After the meritable draw v. Sydney United away last week the Breakers fans were curious to see their rebuilt team in action and assess the years prospects. Any Canberra fans who drove up (like we Sydney Breakers fans) endured a very slow trip with the hope of seeing their team show greater flowering of Coach Rasic's planning. Breakers fans were happy with the NYL team's 5-2 demolition
Due to illness my report is a potted one. The usual tentative probing and bussling went on the and it was a bit unsettling for the Breakers to score after 3mins through recruit Brad Wieczorek as NB stretched the defence and drew Knezevic. For the rest of the half their was little sign of a goal as any pressure that came on Catlin he handled easily, steadying his side, and because the Breakers had little variation or penetration up front.
The second half looked to be a continuation. It was noticeable how well Canberra were structuring themselves across the park and always knew where to pass. Only Peter Buljan seemed to be getting himself into shooting positions. Young Burt (4) was looking impressive at sorting out Newcastle's attacks. For Newcastle Catlin again steadied his team and Shannon was more active and mobile. The defence was less tight that last week and too much possession and space was given to Canberra at the edge of the area.
Newcastle lucky with the win, perhaps a draw a fairer result, but that's what Catlin was bought for.