24.8.09

Match results Sat 22nd / Sun 23rd Aug

Sat 22nd Aug:

Senior 3 v St Josephs Won 2-1
Our Senior 3 team will play in the Grand Final at a date to be advised.

Sun 23rd Aug:

U14G div 1 v Castle Hill United Loss 4-0
U16G div 2 v Castle Hill RSL Won 1-0
A great win to round off a great season.  We scored early when Sheri
took advantage of some hesitation by the RSL backs & goalie to pounce on
the loose ball, stealing it virtually out of the hands of their keeper &
tucking her shot neatly into the corner of the net. This brings Sheri's
tally of goals for the season to 15, easily winning our golden boot
award (Sarah P is next with 7). It was a warm day & with just 1 sub our
girls had to pace themselves. We controlled the game all the way, Megan
in goals rarely having to get involved thanks to great defending &
midfield play. Our backline of Cassie, Larissa, Chantelle, Rochelle &
Shayley were able to push forward at times to assist in the midfield.
Adriana, Kacey, Renea & Emily played in the mids & tackled & won the
ball most times, never giving RSL any time on the ball. Sheri & Sarah P
up front had a few chances in front of goal but could not grab a 2nd one
for us. When we spread out & played our passing game we looked
absolutely unstoppable. Girls - it has been my sincere pleasure to have
coached this team this year & I have enjoyed every moment of it. I hope
to see you all again next year. Thanks to Tracey for all your help.
John

All Age Ladies div 4 v Lidcombe Waratah Won 2-0
A hot afternoon & no subs but our ladies played out of their skins.
Totally in control of the game all the way however we were unable to
find the net in the 1st half. Our goalies (Amy 1st & Lisa 2nd) rarely
had to get involved, but when they did they were unbeatable. Amy had
our best chance to score early 2nd half with a 1-on-1 with their keeper
& struck it really well but it just went over the bar. Some nice runs
deep down the right hand side caused havoc for Lidcombe when the cross
was whipped in but we couldn't quite convert the finish. It took a
couple of corners about 5 minutes apart to grab our 2 goals. The 1st
was deep along the goal line & appeared to be an own goal (does anyone
want to claim it?). The 2nd was crossed closer to the penalty spot &
Nessa neatly whipped her shot towards the back post leaving their keeper
sprawled in the dust after the ball flashed past her outstretched right
hand. Both Nicole & Mel created several nice runs towards goal. Lauren
& Crystal both played really well as back wings, both having some good
runs forward with the ball when given the chance. All in all an
excellent game to watch & a great finish to the season. (Report by
John)

All Age Ladies div 2 v North Rocks Won 5-0

21.8.09

Senior 3 Grand Final

Our Senior 3 team will be playing their deferred Round Robin 3 game v St Josephs on Sat 22nd August at Ray Marshall #3 at 3:00pm. The Senior 3 Grand Final will be scheduled for a later date - further details to be confirmed. After winning both of their first 2 round robin games our team are already confirmed through to the Grand Final, and the game v St Josephs will determine who their opponents are to be in the Grand Final.

19.8.09

Vale George Garland

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of George Garland earlier this week. George was an influential figure at our club and was awarded Life Membership in 1978. We offer our sincere condolences to George's family.

18.8.09

Holroyd Rangers Girls & Ladies games Sunday 23rd August

Sunday 23rd August:
U14G div 1 v Castle Hill United at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 10:10am
U16G div 2 v Castle Hill RSL at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 11:30am
AAL div 4 v Lidcombe Waratah at Guildford West Sportsground #2 at 1:15pm
AAL div 2 v North Rocks at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 3:00pm

16.8.09

Match results Sat 15th / Sun 16th Aug

Sat 15th Aug:
U6 Green v Merrylands SFC U6 B Won 4-3

The Greens played really well today, with the score demonstrating exactly how hard our Rangers fought. With Sam sidelined with the chicken pox, and Ben still overseas, it was great to see so many of the U6 Blacks staying back to help out (and a big thanks to their parents!). The MSFC team came out fast, scoring quickly in the first half, but our Rangers, most of whom were tired from the first game, kept their heads up and played hard, resulting in our following goal. The score fluctuated one for one for most of the game, with the Rangers managing to secure our final winning goal off a great pass by Jonah which Costa ran on to and the crowd cheered as he got nothing but net! Andre proved invaluable to the Greens as he hunted down the ball and booted it up the field. Jonah is shaping into an amazing defensive player, and managed to save several attacks by the Merrylands team with skill and ease. His passing and listening has improved so much over the season which is pleasing to see. Costa, Rosilenn and Lemour played another great game, really harnessing that Rangers game ethic to keep trying and never give up, despite the fatigue they felt from playing both games.

Overall, the sixes have been an absolute delight to coach and the skills they demonstrated today, as well the scores we proudly relay to you, are evidence that this cohort of soccer superstars are talented and fun, and definitely a team to watch in the future.


U6 Black v Merrylands SFC U6 E Won 4-2

A great game to watch, with our Rangers going in for numerous tackles and winning the ball. Lots of chances on the Merrylands goal (which missed by a whisker!) made the length this group has improved by since the start of the season obvious to all who watched. The birthday boy, Jamie, had some amazing birthday kick ins which were both powerful and accurate- going straight to our players feet. Costa Pele used his speed and agility to make numerous break throughs, running down the line and always thinking about his position and how he can help our team mates. Rosilenn had two big tackles this game, and managed to get the ball off the MSC boys (quite a feat, considering their size) kicking it away from our goal. Lemour Maradonna showcased the great drag backs and footwork skills he has been working on at training which make him a player to watch. Andre, coming early for his game, also had a run on and once again impressed the audience with the power of his superb left foot. Overall, the team played amazingly, and demonstrated all the skills they have learnt over the season so well that their coaches could do nothing but beam with pride.

U7 v Wenty Waratah U7 E
U8 Purple v Wenty Waratah Won 3-0
U9 div 3 v Dundas Loss 3-0
U12 div 3 v Castle Hill United Loss 3-1
U13 div 4 v Pendle Hill Loss 3-1

After 2 of the Round Robin rounds all 4 teams were, amazingly, tied up on 3 points with a loss and win each making this a sudden death match up. And so for this year it is once again close and yet so far. It has always been close with Pendle and today was no exception. They won the first half by scoring 3 unanswered goals but, with a single goal to us, we won the second half.
Unfortunately it is the total game score that counts...... 1-3. Bugger!!

It was a very entertaining game. And not just on the field. The supporters were very vocal offering a number of well considered observations and much helpful advice. Some applying to players and some seemingly said in introspection. Many of comments were sufficiently “worldly” that they could easily be applied to other “life situations”. It was probably a good thing that some of them went unheard or unheeded.

In the context of our season I would suggest that we simply peaked a little too early with some our most dominating games played a few weeks back. During that period we could have beaten any team. But not today.... Such is life.

And so we wave a fond farewell to the 09 season and we look to next year.

Thanks for the fun and excitement everyone. Have a good break and come back firing for the winter of 2010.


U14 div 4 v Guildford County Loss 5-0
U18 div 1 v St Michaels Loss 8-2
O35 div 6 v Dundas Loss 5-3
The atmosphere was electric. In what should have been a relaxed final dead rubber match the Holroyd lads put on a great show for the spectators. In the first 2 minutes of the match a nice series of passes saw Ray score the first goal of the match. The spectators roared and started to sit up and really take notice. Then Nashy who pretty much had the Melon award sewn up then went and selflessly headed a ball to Ace who neatly headed it into goals. Now the award had to be shared even though Nashy insisted he should have got a ½ point for the header assist. To the untrained eye of the spectator Ace seemed to be channelling some English premier league player with some very casual looking but very effective back heel passes. Alas we were informed that what looked very cool was because Ace had an injury and couldn’t run. Boys, don’t share this sort of info – you really need to keep up the mystique. Bill went into every tackle hard, winning the ball most times, but sometimes coming out of them limping. But hey so was the other guy so it was a win win situation all round. Younes then scored a brillant goal from long range. Holroyd up 3-2 at the break. Ray was also going in hard to win the ball with at least one occasion getting sandwiched between two of the opposition players and coping plenty of pushes and elbows. Suddenly, drama a stretch towards the ball and Ray came off the field limping and couldn’t go back on. The boys now had no reserves. By this stage Normie (on his last week of suspension) was marching up and down the field like Alec Ferguson, not saying much but the tension showing on his face. Next in the injury toll was Nashy who having torn his groin muscle the week before was okay for a while until he had to stretch out for a ball and then he was limping too. Dundas started to turn around the game exploiting our rising injury toll and scored a couple of goals to bring them ahead 4-3. Out of the blue or so it seemed Grant who had been having a consistent good game in the midfield was yellow carded. Confusion swirled as the ref said it was for jumping up in front of the opposition player who was throwing in. Ace was incredulous “Is that a rule, ref” he asked and Grant was quietly fuming, but copped the card and continued to play. Tension was rising as the boys could see the game slipping away from them as they dealt with the outcome of some bad calls. Shortly after Grant defending against a through ball runner slide tackled and earnt his second yellow, making it an automatic red for him. So now the boys were down to 10 with a number of them limping around the field. A lot of pressure was on Brad and Hopwood in defence and they did extremely well with Brad cutting off numerous attempts. Hopwood was defending Sideshow Bob and the spectators screamed “Go Hopwood” as he sped down the field nearly copping a mouthful of Sideshow Bob’s hair and time and again cut him off. Eddie had been hoping to steal the Melon award but didn't get any opportunites as he now had his work cut out for him working the midfield. Clive had a couple of chances when he went screaming down the field with a through ball but was just cut off at the last moment. Andrew too had a few chances but put them wide. The boys were definitely slowing down and this meant more one-on-ones for Musky. You could tell his attitude was “Bring it on”. One particular time Musky was way out of the box, one on one with their striker, it looked a certain goal only for the striker to hit it wide. Just like a cat with a mouse Musky often toyed with their strikers and that tactic certainly worked on most occasions. Musky then went on to pull off some brilliant saves. The game ended with a 5-3 win to Dundas. The boys deserved better with their great passing, but it was not to be.

Many of us later went back to Norm and Jen’s place to enjoy a great barbie and good chat. Hopwood showed some photos and video which caused great hilarity as each player got bagged out. Some footage from last years team meant that the bagging was not limited to this years. So Greg if you are reading this you were bagged too. (Nice to be still included). Have a good off season guys.
(Report by Lisa)

Senior 3 v St Josephs Game deferred to Sat 22nd Aug
Senior 4 v Wenty Waratah Loss 2-1

Sun 16th Aug:
U14G div 1 v Castle Hill United Won 3-2
U16G div 2 v Lidcombe Waratah Loss 3-0
Early attacks at Lidcombe's goal almost came off with several good strikes & a
couple of good corners. An injury to their keeper forces her off & their sub goes in
goals. The play swings back to our end & Lidcombe worked a good goal to take the lead.
Lidcombe with their tails up soon grab another. 2-0 down at the half. Coaches
instructions: press forward & take your shots & play to win as our season is on the
line. The girls did exactly that & we definitely had many more shots on goal than
Lidcombe in the 2nd half. Their sub goalie proved her worth & saved several excellent
shots that our girls took - Sheri, Renea & Emily all with good attempts on goal. A
plethora of injuries as both Larissa & Megan took a ball to the face, DJ & Emily
both rolled ankles (with DJ unable to continue), & Chantelle with a stretched hamstring.
Sarah R tackled superbly in the middle, Kacey won the loose ball well in the mids, &
Shayley & Rochelle pushed forward from the backs to add punch in the midfield. Adriana
got into good positions out wide but did not get enough passes fed to her. Cassie at right
back was superb, tackling & winning every ball & playing it forward into attack,
earning her the Player of the Match award. 1 game to go girls, let's finish the season
with a win.


AAL div 4 v Wenty Waratah Won 1-0
A frustrating game to watch with our 11 v Wenty's 8, we should have run in several
goals. The game was shortened to 2 x 30min halves due to the late start & with the very
warm day nobody complained. We had many many attempts on goal that were either just wide or
neatly gathered by their keeper. Early corners were well taken & nearly resulted in
goals but the final finish was off. To their credit our ladies kept battling hard, winning
tackles & passing well. It was not until halfway through the 2nd half that Nic P hit a
lovely strike from a tight angle along the ground sneaking it between the near post &
the keeper. Against a tall keeper low & hard is the place to hit your shots. Well done
on a good win ladies. Lets get another next Sunday to finish the season off in style.
(Report by John)


AAL div 2 v Wenty Waratah Black Draw 1-1

11.8.09

Holroyd Rangers games Sat 15th / Sun 16th Aug

Amended Thur 13th Aug 530pm
Sat 15th Aug:
U6 Green v Merrylands SFC U6 B at Merrylands Park at 11:15am
U6 Black v Merrylands SFC U6 E at Merrylands Park at 10:30am
U7 v Wenty Waratah U7 E at Ted Burge Sportsground at 10:30am
U8 Purple v Wenty Waratah at Guildford West Sportsground at 10:00am
U9 div 3 v Dundas at Curtis Oval #3 at 8:30am
U12 div 3 v Castle Hill United at Fred Caterson #3 at 10:30am
U13 div 4 v Pendle Hill at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 11:40am
U14 div 4 v Guildford County at Guildford Park #2 at 11:30am
U18 div 1 v St Michaels at Crestwood Oval at 1:30pm
O35 div 6 v Dundas at Curtis Oval #1 at 3:00pm
Senior 3 v St Josephs at Rydalmere Park #1 at 3:00pm
Senior 4 v Wenty Waratah at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 1:00pm

Sun 16th Aug:
U14G div 1 v Castle Hill United at Progress Park #1 at 10:10am
U16G div 2 v Lidcombe Waratah at Progress Park #1 at 11:30am
AAL div 4 v Wenty Waratah at Progress Park #2 at 1:15pm
AAL div 2 v Wenty Waratah Black at Girraween Park #2 at 3:00pm

9.8.09

Match results Sat 8th / Sun 9th Aug

Sat 8th Aug:
Round 16:
U6 Green v Wenty Waratah U6 F
U6 Black v Wenty Waratah U6 B
U7 v Guildford County U7
U8 Purple v Rouse Hill Won 5-1

Round Robin week 2:
U9 div 3 v Parramatta City Draw 1-1
U12 div 3 v Wenty Waratah Won 2-1
U13 div 4 v Wenty Waratah Loss 2-1
U14 div 4 v Castle Hill United Loss 2-1
U18 div 1 v Winston Hills Black Loss 8-0
O45 div 1 v Greystanes Won on Forfeit
O35 div 6 v Rouse Hill Loss 4-1
Senior 3 v Merrylands SFC Won 2-1
This win confirms a spot for our Senior 3's in the Grand Final

Senior 4 v Greystanes Loss 3-0

Sun 9th Aug:
Round Robin week 1:
U14G div 1 v Baulkham Hills Loss 4-0
U16G div 2 v Kellyville Loss 3-1
Coaches ask their players to give their best performance in any given
game. Today the girls did just that and I am extremely proud of their
efforts. Kellyville with 2 shots off the bar 1st half but we held them
to 0-0 at half-time. Early 2nd half they scored off a scramble in front
of goals after a corner. Then they get a penalty but fortunately the
shot goes wide. Alas they then score a 2nd goal from general play soon
after. To their credit our girls did not give up and in fact hit back
on the counter attack via Sheri to quickly get a goal back. Then with
10 minutes left Shayley goes down injured and the game is stopped for a
lengthy period. Fortunately Shayley is okay but could not take any
further part in this game. We used this break to regroup and to plan
our push forward to grab another goal. We almost pulled it off with a
couple of good attempts on goal. However when you push up you leave
gaps at the back and Kellyville used that to grab a late goal. Player
of the match Chantelle for excellent defensive marking on their best
striker and for general dogged defending. An excellent game from all
players.
AAL div 4 v Dundas Loss 3-1
The first of the round robin games for our ladies and they started off
well. An early shot from Ness off the left side post that had the
keeper beaten. We scored soon after this from a series of nice passes
leading up to a great strike. Alas we allowed Dundas to equalise almost
immediately so it was 1-1 at the break. 2nd half the ladies did not
appear to be in the game at all and Dundas had all the play.
Consequently they grabbed 2 2nd half goals and the win. A great game
from Nicole K anticipating and attacking the ball well. (Report by John)

AAL div 2 v Beaumont Hills Loss 1-0

5.8.09

Holroyd Rangers games Sat 8th / Sun 9th August

Sat 8th Aug:
U6 Green v Wenty Waratah U6 F at Guildford West Sportsground at 9:00am
U6 Black v Wenty Waratah U6 B at Guildford West Sportsground at 9:45am
U7 v Guildford County U7 A at Guildford Park at 10:30am
U8 Purple v Rouse Hill at Guildford West Sportsground at 10:00am
U9 div 3 v Parramatta City at Eric Primrose #1 at 9:30am
U12 div 3 v Wenty Waratah at Ted Burge Sportsground #1 at 10:30am
U13 div 4 v Wenty Waratah at Ted Burge Sportsground #2 at 10:30am
U14 div 4 v Castle Hill United at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 10:30am
U18 div 1 v Winston Hills Black at McCoy Park #1 at 11:15am
O35 div 6 v Rouse Hill at Commercial Rd #2 at 1:00pm
Senior 3 v Merrylands SFC at Guildford West Sportsground #1 at 3:00pm
Senior 4 v Greystanes at Alpha Rd Park at 3:00pm

Sun 9th Aug:
U14G div 1 v Baulkham Hills at Rydalmere Park at 10:10am
U16G div 2 v Kellyville at Binalong Oval #3 at 11:30am
All Age Ladies div 4 v Dundas at Binalong Oval #2 at 1:15pm
All Age Ladies div 2 v Beaumont Hills at Commercial Rd at 3:00pm

2.8.09

Match results Sat 1st / Sun 2nd August

Sat 1st August:
U6 Green v U6 Black Draw 3-3
U7 v Merrylands SFC U7 A
U8 Purple v Castle Hill United Won 4-0
U9 div 3 v Baulkham Hills Loss 1-0
U12 div 3 v North Rocks Draw 2-2
U13 div 4 v St Josephs Won 3-2
Who would have thought that after our inauspicious start this season (4
losses in 5 games) we would have a win under our belts after the first
of the "topside" round robin matches. The improvement in the team since
round 6 has been exceptional with only 1 loss. If there was "book" to
made on this competition I know where I would have my money. In this
week's match we went to the break 2-0 up after a busy, if untidy, 1st
half. Ryan, our powerhouse scoring machine, put both of goals away with
fine build up from the rest of the team. In the 2nd half St Joeys came
out firing & after consistent pressure slipped one past Alex. About 10
minutes from the end St Joeys scored again in a congested attack that
pushed the ball low & just inside the right post. It is now 2-2 with
only a few minutes remaining. (I would now like to ask our boys to
please consider the voice boxes, hearts, bladders & digestive systems of
their supporters when they let the game get this tight.) To our relief
it was again Ryan that, after a 40 metres foray through opposition
defenders, lofted the ball over the keepers head from about 30 meters
out. He had seen the Joey's number one move too far off his line &
struck the ball with enough power & precision to clear the keepers
hands, dip below the cross bar & find the back of the net. Ryan was our
Man-of-the-Match, not only for scoring, but a sterling effort all game.
He was not alone with sterling efforts. Andrew O was very strong
through the middle & assisted in at least one of the goals. Thomas has
lifted to new level of aggression making space several times to take
serious shots. Scott was, as ever, busy & effective at the back. It
has been said before but in these reports I could mention specific
actions & passages of play by any & all of our players that have
contributed significantly to our successes. Well done team.

I have been doing some statistics on the players during the season can
with much pride state that all players have shone many times during the
season, often at critical times in one match or another. Each player has
shown a particular characteristic that marks his style & makes a
difference for our team. Andrew B for his tenacity. Aiden has shown
determination &, at times, a disturbing lack of fear. Matty of the big
left boot & impish grin. Alex is our stalwart goal guardian. Novvie
the ever committed defender, knowing the critical importance of his
efforts, never gives in. Nathan is a thinker that reads the play so
well he very regularly places himself in scoring positions. Fadi an
all-rounder can make mischief anywhere on the field. Keyrolous
(Carlos), making the most of unlikely chances, has scored a number for
the team. Mitchell the "invisible man" has had injuries that have kept
him off the field for most of the season & has taken some heavy hits in
the games he has played but he still gives his all. Andrew O is the
skilmeister with more finesse than he can use in one game can make plays
& score himself. Aaron, our rookie, is the grand improver. Tyler
having made some freaky scoring moves is a very creative winger. Thomas
is our skilful gentleman footballer. Ryan the goal scoring juggernaut
has scored more goals than all other players combined. Scott, his speed
& determination has saved us too many times to mention. For consistency
though Scott is our Player of the Rounds with Ryan a close second.
Congratulations boys!!!
U14 div 4 v Granville Waratah Draw 1-1
A very ordinary game from our boys who were extremely lucky to come away
from this one with a draw. GW came out wanting this more than us and it
showed. We were flat and did not hold our positions, not marking
players and letting GW run right through us. GW scored early and we
were lucky to score in the last minute of the 1st half from a counter
attack which Mark tucked neatly away. GW continued to play well 2nd
half and we picked up our game but only a little. We will have to do a
lot better in the next 2 rounds if we want a spot in the Grand Final.


U18 div 1 v Winston Hills White Loss 6-1
O45 div 1 v Greystanes Won by Forfeit
O35 div 6 v Parramatta City Loss 1-0
Senior 3 v Guildford County Won 3-0
Senior 4 v PCYC Loss 1-0

Sun 2nd Aug (Ladies Round 10):
U14G div 1 v Baulkham Hills Loss 8-0
U16G div 2 v Winston Hills Won 3-0
An easy game for us to end the regular season.  Some nice passages of
play and good passing were pleasing to watch. Shayley with her 1st goal
this season with a lofted shot that fooled their keeper. Sheri proved
that keeping pressure on their defenders and goalkeeper really pays off
and scored from 2 such occasions. Kacey and Renea controlled the middle
well, with Shayley, Rochelle and DJ strong at centre back and often
pushing forward to support our attacking play. Cassie and Larissa both
had good games as outside backs. Sarah R and Adriana both tackled and
passed well. Sarah P, Sheri and Emily were all quick at the front and
combined well on numerous runs towards goal. Megan had little to do in
goals but came off her line well when required. Renea was very strong
in the mids and took control of the play, earning Player of the Match.
We need to spread out more to use the whole of the field, keep
challenging for the ball, and making the early pass to our players.
Congratulations to all players on a terrific regular season, we have now
finished in 4th spot and go into the round robin finals series for a
chance to play in the grand final. The top 4 teams are all square now
and it comes down to how well we play in each of our next 3 games. I
know you will give it your best and do yourselves proud.


All Age Ladies div 4 v North Rocks Draw 1-1
We lost to this team 7-2 in round 1 & considering NR needed to win this
to make the top 4 we did a great job to get a draw. NR scored early &
regularly attacked our goal but Danni came off her line well to gather.
We equalised late in the half with a neat pass across goals & Sherrie
tucked her shot into the opposite corner completely wrong footing their
keeper. NR had the play early 2nd half but our defence stayed strong.
Late in the game we won a couple of corners & put their goalie under
real pressure. Niccy P came on 2nd half & made a real difference in
attack, almost snatching the winner for us. Everyone had a great game -
well done to all - a great game to watch. (Report by John)


All Age Ladies div 2 v Wenty Waratah Black Won by Forfeit