‘TIS the season for winter sports, and football in the Camden Haven has never been more popular.

The Camden Haven Redbacks are fielding four senior teams this year, with three men’s teams and one ladies, but it was the Redbacks’ B-Grade Men’s Team, affectionately known as the Silverbacks, who took to the field over the long weekend.

In a competition which is proving to be the perfect balance of skill, entertainment and hydration, the Redbacks travelled to Kempsey for a catch-up match after last weekend’s torrential rain.

The Redbacks dominated early, seemingly in total control, but a lapse by the Camden Haven men and a fast run down the right side saw the Kempsey Saints release a cross/shot (the jury is out on which one it was) which proved too high for debuting keeper Tom Raine, and was headed goalward by an unmarked Saints player to give the home side a 1–0 lead.

With the backing of an impressive and passionate number of supporters for the Redbacks, the men jumped straight back into the game, and it wasn’t long before Chilean debutante Alvaro Dieguez wowed the crowd with his stylish footwork, and slotted home the equaliser.

The Redbacks remained in control for the remainder of the first half, with Dieguez ultimately scoring a double, and Matt ‘Golden Boot’ Hayes finishing off a poorly taken Saints goal kick to give the Redbacks a strong lead at half time.

The Redbacks continued their dominance in the second half, but goals certainly seemed harder to come by.

As the Saints settled, their speed up front began to take a toll on a tiring Redbacks backline, and ultimately a desperate tackle from behind by Jose Ustariz saw a penalty awarded, which was well finished by the home side.

Despite the slowing of the game and the strained hamstrings which seem to go hand-in-hand with a team nicknamed the Silverbacks, the goals didn’t cease all-together, with goals to David Bruer, James ‘Beardy’ Beard and a second to Hayes locking in the win.

Coach Beard was impressed with the team performance at the end of the game, with Bruer nominated as Man of the Match for his unrelenting commitment (and of course, goal).

Next week sees some crowd favourite games at home, with the Redbacks’ in-form Ladies squad kicking things off at 1:15pm, followed by the Men’s ‘Silverbacks’ squad at 3pm.

Meanwhile the Men’s Reserve Grade will take on Lake Cathie at Cathie at 3pm, and the First Grade Men have the bye.

Go you Reds!