Oakleigh Havoc got the perfect start to their 2016/17 campaign with a dominant victory over GLT FC. An open first half between the two sides provided some end to end action on the court, but an excellent second half performance from Oakleigh, who scored five unanswered goals, proved to be the difference.
Havoc started the match on the front foot. Three goals in the opening eight minutes of the game, two scored by Jonah Caruana and one own goal, gave Oakleigh a comfortable lead. GLT’s lack of man marking was to blame for the goals, with each conceded indirectly from an Oakleigh Havoc ‘keeper throw.
GLT looked to bounce back and responded well after twelve minutes of play. Keeping possession well, Havoc’s opponents were able to snatch a goal after some scrappy defending, slotting a shot into the bottom corner from the left wing.
A third and fourth goal from Jonah Caruana, however, allowed Oakleigh to extend their lead before GLT scored twice to, once again, remain within two goals of their opponents at the halftime break.
The second half told a different story to the first half. Oakleigh Havoc had an excellent start to the second period, extending their lead once again with a fifth goal for Caruana and two goals from George Bezas.
GLT’s frustration was demonstrated through their physical gameplay and drawing of unnecessary fouls. Havoc, however, held their ground and once again added to their tally of goals, with Josh Henderson scoring the ninth and final goal of the night for Oakleigh.
An impressive performance awarded Oakleigh Havoc a crucial three points at the start of the season. The team will enter Week 2 as league leaders, looking to maintain their position and good form against Brothers United who were narrowly beaten by Santos on Thursday night.