Round 5 - 18 May 2024
Round 5 and we were greeted with yet another sunny day. We had 19 home games this week which is our biggest week at home so far! We are super excited to debut our new Kit/Coach bags thanks to new sponsor Yahava KoffeeWorks Margaret River! Thank you so much for your support.
U6 Ninja’s
Derby Day, Saturday. Everyone was racing to go. It was the first time that the Under-6 Warriors and the Under-6 Ninjas had their time to fight each other for the first-ever Football Margaret River Cup. Although mid-May often brings rainy and windy weather, the sun was absolutely beaming. Sunscreen was out, and the sweat was beating down everyone's back.
All teams came on fair, eager to win, but also knowing that friends were on the other side, leading to mixed emotions. Both sides had great tactics, ensuring everyone had a turn at each position. Coaches Matt, Ian, John, and Britt guided the kids, focusing on sportsmanship and keeping the ball moving from boot to boot.
The Ninjas celebrated by awarding Player of the Day to every member. Coaches and parents were thrilled with everyone's performance, so each player was recognized. We loved versing the Warriors and playing with friends on the other team. Plans to create more fun through joint training sessions with both teams are in the works. Until next time, Ninjas out.
U6 Warriors
Well it was another ripper morning at our home ground. The glorious sun made for perfect playing conditions with our early game against one of our very own - Margaret River Ninjas!
The nerves were real but we rose up to the challenge and gave it our best crack! A hard team with Messi impersonator Lionel on their side! The Ninjas put up a solid fight, well and truly comfortable in the strike zone. But the Warriors didn’t make it easy. Winston kept the ball in play with his quick back kicks, whilst Oakley had massive kicks sending the ball up the field.
Georgia was hungry for the ball, consistently making it hard for the Ninjas. Clayton’s big kicks and fancy footwork kept the Ninjas on their toes. Estelle and Owen provided some tough back defence and Archer made some clever leads. Mathew was another constant, hot on our opponents heals.
Andi and Woody provided solid pressure with their tackling and sound goal defence, both earning players of the match. The Ninjas were a tough team and although the scoreboard wouldn’t have been pretty if we were indeed scoring, the fight and effort from our Warriors made for great games!
Every player on both sides needs to be congratulated on their sportsmanship, it was wonderful to see everyone so quick to check on those that picked up a small injury or two along the way - their camaraderie something to be proud of!
A shout out to our yummy sponsors “Cookies Galore” and of course our amazing coaches and supportive families/friends for being there.
U7 The Messi Kids
The Messi Kids had another great morning at Gloucester Park against the GMAS blueys. The sun shone and there were goals galore from The Messi Kids. The team linked some brilliant passes together and could be heard calling for the ball and supporting each other well. Great teamwork and friendship was shown with all the high fives, when goals were scored and substitutions made.
At half time the coaches discussed controlled dribbling and pushing forward which they did brilliantly in the second half. They also encouraged passing wide on kick outs and spreading out to use the space which they tried hard to achieve. Solid defending kept the opposition goals to a minimum. We loved our new ‘Yahava kit bags’ to keep all the teams gear in and a huge well done to Quinn and Hunter for being the players of the day and winning Squid Lips vouchers.
U8 Raptors
The sun was shining, the pitch was sensationally green and the FMR Raptors rolled out their best against the talented Cornerstone Colts. Nate and Arlo made some fantastic moves through the centreline and Cohen and Bodhi were grand goalkeepers for the match.
The players of the day were Co and Jed who stood out for their excellent defending, striking and footwork. Thanks to Little Ninjas for being a great asset to our town and providing our POD's with a free play session!
U8 Rovers
Another glorious day for Soccer and today the Rovers took on the Capel Wolves at home. Capel proved they were a tough defensive team holding the boys off on many occasions. The team were strong showing how hard they’ve been working on their passing game and on field positioning and through some great teamwork finally allowed Theo to find the back of the net towards the end of the first half.
Our defence was just a strong keeping the ball in our forward half the majority of the game and allowing the Wolves very few shots on goal, which when taken were stopped masterfully by goalies Jimmy and Parker. The second half was much the same as the first with the Rovers showing a united front and great skills to allow Reef to show off his goal kicking skills and get it past the keeper. It was a close game but the Rovers stood strong throughout.
Players of the Day went to Jimmy for a great effort in goals in the first half and Matty for his never ending enthusiasm to get amongst everything and great passing to space. With thanks to Witchy Pies.
U9 Strikers
With almost half the team away, the Strikers had to work extra hard this week and that they did! Everyone really was playing their best making it one of the most exciting games to watch yet. Lightning had some strong goals in the first half but the second half saw some awesome goal defence by Malakai, along with some superb build ups and solid runs and goals by Jahla and Arlo D. Everyone was displaying fabulous footwork and commited teamwork. Thanks to Chase who filled in and did a brilliant job on defence. Players of the day were Jahla, Malakai and Chase. With thanks to Candy Cow, Witchy Pies and Burger Baby for their generous vouchers.
U9 Dragons
A Margaret River Derby saw the Dragons vs the Wasps. Both teams had a good outing with some strong runs and great shots on goal. Jon and Conor were the players of the match for the Dragons, and were very happy with their Squid Lips and Pies and Ale vouchers.
U10 Roos
It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday this week at home for the Roos, and boy did they come out to play! It was fantastic to see the whole team playing as a unit, utilising pass backs to the defence and goalkeeper when needed to ensure everyone was getting plenty of touches. The communication between players on the pitch and concerted efforts to control the ball and look up for teammates before passing was outstanding! Another week with multiple goal scorers, our player of the day thanks to Pies n Ales went to Mo Owen, for his brilliant work in defence, marking up and clearing the ball deep into our attacking zone, well done Mo!
U10 Storm
Another perfect sunny autumn morning for this weeks game against the Dunsborough Tigers. There were smiles on every face this week as Storm led a confident victory over the Tigers with goals in abundance.
There was great touch and passing between the team. They were also running off the ball well. Lots of great work in assists. Overall great teamwork. These are all skills they have been working on in training and they are starting to show on the field.
POD went to Daisy-Anne Lane who shone, covering the whole pitch and great goal scoring. She won a well deserved Squid Lips voucher.
U10 River Squad
River Squad, the newly formed under 10’s team, had a tough match against the Vasse Vipers on the weekend. River Squad made an impressive start with the first goal scored by Flow within seconds of the game beginning. Although Declan and Abigail held a strong line in defence Vasse managed to score several times in the first half. However, in a penalty kick Luca made River Squad’s come back scoring another goal. Excitement was high in the second half of the match as goals went back and forth between Vasse and Margaret River with Weston and Oli also kicking goals. A well fought victory to River Squad winning 6-5 to the Vipers. POD to Luca and Summer with thanks to Little Ninjas and Burger Baby.
U11 Breakers
The U11 Breakers played the Dunsborough Brumbies in an a tightly contested match. The players endurance was tested as the ball was run from one end of the pitch to the other with no subs available for either team. By the end of the game the scores were even with Zoe picking up POD for her consistent determination in defence and Will for a nicely placed goal in the corner of the net. Thanks to Candy Cow and Burger Baby for prizes.
U11 Stars
The Under 11 Stars played a great game on Saturday. They were tight in defence, energetic in their attack and had a lot of fun. The player of the day was Taj Cawse.
U11 Jettz
Today the Jettz played EPIC. Lenny H, deserved player of the match as he covered the wing positions up and down the field, he was able to clear with his left foot kicks (left foot Lenny). He listened to the coach and took the role on he was given.
Cohen did some amazing stops in his chilled out fashion. He did some great quick kicks and rolls helping the team move the ball on quickly. Thanks to Burger Baby.
U12 Legends
The Legends this week had a focus of ‘just give it a shot’ and boy did they achieve that! Their growing confidence shone through in the first half with a dominance of play and many attempts at goals. Their game play is always developing and coach Jeremy’s motivation and encouragement is the drive behind it. Building team spirit and drive before each game.
We had many great goal diversions through our defense line but also some awesome ball placement amongst our forwards. Really proud to watch this new team perform. Many exciting moments. Well done Cooper for your performance on the day, hope you enjoy your Squid Lips voucher.
U12 Wyverns
For their first road trip the Wyverns were delighted to score 4 goals against Capel coming out on top against a larger side, and playing in the heat with just one sub.
As a defensive unit the Wyverns played a lot better this week, going forward and making challenges. They all played with heart making challenges against players much bigger than them. With so much knowledge being shared by coach Gary every week at training, and during the games, the team are beginning to understand the intricacies of soccer and apply them during the game. The best example of this was a goal from half way by goal keeper Michael, touched by the opposition as it rolled in the back of the net.
Players of the Week went to Michael for playing for the team and being willing to go in goal, a position he played brilliantly and Milo for his tenacity throughout the game, he consistently wanted to win the ball, ran back when ever Gary told him to and didn’t stop running. Well done Wyverns your team spirit and encouragement for each other is paying dividends.
U13 Rockets
It was no walk in the park for the Rockets this week with GMAS scoring the first goal and applying plenty of pressure. The boys initially built up well in the midfield with some nice passes, but GMAS was relentless and nerves seem to get the better of them.
Monty was displaying his technical ability, getting around players and passing the ball swiftly down the line. Dom stuck to his man like glue and Kalani nearly landed the first goal with effective assistance from Griffo who was getting some nice passes across to him. Kalani and Griffo continued to work together in sync, this allowed Griffo to have a shot at goal but not quite bagging one. Hugh was also in there putting in a solid effort chasing down a few balls heading towards the goals.
Darc went for an absolute baller of shot with power and height, but it was met with a spectacular save by the GMAS goalie that was commended by both sides of the crowd. Charlie was constantly ‘hungry like the wolf’ (thanks Duran Duran) applying plenty of pressure, running hard and having a decent crack at goal that didn’t come off unfortunately.
The game really started to heat up with the ball flying up and down either end making crowd look like they were watching a Wimbledon match. Laec wasn’t afraid to get amongst it and challenge his opponents in his defensive role, this stopped GMAS in their tracks on a number of occasions, Darc was also in there shutting down play in defence. GMAS had a ruthless attacker who managed to blast the ball into goal just before half time, making it 2-0.
In the second half Cody ran hard, attacked well and landed a handy header that sent the ball our way. Ollie was super busy in goal in the first half with a plenty of saves and stopped a ripper at the start of the second half. Dom went for nice high shot at goal but according to dad ‘just a little too lofty’.
Haydo was using his body well and got his penalty shot through the wall but not quite into goal. This was immediately followed by two more consecutive shots at goal by Riles and Darc but no cigar. Milesy was putting in the mileage across the field, Texy was getting in there giving it a good roost too. The lads were giving it a red hot go but just not getting the dividends.
GMAS continued with their brutal goal assault, even nailing one from near on halfway. We had our moments, but it wasn’t enough and GMAS sailed through with a fairly big win. A loss teaches you more than a win, so back to drawing board boys and never give up! Player of the day went to Laec, well done. Thanks coach, parent helpers and all Rockets supporters.
U13 Warriors
Today, the Warriors had a win playing at home in Margaret River against the GMAS Phantoms. They have been working on their offensive gameplay with striking and set play drills, which they brought to the pitch and executed very well.
The midfield kept the ball trapped in tight for much of the game. The defence stepped in and put up a wall that proved hard for the Phantoms to break through. The defence cleared the ball effectively and played the ball forward, allowing the next wave of offensive play to build up.
Declan continued to get the ball at his feet, taking it off the opposition and carrying it forward, getting himself and the team a four-goal haul. He also put the ball forward into position for our strikers to unload at goals with repeated entries. Sophia moved up into the forward line this week and put two into the back of the net with her powerful and accurate boot. Arlo played a solid game in the centre, finding consistency.
The player of the day was awarded to Luca, who is new to the game this season and is improving with each training and game. Keep it up, Luca. We all enjoyed seeing your left foot strike nearly go in; it was so close.
It’s great to have Che taking up his natural position as a key defender. Tadhg out on the wing with speed, tapping the ball forward and running on to back it up. The whole team is going from strength to strength, playing well together, keeping their structure intact, and trusting each other as they become increasingly familiar with their positions and roles.
The Phantoms are a great group to play, with excellent sportsmanship and an all-round friendly game. Thanks, Paul, for running the lines, Gen for the halftime fruit feast, and everyone who comes along in support.
U14 Tigers
Margaret River Tigers vs Dunsborough Roar
First goal was scored by Dunsborough ten minutes into the match with Tigers putting up a good fight. After the first half the score was four goals to Dunsborough with Margaret River yet to score.
The second half the first goal was scored by Alex Ralston from Margaret River with Dunsborough scoring the next goal two minutes after. Final score was 6-2 to Dunsborough. Player of the day was Mia Ashworth. Thanks to our sponsor Squid Lips.
U14 Sharks
FMR U14 Sharks vs Busselton Lions
The grass is greener at Bovell Park! (literally, who is their grounds person?) The Sharks met the Busselton Lions, in a close match, that was a pleasure to watch. Both sides had crisp passing, clean skills and good team work. The Sharks just managed to nudge in front before half time, with the pass that made all the difference from Benji Willing. The ball sliced the space between the last defender and the goal keeper, perfectly angled for Kai Hillier to run onto and finish the job.
Mid in the second half the Lions made their mark on the score board, converting from a freekick, levelling the score to 1 goal all. The match intensified as the Sharks played some beautiful football. They managed to claw their way to the front, Kai Hillier kicked a beautiful shot past the Lions keeper, in a stunning individual effort.
It was a nerve-wracking finish, but the sharks managed to take down the Lions, winning 2 goals to 1. Big efforts were seen by Rainer de Vries and Kelani Taylor, always working hard. Strong defensive effort also from Felix Gibbs, who used his powerful kick to get the Sharks out of trouble in the backline. Also strong defense by Reid Kemp, which saw him take out player of the day, sharing the title with Kai Hillier, thanks to Candy Cow for the vouchers!!
U15 The Blaze
This week top of the ladder The Blaze took on bottom of the ladder BCFC Thunder at home. Not that you would know they were bottom of the ladder from the way they played. They came our hot and scored within the first few minutes of the match. Archie gave spectators a masterclass on keeping the ball in on the line. A nice passage of play gave us a shot, but was caught by the keeper. Busso struck straight back to score again.
Our next two attempts went wide. BCFC capitalized on our defence and goalie being caught out of position trying to turn the ball over to score again to give them a 3-0 lead. Lisa and Ethan were making a good combo to try to get us on the board. Jack applied great pressure down the line. Jay made a good attempt but was saved by the keeper.
Charlotte made a good block but we weren’t able to get it up to score. Stirling finally finished off our next forward run to score with 9:30 left in the first half. Charlotte made a great save in the goalmouth, and Ollie M did good block and applied pressure to give Stirling another chance, but was caught by keeper. Ethan’s attempt was saved, and we weren’t able to convert off a corer either. Scarlet made a great attempt from distance but was saved by the keeper, leaving us down 3-1 at half time.
After a bit of a rev up by Coach Myles, our kids came out for the second half. Charlie applied good pressure and ran down balls, Charlotte putting her body on the line…and ground. Lisa and Archie using their heads and some great passages of play. A nice pass by Oliver L to Ethan resulted in a rebound and a tangle of boots in the box, but William got his foot on it to score our second to the delight of the team and spectators. Great work by Archie and Lisa in the back to Charlie who got it up to Stirling who got tackled before Jay swooped in with a brilliant kick right into goal to even the score. Whoop, Whoop! Charlie was so happy with this, he carried Jay back up to the centre line!!
A handball in the box gave us a free kick, but was caught by the keeper. With the scores level, neither team was giving an inch. Scarlett working hard in the middle. Free kick on target by Ollie L but caught by keeper. With time running out, I thought we were headed for a draw, but BCFC snuck one through with 15 seconds left on the clock to even the score. Back to the centre quickly and a long bomb by Scarlett to Stirling was looking good, but the shot went wide giving BCFC their first win of the season with the score 4-3 in their favour.
POD went to Ollie Lawrey who is always impressive on the pitch. Thanks to Milk Shack for the voucher!
YL Wanderers
Margaret River Wanderers travelled to Barnard Park in Busselton on Saturday to take on ladder leaders, Geographe Seasiders. Conditions were perfect with sunny skies and light winds, albeit a little on the warm side. Margaret River began where they left off last week, playing a beautiful possession style of football which created a wonderful chance for Lucas who scored at the five-minute mark to give Margaret River an early lead. Unfortunately, after a promising start, the wheels began to fall off for The Wanderers who began to play into Geographe’s hands and let them dictate the style of play. A few errors in defence kept keeper Henry busy, but he was brilliant in goals, and it wasn't until the twenty-five-minute mark that The Seasiders broke through for their first goal, which was then followed by 5 more over the remainder of the game. The Wanderers had their chances with a few near misses that realistically could have been goals, but ultimately left us with a deflating 6-1 loss. POD went to Henry who was a beacon of light on a dark day.