By JO HARRISON
DUVAL High School’s open boys soccer team achieved their best ever result in the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) knockout competition finishing in the top 16 of the state after going down to Turramurra High School 4-0 at Phil Wheaton Oval last week.
With plenty of home town support cheering the Duval boys on, they started the game as underdogs against a Sydney outfit that boasted a-swag of State League players.
From the outset, Duval were on the back foot just off the pace of Turramurra whose skilful passing accuracy and possession was unmatched.
All four goals were scored in the first half and it looked likely that Turramurra would run away with it in the second.
However, Duval coach Thomas Model was able to settle his side down going into the second half with Duval much more composed and with a little more possession. They kept their more fancied opponents scoreless in the second half which a huge improvement and one of which their coach was very proud.
“Every single one of the boys will take something out of this game,” Model said.
“We really battled hard and showed some heart. The first 15 minutes in each half was exemplary from the boys.
“The effort was there but we lacked a little in execution with simple mistakes in the back giving opportunities for Turramurra’s strikers to capitalise.”
The Turramurra High School side was full of praise for their hosts and enjoyed the experience of playing a country team in the country.
“Country football is very different to city football and to Duval’s credit they worked us hard in the second half,” Turramurra coach Zeke Desnik said.
“We loved coming out here and Duval were so hospitable and Tom and his team made us very welcome.
“The two teams had a dinner together the night before the game which had a very friendly atmosphere. This has been one of our best trips away.”
