footballmargaretriver

The long road trip from Margs. to Capel is always a testing one for parents and players of this age group, but having a full compliment of players to choose from, gave me and the whole squad a real lift.

The game begun a bit tentatively by both teams, until Sam Leigh unleashed a wonder goal from 25 metres  that found the top corner.

The Waves were now in control and a second goal was added after a great move between Jaz Kupfer-Hollis and Hudson Moore and finished by Sam.

Jye Halsall first game on a full size pitch was a memorable one,  winning him the Yallingup Maze award, he linked well with Jasper Harvey and Tanah Howden-Woodland on numerous occasions.

Goal scoring machine Luke Harney would not be denied a goal after another great passage of play, involving midfielders Aria Beddow and Wini Knapp giving the Waves a 3-0 lead.

Although goal keeper Ethan Hamilton was rarely bothered between the uprights, his ball distribution was excellent, feeding defenders Jasper Seisun, Alister White and Janaya Beddow, allowing them to play the ball out of back line with great skill.

The whole Waves team is starting to reap the benefits of “lifting their heads” before passing and its great to watch.

The Eagle Boys player of the match award go’s to Sam Leigh, not only for his second hat trick in as many weeks, but also for his marvelous contribution from central midfield in the last two games, congratulations.

I would like thank all the parents for their organization in getting the players to Capel and especially Mark Halsall for running the line and helping install the goal nets!

Thanks Gary Leigh –Coach-

An exceptional start to the season from an inexperienced Waves team.
With only 3 players having played FIFA ruled games before, the transition was as smooth as a mill pond.
Although edging GMAS in possession the opening 15 minutes, the game remained scoreless, until a penalty was awarded, which Sam Leigh calmly placed in the bottom right corner.
This settled the Waves, who quickly built on this goal to take a 4-0 advantage into the break with further goals from Luke Harney, Hudson Moore and Sam, with the later two both going on to complete hat tricks.
The midfield trio of Jasper Harvey, Tanah Howdon- Woodland and Jaz Kupfer-Hollis all had wonderful games in all positions asked of them.
Central defenders Alistair White and Jasper Seisun, had a complete understanding from the first minute and looked like they had played together for years.
Ethan Hamilton and Aria Beddow defended well, linking defence and attack on many occasions.
Wini Knapp wins  the  Yallingup Maze award for her determined approach to the match and Janaya Beddow takes out the Eagle Boys Player of the match for a brilliant performance for such a young lady.
The best move of the game was left to  the  last goal for the Waves with several one two’s being played up the centre of the pitch before being slotted home by Hudson.
Well Played the Waves

Awesome playing conditions in Dunsborough allowed for a great display of football and these teams fought out an epic battle.

The Dragons had the early field position and it was Brendan Clark who put pressure on the keeper from a throw in to put the visitors’ ahead early. The Dragons soon added another when Kai Grabner-Bond beautifully controlled a clearance ball from Margaret Rivers’ defence and a quick through ball saw Riley Demunari coolly slot the ball on his left foot past the keeper.

Dunsborough were far from out of the contest and their pressure finally told when Conor Wolfman pounced on a loose ball to finish a great strike passed the Dragons last line. He repeated the dose a short time later which had the game locked up at half time.

Margaret River needed to find their target when passing and most of their first half problems would disappear. To the players credit they were much more clinical in the second half and took control of the game from the opposition who were affording the Dragons a lot of space in midfield. Rory Stevenson after a fantastic second half was unable to return with a corked thigh so this saw Jack Kneebone play further up field and his attack on the ball and passing was a feature of the second half.

Josh Brown took advantage of the extra space in midfield to set up Ryner Koster for a regulation finish and Brendan Clark added another after a similar run to give the visitors some breathing space.

Our defence was holding firm with Tarn Staveley proving an impenetrable force at sweeper. Conor White and Hamish White were adding to the Predators frustration and when Riley, with one of his many crosses finally the regular goal scoring boot of Tyron Bradshaw the result was sealed.

Jed Mattinson was unlucky when a late strike found the woodwork and a fall in the penalty area was ruled to be “play on”.

A great team effort and a worthy opponent saw all players leave the pitch with their heads high. Another impressive effort from the Dragons, which is comforting, as we meet some more tough opposition in the coming weeks we will need to be bringing out our best games.

Happy Mothers’ Day ladies.

Brendan Clark

Riley Demunari

Ryner Koster

The Marlins first game of the season was anticipated by players and parents alike!!!
The Vasse Falcons provided a stern test and the Marlins started brightly and even though there were a few first time players they soon settled helped by an early goal from Sol, a superb long range effort. Alex, Angus and Tomo provided solid defence. James went in goal for the first half and he made one unbelievably brave save which unfortunately resulted in injury which meant Alex had to take the gloves. Sol was everywhere and combined well with Annika and Jace in midfield to keep the ball for Marlins and feed Jim and Molly in attack as the Marlins put the Falcons under pressure.
The Marlins were unlucky not to get more goals and in the second half they conceded several as the Falcons hit some fantastic shots on target. But the Marlins regained their composure and attacked with Jim causing the Falcons defence all sorts of problems with his direct running. He was unlucky not to score after hitting the goalie and defenders time after time. For his efforts all through the game and considering this was his first game of soccer the player of the day was Jim.
Special thanks to Simon for reffing the first half. The coach and parents were rightly proud of such a great all-round performance and I look forward to a great season ahead, well done to the Marlins!
by Mark Buck

A sunny day and promising ground conditions awaited Margaret River Glory for their first U13 match of the 2012 season. Undeterred by a late start, Glory settled into the game early in the first half and played a strong attacking game. The Crusaders’ defence was challenged but they were successful in fending of Glory until the pressure became too much and a handball error forced them into a penalty situation. Glory relished the opportunity and Lucas Marrill secured goal number one. In reply, the Crusaders lifted their game and went into attack but strong defence from India Stanley and Sam Lane in conjunction with some quick, long kick outs from Lani Payne in goal, kept Cornerstone at bay. In the second half, Glory continued their attack on the Crusaders’ goal supported by relentless pressure from Callum Stevenson and Brenton Tebbutt with a scoring shot presenting itself to Lucas Marrill again, which found the back of the net. Wasting no time Luke Harney spotted another scoring opportunity and the third goal was secured. Taylor Kevill and Shealy Carboni both put in strong performances in their soccer debut , transitioning from Netball with ease. The Crusaders gallant performance unfortunately left them scoreless. Glory’s teamwork was rewarded and were pumped by their victory.

Rona Mirtle