Apr 12, 2016
Ladies U12-1 Diamonds
The WU12/1 Diamonds had a fabulous first game and are set for an exciting season ahead. What a wonderful experience to have their first game at competitive level, with a black & white referee, on the full size pitch, at home at Wyatt. They did BTH proud with a 3-0 win!
We trialled a new structure and every player held their position beautifully. Big congratulations to our wonderful, solid defenders Paris, Jade, Ruby & Tasman. Our dynamic, fit midfield were consistent in their movement through the field - well done Alani, Lara, Holly, Alex & Pip. Ella & CP held a lovely attacking combo, complemented by Ryls and Sophie who alternated through the attacking centre. (Gem, we look forward to your return from injury after the holidays.)
The passing game was strong and the enthusiasm, energy and excitement displayed by the whole team was encouraging. We know we are about to meet some very strong opposition but we are all looking forward to a fun season ahead.
Our goals were the result of some lovely attacking combinations. The 3/2/1 this week went to Ella/Tasman/Ruby. Trainer of the week was Alani.
Let's keep shining gorgeous Diamonds!
Apr 02, 2016
Men's AL-2 Reserve Grade
1st game up of the season and I’m glad we got it out of the way with a win against Dee Why, 3 – 1.
The nerves took over our performance in the 1st half as we struggled to get control of the ball and the game against an older opponent.
We panicked when we had the ball and turned over too much possession all across the park which was our major let down, while Dee Why never posed to be too much of a threat I think we were happy enough to walk off at half time at 0-0.
After a classic half time spray from ‘The Gaffa’ aka Nate Gray, we finally kicked into gear.
Dan Finlay skinned the defence down the right flank and cut in to get one on one with the keeper who he gave no chance to by belting the ball past him and rocketing it into the back of the net. 1-0 up early in the 2nd half and breathing a little easier.
Ben Sheard came on and helped calm the situation in the middle and we released Ned Bacic and Dan Finlay down the flanks who had just too much pace for the Dee Why defence.
Jake Iskenderian and Miles Luxton were solid at the back and they rarely got past us.
Andrew Gaussen climbed well above the defence on a corner and got his head onto the ball which had it perfectly placed in the bottom right corner – great goal, 2-0 you beauty.
Speaking of corners ….Dee Why had 4 corners in a row and Josh Suntup was forced to pull out 3 World Class saves from point blank range and unfortunately on the 4th they scored.
We were awful in the air all day and we deserved to be punished by this goal – Well done Josh Suntup for the magic between the sticks.
Our nerves were put at ease as Mousa Dayoub skinned the defence and put it past the keeper to make it 3-1 – definitely a stress relief.
Big improvements to be made for the next game.
Final Score: Raiders 3 Dee Why 1
Players Player: Dan Finlay
Coaches Award: Max Christensen
Apr 02, 2016
Men's AL-2 First Grade
First game of the season had all the makings of a big game, big rivalries and big places up for grabs. Everyone was geared up ready for the whistle and ready to show that the 8 pre-season games before weren’t just luck! The lads knew their job and knew it was going to be a tough test from the off, so when we went 1-0 up within ten minutes of kick off through a well-placed goal from Jason Sorbara, set up unselfishly by Esteban Gonzalez, it seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game.
It wasn’t more than a few minutes later when Sam Savage seized an opportunity from a goalkeeping error to clinically lift the ball over the stranded keeper and 2 big defenders. Dee Why tried to come back early and use their physical strength to their advantage, and would have succeeded only for some fine interceptions from both Sebastian Shearman and Paul Cornforth both working well and communicating between the midfield and flanks.
Ten minutes before half time Adam Kenneally made it 3-0 finishing off a well-rounded attack with the outside of his left into the far right side netting leaving the keeper no chance. The Raiders came out after ‘The Gaffas’ half time chat feeling that they could, and should get more from the game. Not wanting to step on the brakes any time soon we pressed them high giving them as little time on the ball as we could. This reflected in the fact that John Massey didn’t have to make 1 save from Dee Why (just a dodgey Bas Shearman header). Just after the 70 minute mark Esteban Gonzalez (the Costa Rican Messi), made it 4 with a lovely bit of skill down the right turning into a nice 1-2 with Carlos Carrillo and firing home beating the keeper at his near post.
Final score Raiders 4 Dee Why 0
Players player- Sam Savage
Coaches Award- Adam Kenneally
Apr 02, 2016
Men's O35-7a
The BTH Div 7 A's travelled to Cromer Park to play Forest Killarney. From the whistle, things started strong, with play camped in the Killarney half with many shots on goal, wood-work was rattled and tension was high, then Killarney ventured into the BTH half and scored. Momentum was once more regained and the scores were levelled at 1-1.
The second half began and a lapse and saw us down again, 1-2. Many raids followed and both sides were showing notable fatigue, with barely 2 minutes remaining a handball in the box provided a wonderful opportunity to level, buy alas, it wasn't our day. The soccer gods weren't smiling upon us, but post-game there was a buzz. We know there's a long was to go in this season.
Apr 02, 2016
Under 12-1
Our first game for 2016 was full of firsts for the 12/2s. Our first time playing with 11 players, our first time on a full field, our first black and white referee and our first time with full size goals. Gemma's injured calf left us with just 11 to face CC Strikers in the heat of Saturday at the 11.30 time slot.
We went ahead after only 6 mins with Jack finding the back of the net. The first half was punctuated with a number of other chances including a shot from Gemma into the bottom corner that the CC Strikers keeper did well to push wide. There were some great runs too with Harry going nearly the length of the field from left back to play a cross in.
We were unlucky before half time when Matthew put the ball in the net from a free kick for a hand ball only to be told afterwards that it was an indirect free kick. 1-0 at half time was a fair reflection of the state of the game. Michael was required to make a number of good saves while we asked the same of their keeper at the other end.
CC strikers started well after the break and in the third minute a good through ball saw their striker one on one with Matthew who was now in goal. Coming off his line Matt did well to get a deflection on the shot but it wasn't enough to push the ball around the post. As the second half went on, all our players just kept going. The CC Strikers used their 3 subs well but we didn't stop. There were some memorable efforts from Lewis in defence and Ken in the midfield. As we got tired our game lost its patience and we became more direct and scrappy.
1-1 at the end was a fair result to a game played in good spirit, although it probably goes down as one that we were capable of winning and we'll want 3 points from this team in round 2.
Apr 02, 2016
Under12-4 Hawks
Game one of the season had all the kids excited and very keen to play well. We played the Harbord Seasiders United and while all the kids played well and gave a top effort the result went against us 3-0.
We had covered a lot in the first few practice sessions about off side and positional play. The kids had been asked to really focus on sticking to their positions and believing that their team mates would do their jobs in each part of the field. With no substitutes, this was really important. And this ended up being the highlight of the match. Everyone stuck to position and worked very hard at doing their part – this was really terrific!
The game was pretty even at the start of the first half but with wet grass the ball was sliding off the boots of our backs and we found it hard to clear the ball. As a result we spent a lot of the time in our own half. Working together though the team held on and only let in one goal about midway through the first half. Nicholas in the midfield was running very hard and ventured back to assist with defence and clearing the ball a number of times. Josh captained the backs well and Max playing the centre defensive midfielder worked to try and clear the ball. Ella ran and ran and seemed to be everywhere trying to get the ball forward to Jake, Charlie and Jordan. All of the Hawks left the field looking for water at half time!
In the second half we created a lot more opportunities. Jake made an awesome cross that almost made it across the line and a couple of other strikes by our forwards were stopped by their goalie. The kids were finding their rhythm and we moved the ball forward many more times in the second half. Brock and Chris worked hard in backs in second half. Some of the positional changes caused confusion for players but they worked things out after a few minutes. Jackson stayed in goals after a good first half and continued to work hard. HSU scored twice in the second half with the last goal being a chip over Jackson and in (yes over Jackson, our tallest player!).
It was a terrific effort by the kids and they should all be very proud.
Apr 02, 2016
Mixed U10b Ravens
A solid opening game from the team showing commitment despite the warm weather. Good team co-operation, ball control and skills shown all-round.
Special mention to the goal-keepers who stayed focused despite the limited action and a big high-five to the goal scorers and all the players who efforts contributed to the first team win of the season.
Congratulations to our players for their display of humility with no over the top celebrations.
Well done Ravens! Final score Raiders 11 - Pittwater 0
Apr 03, 2016
Ladies AL-1
Our ladies took centre stage at Wyatt for their first game of the season. Up against Harbord, a side with many seasoned premier league players, it was clear the game was going to be a tough one.
The first half saw an early goal from Harbord, which was held to half time at 0-1 by some solid goal keeper skills and man to man defence (or should I say woman).
Positive chatter in the huddle at half time sent the team back out with a real sense of purpose.
The second half started with an excellent goal from a breakaway by our speed machine Laura Aspinall - Crossed to perfection and sealed with a kiss by Holly Crawford into the back of the net. Play making skills by Nada Dayoub in the centre saw some real opportunities created but couldn't be converted. Excellent communication in our defensive half aided in holding off Harbord for the best part of the 2nd half. Sadly the game ended at 2-1 to the opposition but the positives taken from the game will see us through as strong contenders this year.
While the entire team played a blinder, the player of the match would have to be our ninja goalie Michelle.
Keen for a strong season ahead!
Apr 03, 2016
Ladies U12-3
Wow! How proud were we of the W-U12 Emeralds as they came together for their very first game. After a number of missed training sessions due to poor weather, netball trials and Easter, this was essentially their first run together as a team. When you also consider that the girls only had the minimum 11 players on the field and that the majority had not played winter soccer before, you can imagine how quickly they had to adapt to this new format. With new rules, new faces and a very large pitch upon which to play.
Despite all of these considerations, each and every girl lived up to our team motto of, 'Never give up!' The girls played their hearts out - repeatedly repelling attacks on our goal, counter-attacking with numerous misses and blocks against the opposition goal and running their legs off! The girls walked away with a 3 nil loss but with their heads well and truly held high. This team is going to be a formidable force of team play, determination and encouragement. Well done, Emeralds!