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