In a season made all the more challenging by a global pandemic Waikanae’s Premier under 13 team, the Osos Poderosos, find themselves on the brink of the ultimate prize as they prepare to take the field against Stop Out in the final of their Wellington competition.
Expertly coached by Bernardo Neil, the team started their journey back in June in the B Grade away to Wests at Ascot Park. The 5-3 win a taste of things to come as they swept through the grade unbeaten in six games, conceding only 9 goals while they scored 37 in the process. Progressing to next level the Osos Poderosos continued their rampant form taking out the next five games, this time conceding just 7 goals to 26 scored.
Unbeaten in their 11 regular season games with 63 goals scored against 16 conceded the team now found themselves in the knockout competition for the ultimate prize. Their quarter final match against Karori was perhaps their first true test against the second placegetters in the A grade. With Waikanae leading 4-2 at half time Karori clawed back to level at 4-4 to truly test the levels of composure and resilience of the team. With minutes remaining and the lads sticking to the game plan, Lucas managed to calmly slot the winner to advance Osos Poderosos to the semi-final against an unbeaten Lower Hutt team at Jim Cooke Park.
With Waikanae sticking to the game plan of an expansive brand of football, Lower Hutt presented a different challenge in the semi-final using their sheer speed on attack. Waikanae however retained their composure and managed to adapt to the threat posed. Growing in strength as the game progressed the Osos Poderosos ran out 5-2 winners and sealed a well-deserved final spot in u13 Premier against Stop Out.
The Osos Poderosos join two Waikanae Senior teams, the Jets and Wanderers, in a finals match up on Saturday 26th and win or lose this has been a season the parents, coaching team and Club can be proud of. The final against Stop Out is being held at Hutt Park 3 with kick off at 10:00am. It would be great to get as many supporters to t
he match as we can and we wish Bernardo and the team all the best.
