West Treble Helps Buds Blitz Azzurri
Newcastle Herald
Monday May 12, 2003
DOUG West scored a hat-trick as Adamstown Rosebud overpowered Northern NSW State League premiers Highfields Azzurri 4-2 at Lisle Carr Oval yesterday.
Adamstown captain Benn Lane opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but it took two second-half strikes by West for the Buds to shake a resolute Azzurri.
Azzurri have now lost three of their opening four games and are in third-last place.
Lane had nothing but praise for what he described as ``the best performance of the season".
``It was tough game," Lane said.
``Azzurri pushed us all the way, but to the boys' credit they stuck at it and we were able to pull away in the final 20 minutes."
Lane gave Rosebuds an early advantage with a brilliant volley before Highfields replied through Tony Majurovski.
West opened his account with a deft chip after running on to a nice through ball from Lane, but the Buds' joy was short-lived. Azzurri equalised through a curling Paul Wheeler free-kick from just outside the box.
Adamstown asserted their authority early in the second half and West eventually broke through, slotting home from close range.
The visitors created plenty of chances and sealed the win when West finished off some good work by Ross.
Elsewhere yesterday, Toronto recorded their first win of the season, a 2-0 upset of Lake Macquarie, and South Cardiff and Weston drew 3-all. Broadmeadow Magic moved to first place after downing Cessnock 2-0 on Saturday, while Edgeworth and Hamilton drew 2-all on Friday.
© 2003 Newcastle Herald