Parramatta FC visits Holroyd Rangers this Monday

 Rescheduled for Monday 6th June due to 
wet weather

We are very excited to welcome this Monday night 30th May at 6pm 2 teams from Parramatta FC Youth League to our club.

This is a regular training night for our U15's and U16's teams and Parramatta FC will be bringing their U15s and U16s Youth League teams to train at our grounds with our 2 teams.

Anyone is welcome to come down to watch but only our U15s and U16s teams can participate.

Match results Sat 28th & Sun 29th May

Sat 28th May:
U6 v Merrylands
U9 Grey v North Rocks Loss on forfeit
U9 White v Winston Hills Won 8-1
U14 div 2 v Winston Hills Draw 1-1

U15 div 3 v Greystanes Won 5-2

Round 7 was an away game Greystanes. A 5-2 win puts us second on the table with 11 matches to come before the finals. We are considering getting purple boots for all our players considering the form that Jordan has displayed whilst wearing his. In another week where “team play” could be considered, Man-of the Match Jordan wears the individual accolade for his attacking and scoring efforts.
We started off strongly; the first 2 of our goals were from Jordan’s purple accoutrements. The first was  a more individual effort.  The second, starting from a Greystanes return keepers kick where possession was taken by Aiden passed to Jordon who put a though ball for Ryan down the right wing. Ryan’s cross was dropped nicely at Jordan’s feet who finished with a sweet strike, that the keeper could only get a fingertip to, clearing the inside of the right hand post. 2-0.
Within 15 minutes we were 3 up after Nathan, camping on the far post, powered a ball low and left of the keeper from a Ryan cross. The Greystanes players lifted somewhat and after a busy passage of play cut through the centre to put on past our keeper. 3-1.
The remainder of the half was an strongly contested. Fadi E. is known for his commitment, effort and resolve was forced from the field after a thumping tackle with a bigger a opponent left him hobbling. And he was not the only casualty. Scott, still one of the busiest players on the pitch, caught two powerfully struck balls in the face. Both near the right eye. One, unfortunately dropped from his face sweetly for Greystanes who cleaned up the goal from three metres out. His second facial came in the second half courtesy of Greystanes’ biggest player. This time the ball went clear but left Scott developing a nice shiner. I’m sure he make some mileage of this with the girls.
Coming off the bench Mitchell got involved straight away, challenging strongly and clearing some risky situations. Dennis’s defensive skills were prominent throughout the match. During play executed and clever attacking run down the right, finishing with a wonderful curving pass only to have it stymied short of the 18 yard box where  the attack was turned around.
A few minutes later Jordan materialised midfield cutting skilfully through all opposition to finish with a low shot inside the left post from six metres. 4-1. The smell of desperation was strong on Greystanes at this point and had them shooting wildly from distance in an effort to turn the tide.
Just before half time we had a chance to add to the score but a free kick from Ryan, at thirty metres, went wide of the mark.
The next 35 minutes was an arm wrestle, with them raising their standard, after what must have been a rousing speech from the Greystanes Coach. We met the challenge.
In response to a concerted attacking effort from our opposition Nathan took possession to put a quality pass through to Matty, on the wing, who’s effort were barely spoiled by desperate defence but earned us a corner.
Our defenders were now working overtime to thwart our rival’s aggression. Novvi seems to have grown an extra leg this year as seen with his ability in handling all attackers.  Later in the match a lone marauder, having got through our defences, had only Alex to beat but had not accounted for our keeper charging out, to cut off the angles, and sliding in low to clear the attack with his right sole. At times Alex was under pressure from corners and other serious assaults on goals. His size and reach helped in taking crosses and shots out of the air that may have confounded a smaller keeper.
Now a good keeper shows commitment in his moves but they should consider the heart conditions of the spectators when they run virtually to the sideline to clear a ball. In clarification of the situation; when committing to chasing this ball, no attackers or defenders were close as it drifted across the goals. This, however,  did not remain the case. Every man and his dog soon saw possibilities. After the 20+ meter foray wide Al got a half-clearing boot to it and sprinted back to the goals that were covered by the usual suspects, Scott and Tyler.  Tyler had another good game ranging widely from his centre back position. At one point he managed a serious shot at goal that was handled by their keeper.
With 15 to go Greystanes redoubled their efforts but our team play kept them at bay. Andrew B had a one-on-one with a bigger player, not only beating him but earning a free kick. Fadi N was pivotal in keeping the ball flowing through the middle.  Our last goal came from a sterling passage of play with Ryan and Jordan employing the “triangle” play down the right side with Jordan finishing another of Ryan’s crosses. 5-2.  An excellent game to watch. Well done boys.  Cheers
The Proud Manager

U16 div 2 v Parramatta City FC Loss 3-0

The U16's played with so much heart and just didn't give up.  Some spectacular saves by AJ.  The 3-0 loss did not reflect the game with it being nil all until the last 15 minutes of the game. The spectators were very proud of the boys. 

O35 div 7 v Lidcombe Waratah Loss 2-0
O35 div 3 v Kellyville Black Loss 3-2
Senior 3 v Greystanes White Loss 2-1

Sun 29th May 
U16G div 1 v Auburn FC  Loss 1-0

Each week the U16 Girls are showing their mettle.  Last match against this team was a 4-1 loss.  They were all over Auburn FC this time with more shots on goal.  Auburn only scored in the last 10 minutes.  Good work girls, keep it up.

All Age Ladies div 5 v Winston Hills White  Won 3-0
As the match commenced, Winston Hills came out with all guns firing and given that we only had ten players on the field as some girls were running late due to prior commitments, we were put under the hammer.
However the defence held and with Jessica (goalkeeper) having her best game of the season stopping anything that was thrown at her, the tide was slowly starting to turn. Against the run of play, Sherrie hit home our first goal neatly slotting the ball past the Winston Hills goalkeeper. Winston Hills came back at us. With the combined efforts of Elise, Stephanie, Shannon and Sarah Mc, Winston Hills were held at bay and slowly but surely Holroyd began to take control of the match (my thanks go to the girls in the defence for their efforts).
The midfield got cracking and with Kacey, Dee, Kimberly, Nathalie and Shayley starting to call the tune, they started to run the Winston Hills midfield into the ground. After a quick set of passes the ball came to Nathalie who took aim and blasted the ball into the back of the net to bring up our second goal. As the pressure increased and Holroyd went searching for their third goal, Winston Hills handled the ball in the penalty area. Shayley took the ball, placed it on the spot and drove the ball past the goalkeeper which sealed the result.
Sarah P and Sherrie worked extremely hard in the attack and I have no doubt they both have a few bruises for their efforts, both the girls put in the hard yards and at times Winston Hills defence were only chasing shadows with Sarah P and Sherrie leaving them standing.
I would like to thank Ezra for giving up his time to coach the goalkeepers at the club last Wednesday night. I spoke to Jessica about her outstanding performance after our game against Winston Hills and Jessica commented that she had put into practice the techniques that Ezra had shown her and this had helped her with her goalkeeping and helped her save a near certain goal.
I would also like to give a big thank you to the supporters who come along to give the girls encouragement, I know that the girls appreciate you taking the time to come along to their games and your support helps lift the side when things are not always following the script.
John McHugh
All Age Ladies div 3 v North Rocks Loss 5-0

North Rocks definitely had the better of us in the first half ending the half 4-0 up.  We had a better second half with many forays to their goals but no luck.  It is a testament to our team that each week with illnesses and injuries, as much as possible everyone keeps turning up to put the effort in.  Special note goes to Mel who played with a strapped ankle and Ness who was not well and on her birthday too and Sheree who talk a shocking knock to her neck in goals.  We finished our game and celebrated Ness's birthday with some lovely cake courtesy of the Peatmans.  Happy Birthday Ness!

All Age Ladies div 2 v Castle Hill RSL White  Won 5-2

Focus on U16 Girls

Coached by Joe and managed by Sandy, the U16 girls team are finding their footing after moving up to Division 1 this year.  Last year our U16 Girls team were the Champion winning team of Division 2.

This year the team consists of  6 girls from last years team along with the return of two previous players who have come back to play with Holroyd.  6 new players came on board with a few of them having never played soccer before. 

Joe and Sandy are focusing on the girls enjoying themselves while improving their soccer skills.  The team have recently increased their training to twice a week and this paid off as the girls had a recent 1-1 draw.

Last weekend playing at home for the first time the Holroyd supporters were excited when the girls scored first and then went on to score another one to be 2 nil up.  Late in the game their opponents scored and Holroyd supporters were on tenterhooks.  At one point our goalie got her hand to a shot that was certainly going in and tipped it around the post.  The girls held on with a few more saves from their goalie and won their first game of the season 2-1 to the delight of parents and supporters.

Its good to see that all their hard work is paying off for the team.  

 

See more photos on our Holroyd Rangers Facebook page.

Goalkeeper training

Excellent session Wednesday night of specialist goalkeeper training. 

Thanks to Ezra for volunteering his time and expertise with our goalies.

Hope our goalkeepers enjoyed it as much as I did (and I'm no goalie). 

Next session Wed 8th June at 6:30pm. All our goalkeepers are welcome to attend.

Focus on U6's

The U6's have a squad of 5 players and are coached by Maddi and Kaylah.  Maddi has been associated with our club for several years and coached our U6's last year.  Kaylah is a player in our U16 Girls team.  Our U6's range from some nearly 5 to some turning 6 this year.  One player played with our U6s last season but the rest are all new players.

TheU6's  play in a competition against other local clubs in the Granville District Soccer Football Association.  So far this season they have won 2 games and had 1 loss, and are really enjoying their football.  They play Small Sided Games '4 v 4' which is a modified form of 11-a-side football, designed to meet the needs of players under the age of 12, who have very different developmental characteristics and needs to adult players. It aims to provide more touches on the ball and skills development through enjoyment of the game.  For more information about small sided games visit their webstie at : http://www.smallsidedfootball.com.au/

Match results - Sat 21st/Sun22nd May/Mon 23rd May

Sat 21st May:
U6 v Wenty Kookaburras
U9 Grey v Parramatta City Loss 14-0
U9 White v Wenty Waratah Loss 4-3
U14 div 2 v Lidcombe Waratah Loss 6-0
U15 div 3 v Kellyville Won 5-1
A cracking match to watch this weekend between us Under 15/3s and Kellyville, played at home.
Ryan was the stand out for the first half with continuous forceful play and controlled aggression. He was the “dominator” through the centre. Jordan created a goal with a glancing header from a Ryan cross in a crowded goal mouth. It went from head to ground beneath the keepers outstretch hand causing desperate lunges by Kellyville defenders only to see it pass the line for one nil. Another of Ryan’s crosses created the opportunity, again for Jordan, our most prolific scorer, to slot home a second. A simple direct run and crisp strike by Ryan brought up our third goal of the day.
As a mere manager I was impressed by the effort of the whole team. Our passes seemed cleaner and we took more control from the “first touch” than has been our regular play. We created numerous chances with a run of five shots sliding by the right hand post in as many minutes. As with all games a team can only play as well as their opponents allow. As an example Tyler, this week’s Man of the Match, must have clocked a good number of frequent flyer miles as he contested many of the keeper-return-kicks with high leaps and clean headers. No wonder he has done so well as a high jumper at school. Although “tagged” a centre back he spent a goodly amount of time turning the attackers around and helping create chances from the midfield.
Fadi N. got the taste of blood after finishing a strong attacking play which left the ball loose 5 metres from the goal. He made no mistake in finding the back of the net and spent the rest of the game rushing the goals in search of any loose ball. With that attitude there will be more goals from his boot. Aiden seems to have raised the standard several notches with aggressive play and some clever, accurate passing that instigated more than one successful attack.  Mitchell’s noticeably increased speed  and commitment has made  a significant difference for our defences.
Make no mistake, Kellyville are no slouches. They created quite a number of serious chances but only scored once with a low ball driven to the left of our diving keeper. Alex’s alertness and anticipation stopped several of the attacking runs, that slipped past our diligent defenders. His clearances were strong.  Our final goal was classic Matty by outpacing the Kellyville defenders down the left wing, angling in and netting powerful left footer above the keepers left hand into the upper corner.
It’s hard to credit each player as an individual as a simple touch can turn defence into attack and an attacking opportunity into a goal. Or a chasing sprint from behind the attackers to hook a ball over the sideline can let our defences form up to cover the goals. Absolutely everyone contributed to today’s win. Well done!!! If we can keep this up it might be our year. (The Manager)

U16 div 2 v Rydalmere Won 2-1
A scrappy and ugly win.  We lowered ourselves to their level, played too many balls in the air, not enough controlled passes to our players feet, need I go on?  Having said that our 2 goals were nice finishes from Seb and Huss, but we should have put away several more and killed off this game much earlier.  Instead they get a penalty call giving them a sniff of getting something from the game.  AJ pulled off a stunning penalty save but alas it rebounded straight back to their striker for a simple tap in.  Need to improve quickly as we play the top 2 teams in the next 3 weeks.


O35 div 7 v St Michaels Won 4-1
O35 div 3 v Winston Hills Won 3-0
Senior 3 v Toongabbie Won 2-1

Sun 22nd May 
U16G div 1 v Baulkham Hills Won 2-1

All Age Ladies div 5 - Bye

All Age Ladies div 3 v Guildford County Draw 1-1
Soccer can be a cruel game sometimes - we were the better team on the day but did not capitalise on it and put more goals away.  DJ and Ness winning and controlling the ball well in the middle, but need to offload the passes and through balls a little earlier.  Ness scored a cracking goal as reward for her hard work.  Niccy was a real handful for their backs to contain.  We look real good when we spread out and play the quick passes to our players.  Backs were strong all game and it was just an unlucky bounce that gave them their goal. 

All Age Ladies div 2 v Merrylands SFC Loss 5-2

Mon 23rd May (round 6 catch up game)
All Age Ladies div 3 v Castle Hill RSL Loss 9-0
Each week you can see we are improving our game, in this new division.  This game we were up against a team whose average wins have been 9-0.  For periods of the game we were at their goals quite a bit but just couldn't convert.   Dee from the ladies 5's helped us out and she was a little pocket rocket, chasing and challenging for the ball at every opportunity.  Rochelle turned up to play even though she wasn't 100% well.  Overall everyone put in a huge effort. Heads up ladies, and onto the next game.

Supporter of the Week - Ladies Round 6

A bit of chilly weather does not deter our tough supporters.  With beanie and crocheted Holroyd Rangers rug, Tyler bunkers in to support the Ladies 2 at their match. Of course some hot chips and other supplies from the canteen help too.  Good on you Tyler.

Match results

Sat 14th May:
U6 v Wenty Stingrays Won 3-2
U9 Grey v Rydalmere FC Loss 8-0
U9 White v Castle Hill RSL Loss 6-2
U14 div 2 v Granville Waratah Loss 4-2
U15 div 3 v Wentworthville Uniting Draw 2-2
U16 div 2 v North Rocks Won 3-1
O35 div 7 v Granville Kewpie Won 3-0
O35 div 3 v Granville Waratah  Draw 2-2
Senior 3 v Rydalmere FC Loss 2-1

Sun 15th May:
(Catch up game) U16 v Wenty Uniting Loss 2-0 
U16G div 1 v Castle Hill United Draw 1-1

Good to see the U16 girls get a draw after a few losses.  They are putting in a great effort with extra training nights and hopefully these efforts will continue to be rewarded over the coming weeks.

All Age Ladies div 5 v Castle Hill RSL Loss 1-0

The Ladies 5 had their first loss of the season.  Heard from the coach and players that the game was pretty evenly matched with Castle Hill perhaps having the edge in energy over Holroyd  who played with  no reserves.

All Age Ladies div 3 v Castle Hill RSL Wht  Deferred game
All Age Ladies div 2 v Toongabbie Won 3-0

Nearly went to watch the Matildas play at Gosford but instead watched our Ladies 2 play at Merrylands v Toongabbie. And I was not disappointed.

Rebecca traps the ball.

The game was great to watch, with the whole team using each other to keep control of the match.  Passing was spot on, and great through balls made the most of the speed of Sarah and Lauren who ran onto the balls with ease.  The new players are fitting in well and did not back off, challenging well for the ball.  About 15 minutes into 2nd half a little bit of concentration was lost and this was the only real chance that Toongabbie had, with a one on one with our keeper. Kristin timed her run out perfectly and kicked the ball away, with it ultimately being cleared by the Holroyd defense.  5 minutes until the siren blew and an unlucky handball in the box gave Toongabbie a penalty.  Kristin was up to the challenge and saved the ball to keep a clean sheet for Holroyd.  Minutes later we were on the attack and a great pass to Lauren wide on the right was well controlled and she then expertly passed it through the centre just in front of Sarah.  Sarah ran onto the ball and as the keeper came out to her, Sarah kept her composure and neatly placed the ball in the right hand corner of the net.  The whole play from the girls was beautiful to watch.  Congrats to the ladies and to Rob their coach.  For us spectators it was a very enjoyable afternoon at soccer.

Match results

Sat 7th May:
U6 v Wenty Taipans Won 10-0
U9 Grey v Winston Hills Loss 3-0
U9 White v Kellyville Won 4-3
U14 div 2 v North Rocks Loss 8-2
U15 div 3 v Auburn District Loss 5-4
U16 div 2 v Wenty Waratah Won 9-0

O35 div 7 v Parramatta City FC Loss 2-1
O35 div 3 v Lidcombe Waratah Won 6-2

Senior 3 v Winston Hills Loss 3-2

Sun 8th May:
U16G div 1 v Castle Hill RSL Loss 4-0
All Age Ladies div 5 v Ermington Won 10-0

The game was only minutes old when Nathalie (captain on the day) thundered a volley shot in to the bottom left hand corner of the oppositions net setting the theme for the game. Whilst the score line of ten nil indicated one way traffic, Holroyd's defence was kept busy with Elise, Stephanie Larissa and Sarah all putting in big performances. Jess (goalkeeper) pulled off some good saves and turned defence into attack with her accuracy when required to kick the ball back into the field of play.  The midfield was tireless in their efforts with Kasey, Nathalie, Dee and Shayley working hard and winning the ball time and time again, special mention goes to Shayley who's runs up the right hand side of the field cut the Ermington defence to pieces. Congratulations go to Dee and Kimberley who both scored their first ever goals. Finally to the forwards Sherrie, Sarah and Kimberley, as always they were hard to catch and did not give Ermington's defence a moments peace. It was good to see Holly at the game, unfortunately Holly injured herself pre-season and is unable to play this season. Her contribution to the team will be missed this season.

All Age Ladies div 3 v Greystanes Won 4-2

All Age Ladies div 2 v Pendle Hill Black Loss 8-2

Code of Conduct sessions Week starting 9th May 2011

 Code of conduct session for Holroyd Rangers teams
Tues 10th    7:00pm -   U14
Wed 11th     6:15pm -   U6 & U9
                    7:15pm  -  AAL2/3/5
                    7:30pm  -  U16 & O35/7
Thu 12th      7:15pm  -  U15 & U16G
                     7:15pm  - Snr3& 035/3
Briefings will focus on the main points of expected behaviour for players, parents, spectators and officials.  Players and parents of all players under 18 are expected to attend.

Mothers Day Raffle

Due to wet weather delaying us getting raffle tickets out to all our teams, the date has been extended by 1 week.
Tickets and money are now due back by Sun 15th May.
The prize draw will take place on the evening of Mon 16th May.

Games this weekend Sat 7th / Sun 8th:

Sat 7th:

U6 v Wenty Taipans at 11:30am at Ted Burge Sportsground,

Centenary Rd, South Wentworthville
U9 Grey v Winston Hills Black at 8:30am at 

Max Ruddock Res #1A, Romulus St, Winston Hills
U9 White v Kellyville at 9:20am at 

Bernie Mullane Res #3A, Marella Ave, Kellyville
U14 div 2 v North Rocks at 10:00am at 

Guildford West Sportsground
U15 div 3 v Auburn District at 11:40am at 

Progress Park #1, Wellington Rd, Auburn
U16 div 2 v Wenty Waratah at 11:40am at 

Ted Burge Sportsground #2, Centenary Rd, South Wentworthville
O35 div 7 v Parramatta City FC at 1:30pm at 

Guildford West Sportsground
Senior 3 v Winston Hills at 3:00pm at 

Max Ruddock Res #1, Romulus St, Winston Hills
O35 div 3 v Lidcombe Waratah at 3:00pm at 

Coleman Park #2, Georges Ave, Lidcombe

Sun 8th:

U16 Girls div 1 v Castle Hill RSL at 10:00am at 

Girraween Park #1, Octavia St, Toongabbie
All Age Ladies div 5 v Ermington United at 11:30am at 

Girraween Park #3, Octavia St, Toongabbie
All Age Ladies div 3 v Greystanes at 1:15pm at 

Merrylands Park #2, Burnett St, Merrylands
All Age Ladies div 2 v Pendle Hill Black at 3:00pm at  

Binalong Oval, Binalong Rd, Toongabbie (amended 5pm Thu 5th May)