Apr 23, 2016
AL2 First Grade
Round 4 saw the Raiders take on top of the league Mosman away and we all knew it was going to be a tough fixture. We started off struggling to get out of first gear but found our rhythm ten minutes in and played some lovely pass and move football. The build up led to a few little chances to take the lead but the deadlock was broken when Adam Kenneally latched onto a spilled effort from the Mosman keeper for a coolly taken tap in. Carlos Carrillo made it 2-0 shortly after with another well placed short range effort knocking the ball past the outstretched keeper.
The conditions worsened throughout the match but our lads kept their composure and dictated the game well, albeit there were a few hairy moments of panic clearances. We seemed to take our foot off the gas a little and allowed them too much space for them to run at us with their midfielder unleashing a wonder strike from 30 yards out to put the ball past our outstretched keeper and coming off the post, 2-1. Again, this seemed to wake us up a little as we started to take the game to them once more. It was literally an uphill battle and the conditions didn’t help but Adam, not wanting to be done over by the opposition, and after a fantastic string of passing from our 2 midfielders who then played the ball out to him, unleashed a wonder strike from 35 yards across his body straight into the top right hand corner. 3-1 final score and the song is starting to take shape nicely
Players Player: Adam Kenneally
Coaches Player: Adam Kenneally
Apr 23, 2016
Under 11-2 Blades
CC Strikers Marlins 0 BTH Blades 8
A depleted Blades team took to the field a man down and quickly set up camp in the Strikers’ half playing some lovely passing football. The team was soon buoyed by the arrival of Shay Saunders and Charlie Budge from the Under 10 Rats and Sam Griffiths from the U9 Thunder and the goals started to flow seeing the Blades enter half time with a two goal cushion with goals from Max Douglas-Robertson and Shay Saunders.
The Blades picked up where they left off in the second half with Shay quickly grabbing another followed by goals from Amy Humphrey, player of the week – Matt Plunkett, a second from Max and a late brace from Kyle Ormiston.
All the goals followed some great passing and running, with hardly a long ball played the whole game. The clean sheet was as satisfying as the goals at the other end with sterling work from Jamie Griffiths who passed a late fitness test to put on the keeper’s gloves for the whole game. Jamie was ably assisted by his defenders who remained focused and held their positions to fend off the occasional break out by the strikers and quickly turn defence into attack.
The blades will face tougher games this season but the manner of the win was extremely pleasing along with the contribution from the younger players who fitted in seamlessly.
Apr 23, 2016
O35-7 A
The O35/7 A Team visited Avalon on Saturday. We all had loads of fun, and we are all improving each and every game. Even in the rain, everyone had a big smile on their face, except our captain, Ricky, who fell over at the very beginning and couldn't play the rest of the game. Lucky he was big and brave, he soon recovered and gave everyone lots of encouragement from the sideline.
Our goal keeper, Graham, got plenty of practice in goals, which is good, but we're all going to try to make sure that Graham's not so busy for the next game. Well done to Jason, who played up front and got pushed around a bit, but this didn't phase him too much, although he probably shouldn't push back so hard next time.
Saxon played very well and showed the referee just how many rules he knows. The ref was most impressed and spoke with Saxon about this quite a bit. Brett tried very hard, he found the going a little slippery, which was a challenge for him, if he watches the ball more closely i'm sure that he will get a big kick in which will make him really proud.
All in all we scored two great goals, this had us all cheering and clapping, which is great! Avalon scored four goals.. That's ok, next time, we should all be happy for the other team, otherwise they will think that we're not good sports.
Next week, we play our friends from the other BTH team. If Christian's parents can remember, he is responsible for oranges and lollies this week. See you all there!
Apr 24, 2016
Ladies U14-1
The girls had another strong win despite it being a close match. Play went from end to end but we had the most chances. The 2nd half was particularly good with Shae in goals having little to do. Emily was our star in the midfield covering a lot of the pitch to get possession and making some nice passes. Clare & Lauren scored our goals. A big thanks to Sophie, Gemma & Alani for playing up from the 12's.
BTH defeated CC Strikers 2-0
Apr 23, 2016
Under 12-2
The long weekend saw the 12/2s take on Seaforth at Wyatt at 11.30, but not before four of the boys arrived bright and early to fill in for the 13s at 8.30. Matt, Michael, Jamie and Jack will probably take the 2-2 result from that game rather than the result in ours.
In the showers of the late morning and with only 10 of our regular squad available we were glad to have Gemma for the first time (having recovered from a pre-season injury) and Jordon and Ryleigh filing in for us. With the players still getting used to the full size field it made life easier having an extra player.
The team didn’t settle into their rhythm in the first half and conceded a goal after 10 minutes and then a second just before half time to trail 2-0 at the break. After half time, the team work improved and we had a number of chances. We looked like the deficit was within reach, but a further Seaforth goal with about 10mins to go made the task difficult.
But we kept our heads up and Hugo was rewarded with a great individual goal taking the ball from near the halfway line, beating a number of Seaforth players before finding the back of the net. Despite further pressure, the conditions made play difficult and the final score was 3-1.
3 Points: Hugo; 2 Points: Ken, 1 Point: Jamie
Apr 24, 2016
Ladies Under 12-1 Diamonds
The Diamonds took the field on what turned out to be a lovely sunny Sunday morning after a good drenching of rain the night before. With a few players down the team needed to draw on their increasing fitness levels and play with just one reserve.
For the first half of the match the backs were kept super busy with relentless attacking by our old foe the CC Strikers. The ball rarely left our half with our backs defending gallantly. Alani played another fantastic game in goals with those long limbs being stretched to save goal after goal.
A quick goal just before half time saw a great team effort with a well-placed kick resulting in an easy goal. The Diamonds love the psychology of being ahead at half time. The oranges taste just a little sweeter.
The second half saw the girls lift (or wake up). Mids and attackers put into practice their Monday night training to move the ball forward and set up a few opportunities. The break came in the 12th minute when a shot was set up from the right hand across to the middle for a tap in.
The score line of 2-0 however did not reflect just how close the game was. It was a combination of the Diamonds converting the few opportunities they had and great goalie skills.
It is early in the season but the mighty Diamonds are enjoying 3 wins from 3 and have yet to concede a goal.
Apr 23, 2016
U12-4
Well the kids improved again this week and are really giving us some good soccer to watch. They are passing really well and working together as a team. It is terrific to watch even if the scores are not going our way. This week, the score of 4-1 against did not reflect the balance of the game at all.
It was terrific to see the ball cross the opposition goal line TWICE this week. Now one was disallowed but we had the ball in Manly’s end and had 6 or 7 scoring chases this week which was so encouraging for the team and you could see their confidence growing. Jordan, Ryleigh, Charlie and even Jackson all had shots at goal this week that had us all excited and hopefully but only Jordan found the back of the net. There really was a lift in determination in attack in the second half and if the attackers can maintain that hunger we are sure to see more goals in the weeks to come.
In the first half this week Jackson had a quiet time in goals compared to prior weeks as the defence was outstanding – Max played a terrific game again at centre back, Michelle is growing in confidence and really attacking the ball in defence, Brock has his spot at left back and is doing a tremendous job also growing in confidence and covering great ground each week, Lucas is a little tentative at the start but settles in and made some great clearing kicks and Josh played another solid game in centre mid field working in both defence and attack.
The Forwards are really working well together. We have worked on passing the ball through for the other forwards to chase and that is exactly what they are doing. At half time we spoke about working on a balance between moving the ball to get someone in space (passing) but when in space take the shot rather than feel need to pass again. They definitely took more shots in the second half! Ella and Ryleigh did exactly what I asked them to do in working hard to get the ball and then bring it forward but also working to fit in with the forwards and give us more attacking numbers close to goal – they both worked hard.
We made it to half time only 1-0 down. It was the best half I think we have played in defensively so far in the season.
Jake was nervous about stepping into goals but after watching him at training on Thursday and his tenacious attitude in defending goals I had no doubts he would do great – he did not disappoint with a great game in goals. He was beaten once by a great strike but the others came from a rangy fluky free kick that seemed to miss every defensive player before going in the net and a then penalty shot that no one was going to stop. He was courageous and committed and did all he could – well done. I will be asking a number of kids to do a half in goals every now and then.
The second half saw the focus of the whole team seem to shift from defence to attack with us putting the ball down near their goal and taking some great shots. Charlie really ran hard and was chasing any ball that were pushed through looking for shots at goal. Ryleigh was taking the balls Ella pushed through and working like crazy to get the ball in the net. Jordan was working well in attack and defence also. Nich with a sore leg was a little slower than normal this week but chimed in every time he saw a chance to get involved.
We left the field defeated but again this week the team improved and we got our first goal. The improvement is obvious and it is great to watch the kids in action. The goals will keep coming and a win is maybe only a week away!
Apr 24, 2016
Ladies AL Div 1
The mighty WAL1’s stepped out on the field this week to take on the Curl Curl Youth club, a team full of fit and spritely young girls ready to take on the skilled and experienced Raiders women’s team.
The game started out with the Raiders dominating the field, with lots of brilliant passing and positional play. For some time there, Monty our keeper never even saw the ball swing her way, with nearly all the play up in our attacking half.
We had some fancy footwork from our midfield (who worked their butts off all game), and after a lay off to the back line, our left back Tiani (aka. Unicorn) put in a power-ball up and over the front of the field and our super winger Laura managed to just pull the ball in from going over the back line to smash it in the back of the net and bring the score line to 1-0 to the Raiders.
Motivation and energy was high at this point and everyone was raring to put that ball away again. We all worked really hard, but unfortunately after 3 corners in a row, it was Curl Curl that scored the next goal, equalising the score as we went to half time.
With a full squad of 17 available to play today (with the terrific Tooves taking one for the team and sitting out today’s game), our sideline was fresh and raring to go. The half time pep talk was full of positivity, encouragement and eagerness to get out there and take our first win of the season.
As the whistle blew to kick off the second half, the Raiders were put under the pump for a bit and the pressure built as Curl Curl put together some dangerous plays in front of goal but our brilliant defensive line and keeper kept them out the net and us in the game. As we made our way back into our attacking half, we had some magnificent play through the midfield, as our super strikers attempted to break through the other team’s back line for a shot on goal. We had a few close attempts, including an absolutely brilliant corner from Sammy with a header connection from Macca that just went over the cross bar.
But sadly with the game drawing to a close, the Curl Curl team put together an attack that we just couldn’t hold out and found the back of the net for a second goal, finishing the game at 2-1 to the away team.
The WAL’s 1 team is one that is full of strong, skilful and brilliant players. We have a never say die attitude and every single player on the field puts in 100% until that final whistle goes, and that is what makes a team successful. Whether we win or not, we walk off that field and congratulate each other on a well fought game and everyone is really positive about what we can improve on the next week. So it’s coming girls – keep your heads up, keep the great positive talk up and we will walk away with the most worthwhile win anyone could ask for!
2-1 Loss
Apr 23, 2016
Under 10 Ravens
Belrose Under 10 Ravens v Avalon Panthers
Final Result 2-2 Draw
A cold, rainy start did not dampen our enthusiasm, and we started the game with resolve knowing we were facing fierce opposition.
The game was immediately combative with solid runs and strikes on goal shared by both teams. Mark and Jono up front rattled the Panthers defence, however despite our best efforts it was the Panthers that drew first blood 1-0 and Coach Wes no longer had a clean sheet for the season.
The Ravens were tenacious in their comeback with promising runs up the wing and centre from Jazz, Alex and Bryson combined with several well aimed shots on goal denied only by the goalkeeper. Persistence was the key with Alex breaking through with a powerful bottom left shot rocketing into the back of the net. 1-1 and we were back in the game.
Josh and Georgia were masters of their defensive line clearing the ball with style and Kawika making several crucial saves in goal denying the Panthers further opportunity. Thom and Georgie controlled the midfield and were crucial in counterattack combining with Lachlan and Jazz whose shot on goal was only denied by the crossbar.
The game became a tug of war between the teams until Lachlan fired from the corner box setting Bryson up for a screamer of a goal. 2-1 we were in front.
We were determined to hold our lead, everyone scrambling in defence, with Lachlan lucky to not have given away penalty in the box following a last minute challenge which took out the Panthers attack.
The Panthers continued to press and the Ravens answered the challenge but with less than a minute to go the panthers took control and fired a shot which passed our defense and slipped through Jono’s hands resulting in a goal and the final result - the game was drawn 2-2.
A hard match with a fair result.