The two schools played 16 games. Westville Boys’ won 14, lost 2, goals for 74, goals against 11.

Summary of Results:

1st 4-3 W

2nd 3-2 W

3rd 3-0 W

4th 5-1 W

16A 0–1 L

16B 1-0 W

16C 0-1 L

16D 5-0 W

15A 3–0 W

15B 4-1 W

15C 8-1 W

15D 9-0W

14A 5-0 W

14B 5-1 W

14C 8-0 W

14D 11-0 W