ROUND 2
The second round was an
excellent round for most of our teams with many opening their
account. New comers to the FFV U11 Bears continued their
undefeated run from last season with a convincing 3-1 win. All the
senior teams with the exception of the Arrows opened their account
including newcomers The Hoods and the Friars who both thumped
their opposition. The U15 Pythons look extremely confident this
season and finally beat Caulfield who have had the wood over them
for the past 3 seasons with a very strong display. The 4-0
scoreline was their first clean sheet in over 2 seasons and
highlights the improved strength in the backline with the return
of Fabian Benc and Tom Baldock.
First home game for the U11 Bears
and it was a well-drilled Booroondara Lions team who entered the
den. From my vantage point behind the BBQ it was clear that the
Bears were keen to make an early statement. They took the
initiative from the kickoff and pressed strongly down the right
side of the field. A goal looked inevitable and came in the first
five minutes, a perfectly-weighted cross to Liam who neatly put it
past the keeper and into the net. The Bears continued to dominate
possession with a succession of corners and Max Gates (MG),
Sebastian and Mason all creating opportunities - but the Lions
were showing stout defence despite the increasing pressure.
Through the haze of bacon and sausages presaging the half time
rush the second Bears goal took a long-time coming, but was an
excellent display of teamwork after a rare Lions raid into the
Bear’s half. The Bears countered with a good run from Nic down the
left, followed by an interchange of passing with Liam and Max the
Midfield Dynamo (MD) before the ball was fed out to the right and
the ever-dangerous Zac Lueke. Zac weaved his way past a defender
and then shot at goal - the Lions goalie did a great job but could
only deflect the ball into the box where Liam finished the
movement with his second goal of the day (and third in two weeks).
After a dominant first-half, the Bears seemed to ease off in the
second and the Lions then pulled back a goal early in the half.
Although not playing with the same cohesion as in the first half,
the Bears were still able to withstand the Lions and special
mention must go to Adam’s defence which was resolute throughout
and provided excellent service to the forwards. Nearing the end of
the match the Bears sealed the win with a well-deserved goal to
Max MD and a 3-1 result. Joint players of the match were Liam and
Adam.
The U8 Falcons were away to
Knox Churches today. Despite only having the bare minimum six
players available, the boys all played their hearts out. Knox took
advantage of a quick breakaway and scored the first of their four
goals early on in the first half. Although the falcons tried to
get the ball in the net they were unsuccessful and were punished
with another breakaway goal. As the Falcons legs tired Knox took
control of the game and scored another two goals without reply.
Knox 4 Falcons 0.
This week’s game for the U14
Terriers was a really exciting game to watch, I’m sure all the
spectators will agree. I still haven’t worked out why we didn’t
win. We had 75% of possession and our work ethic was excellent.
The game started with the Terriers taking control from the off,
most of the first half spent in attacking Lilydale’s defense. The
Terriers kept peppering Lilydale’s goal but with no luck. The
second half started the same with the Terriers pushing hard for a
goal. Five minutes in Lilydale made a good break from their back
line and scored. The Terriers heads dropped allowing Lilydale
another goal 2 minutes later. The Terriers dug deep and got one
back from a nice shot from a corner by full back Luke Noack. Josh
VanderHulst hit the inside of the upright from outside the penalty
area, and some how it came out of goal. Most of the last 5 minutes
being spent with Terriers attacking unlucky not to get the back of
the net. Fantastic game to watch, well played Terriers.
The Shredders were a weakened team
today with several key players having tests for scholarships.
This left several positions without experienced players.
Despite being camped inside Eltham Golden Eagles half for the
majority of the first half we found ourselves 2-0 down at half
time. Eltham took advantage of two breakaway attacks. The
first goal was also aided by missed tackles and panic amongst
the Shredders. The second was much the same and, although the
goalie did get his hand to the ball, it just squirmed in. The
second half saw the Shredders attack the ball more and push
Eltham back. Eltham had the benefit of some poor very offside
decisions (the linesman stood on the halfway line watching the
game not watching the players positions) but failed to add to
their tally. As Eltham clearly intended to stop a passing
style football by flooding their half with players and
creating a wall of legs (a spoiling game) the Shredders had no
option left but to change from a passing game and just kick
the ball high and long. It pains me to see this type of play.
If the defenders just kick long why do we bother with a
midfield? This resulted in two goals from the Shredders which
brought them back on level terms. They left it too late to get
that winning goal and the result was a hard earned draw. This
was not an inspiring game but the Shredders resilience showed.
They never gave up and by changing play to suit the opposition
they managed to get back into the game and could have even
sneaked a win. Shredders 2 Eltham Golden Eagles 2.
GOALKICK
Sherbrookes Goalkick
has commenced. It is run at 4.30pm every Wednesday at the Menzies Creek Reserve Blackhill Rd. The Goalkick
cordinators contact details can be found under coaches above.
Shin pads are compulsory late registrations on the day are more than welcome.
PETITION SHEETS
Keep those
petition sheets coming as the time has been extended to end of May.
They can be left in the secretary's pigeon hole at Menzies Creek.
U11-U13 GIRLS
The popularity of the younger
girls teams has meant that the Under 11 through under 13's teams
have filled well before the season starts. The club has decided to
enter a team in the lowest grade of the U13's (probably D) to
accommodate new players from U11's to U13's that wish to play. The
low grade will mean the team will be especially suited to girls
playing for the first time. Please ring the Secretary for further
information 0409 803710.
COACHES
Those wishing to coach can contact
the secretary or Eddie our coaching coordinator as we are looking for coaches for the
following teams.
U8 Fables
The club will pay to send new coaches on the relevant coaching
courses.
