Grove trounce Soesdyke 4-1; Herstelling into semis

DEFENDING champions Grove Hi Tech have sent an ominous message to those teams that are eyeing their Under-17 title when they opened their account with a 4-1 win over Soesdyke Falcons last weekend at the Grove Playfield.

Second half substitute Joel Dick, who replaced scorer of the first goal, Kevin Dalton, slammed home a hat-trick to secure a solid win for the home team. Herstelling Raiders on the other hand, advanced to the Final Four without breaking a sweat as their opponents, Mocha Champs failed to show up.

Grove wasted little time in showing their intentions with Dalton hitting the back of the nets in the 11th minute. Grove, winners of all the tournaments that the EBFA played in 2014 at the Under-13, 15, 17 and senior levels, have only won one of three tournaments so far this year, the Stag 7 A-Side, which concluded on Saturday last.

They (Grove) are eager to halt titles slipping from them and Dick’s performance underscores this aim.

The Under-17 national player wasted little time in making his presence felt after replacing Dalton. He rocked the nets in the 44th, 48th and 50th minutes to seal the win for Grove. Soesdyke however, did stand up and somewhat showed flashes of brilliance.

They were able to pull one back through substitute Kevin Marshall.

Competition will continue this weekend at the same venue with a double-header today. Mocha Champs will open proceedings against Diamond United at 13:00 hrs with the winner guaranteed a Final-Four place.

In the second match, at 14:30 hrs, Agricola Red Triangle will be going after their second win in as many matches when they face Soesdyke Falcons. One match will be contested tomorrow when Grove Hi Tech oppose Kuru Kururu Warriors.