Brentwood’s Golden Soccer Age

The dew, like the optimistic legs that set foot on the Victorian fields for the ISA tournament, was fresh. The stage of St. Michaels was set for glory. The Brentwood senior boys were in for a cracker. Although history was by no means in their favour, a confident young Brentwood side led by skipper Reid A, Whittall ‘15 took to the pitch with open arms. Their first test: Glen Norfolk School (GNS), an independent school notorious for producing some of the Island’s most pristine soccer talent.    Despite being pitted against unnervingly stiff opposition, the Brentwood fire was fuelled from the opening whistle as the enigmatic Brendon K, Whittall ‘15 cleverly wove a free kick into the Norfolk danger-zone. A tight-knit GNS defence struggled to clear, and consequently, a low-key Martin K, Whittall ‘15 slithered from the dirt and fired home from point-blank range to give Brentwood an unlikely lead. The swashbuckling continued in Brentwood’s half when Gord’s Gladiators were caught on the back foot for the first time.  They were punished.  A streaking Norfolk striker scooped over Brentwood goaltender Victor R, Whitall ‘16, who was in no man’s land after a defensive slip up left him at his opponent’s mercy. Brentwood held on to earn a precious point.  Their next hurdle was Vancouver-based West Point Grey, whom they dismissed with ease as the friendly neighbourhood Toby CH, Privett 15’ stepped up to the twelve yard mark. Cooly and collectedly - he slotted. With a win on their sheet and the wind in their sails, Brentwood looked ahead to their toughest obstacle yet, St. Georges.   The red and black army marched on with an aura of hope in wake of their climactic meeting with the mighty Saints. It was bloody. It was gritty. Undoubtedly, it was a leap of faith for Brentwood’s unproven side, but with great risk can come great reward. The battle reached its peak with a midfield clash in what had so far been a fairly open game. The pressure mounted, and with it, Toby was ruthlessly hacked down by his oppressor on the counter attack. Karma struck back for Brentwood within minutes as the notorious Martin made an instant impact upon his appointment to the pitch. Winning the ball outside the area, some dexterous link-up play with Ibrahim S, Whittall ‘15 gave the self-proclaimed “snake” a mouth-watering chance to put his side ahead. Luck was on his side as he slithered past the defensive line and powered a deflected shot past the helpless Saints keeper to grab the win. It was a moment to remember as the travelling fans and players alike erupted into a symphony of delight and a guaranteed spot in the final.  An air of refined optimism hung among the players as they prepared to tackle their next and final obstacle: St Michaels. Praised for its elite strike force and unparalleled organization, St Michaels would prove to be a stern opponent. An injury-weakened Brentwood side (we were missing both Toby and Reid) trotted into the late afternoon sun. Their lineup depleted and their fitness deteriorated, they marched onwards and upwards. Within minutes, their goal was under bombardment, but thanks to some heavenly goaltending from Tao B, Rogers ‘15, their net was left unscathed. Then an accomplished SMU spot kick hit the mark and put a stalwart Brentwood on the back foot. Despite numerous chances to find an equalizer, the final whistle sounded to conclude what had been a great effort from Mr. Horth and his affiliates. The result in itself was promising, and earned a share in the spoils (ISA Silver medals) for a side that appear to be nothing short of “Brentwood’s Golden Generation” of soccer players.   Robbie S, Privett ‘15