IN CHILLY conditions the Camden Haven Redbacks mixed under 16s side overpowered their Wauchope rivals at the Vince Inmon Sporting Complex at Laurieton last Friday, securing their first win of the season.

Both teams came out fast and furious and ready to play, but it was the Redbacks who turned up the heat first, taking control early in the match.

Led by the attacking skills of Ben Blanch and Hunter Wynd the Redbacks went into halftime with a 4-0 lead.

Despite Wauchope coming out in the second half with increased intensity, the Redbacks proved too strong, with the visitors unable to reduce the scoreline deficit.

The game finished 5-0 in favour of Camden Haven.

Goal scorers for the Redbacks were Hayden Byrnes (two), Hunter Wynd, Ben Blanch and Beau Letherbarrow.

Redbacks coach William Howard told News Of The Area his team “played well tonight” and the win was “well deserved”.

“I thought Ben Blanch, our left midfielder, had a brilliant game tonight and I can’t wait to see more of him in our upcoming matches,” Howard told NOTA.

Wauchope coach Daniel Jenkins expressed pride at how his team played despite the loss.

“They didn’t give up or drop their heads regardless of the score,” he said.

At the moment we are still learning how each of us play and how we work together as a team.”

Jenkins reserved special praise for Dylan Fowler, who played out of his usual position, and for Caeley Purdy, who led the way for Wauchope with a tough defensive display.

“Despite being the shortest player on the field she was by far the most impressive,” Jenkins said.

Redbacks Vice President Lisa Murie said the side’s win was a great result for the club.

“It was our first win of the season and will be a great confidence booster for the team,” she said.

By Kim AMBROSE