In the opening match of the year, following a month-long hiatus, Panorama delivered a commanding performance, trouncing one of the league's historically toughest teams in a staggering 6-0 victory.

Coach Olgiati was afforded the advantage of a fully fit squad, with all 18 players eager to prove themselves and secure a spot in the starting lineup for upcoming matches.

Panorama kicked off in their traditional 4-5-1 formation, featuring Egbers as the striker and captain for the day. The customary midfield trio of Bailey, Goncalves, and Liu masterfully controlled the game's tempo, while Mdunge and O'Sullivan, playing in more forward roles, provided dynamic flank play. In the back., the usual Benites / Botoulas duo was flanked by Lo Ham and Neale.

Panorama's early intensity almost paid off when Egbers delivered an excellent cross that Bailey narrowly failed to convert.This pattern persisted throughout the first half: Panorama dominated possession but struggled with finishing. Egbers, Mdunge, and O'Sullivan all squandered prime scoring opportunities. The breakthrough finally came from Bailey, who pounced on a pass from O'Sullivan to open the scoring. Despite Leeds' spirited resistance, goalkeeper Inward maintained a clean sheet with some key saves, the few times that Leeds managed to beat a solid back four coordinated by Botoulas.

The second half saw Olgiati inject fresh legs, substituting over half the team, sacrificing speed for physicality and re-introducing Garrad, in a new partneship with Solomon, after almost a year-long absence. This strategy reaped rewards. Lindsay had a couple of promising chances after incisive passes from Swanepoel. However, it was Swanepoel who stole the show, netting a rapid twenty-minute hat-trick with an Inzaghi-esque performance, exploiting the offside line to perfection.

With Panorama leading 4-0, Olgiati experimented with more offensive formations and personnel changes. Mdunge extended the lead to 5-0 following an assist from Olgiati, who then sealed the 6-0 victory himself, skillfully controlling a high ball and threading it through the defense into the net.

This match showcased Panorama's depth and team spirit, setting a high bar for the season. While the road ahead will be challenging, performances like this affirm Panorama's resilience and potential in Division 1.

Some stats from the game:

• This was the 5th game between the two sides, with Panorama winning the last 2 encounters
• Inward celebrated his 80th game (reaching Morris in 17th place in the overall standings) with his 27th clean sheet.
• Windsor played his 40th game, while Garrard returned on the field after 344 days absence.
• Swanepoel hat-trick (his 3rd for Panorama), moved him to 27 goals in 31 games.
• With his 30th goal for Panorama, Mdunge moved to 12th, reaching De Leo
• Bailey's 44th goal also moved him up to 6th, at par with Dixon