The U/20s Summer Youth League has kicked off and defending champions Byron Bay have picked up their first win.
The SYL has been running for ten years and Byron Bay has been the most successful club, winning four titles including last season’s memorable victory on the last day of the season.
Along with defending their title, this season’s squad also has youth as a focus with the majority of players under the age of 18 – including a number of exciting 15-year-olds who made their SYL debut on Friday night.
Travelling to Alstonville – one of the competition favourites – Byron started brightly with several chances falling their way early, but the Rams were unable to convert.
Alstonville fought their way back into the contest in the second half, creating chances of their own in a match that turned into a close contest between two quality teams.
The deadlock was finally broken in style with three minutes remaining when 15-year-old Zahi Addis rounded an Alstonville defender and slotted past the goalkeeper to claim a hard-fought 1–0 victory.
It’s an important first-up win for Byron Bay against a team who will be challenging for the title.
The Rams’ next home game is this Friday against local rivals Mullumbimby. Kick-off is at 8pm at the Recreation Grounds with the club hoping to get as much local support as possible.