Round 6 - 25 May 2024
Round 6 saw a few teams getting wet with a preview of what’s to come when winter finally makes an appearance. I had the opportunity to sit and take it all in this week, and it was so good to see the minny-est of Mini-Roos practicing their kicks after their games and excitedly reviewing their teams performance. These kids are the future of our Club and it’s so great to see such focus and commitment at the youngest levels. Our future is in good “feet” so to speak!
We had 2 Derby’s, and a good number of home games and it’s always a joy to see the kids celebrate their game and feel the excitement in the air. It’s also great to see so many families visiting the canteen after their games! Our new coffee machine and Yahava pods are hitting the spot!
U6 Ninja’s
Despite the winter's unwelcome arrival, marked by heavy rain in the first five minutes, our champions showed great resilience. The visiting team from McKillop Busselton brought fierce competition, highlighted by their strong female presence, a testament to the growing interest and involvement of women in the game.
This week's focus on passing was evident, with every team member making a concerted effort to integrate this into their play. Notable performances included Marshall, who demonstrated commendable dedication by playing with a bandaged foot, and Charlie, whose significant skill improvement drew praise from the spectators. Edward, Charlie's dad, also contributed by stepping in to help referee both games. The day concluded with a professional photo shoot, showcasing our progress in kicking skills. POD went to Marshall and Charlie. Well done! Ninjas out
U6 Warriors
Persistence was the name of the game as the Warriors faced the Dunsborough Knights for the Round 6 match at home. Coach Ian lead by example, hobbling around post knee surgery, showing his players the true meaning of commitment to the team. Coach John had the Warriors warmed up and eager for the game ahead. The Warriors followed their team leaders with a new found energy and pace - whipping up and down the pitches with non-stop commitment to the ball.
Woody showed determination as he charged after the ball helping to turn the play around so his teammates could make multiple passes and head for the goals. Georgia’s clever ball skills were on show once again as she nailed a goal from way back, hitting the bottom right corner to twist the ball in for a fancy goal. Owen clocked up the kms and left nothing in the tank showcasing numerous defence moves and constantly pressuring the opposition players. Archer’s speed helped get the ball down the pitch and he was rewarded for his efforts with the ball hitting the back of the net on numerous occasions.
Clayton’s swift footwork and reading of the play was yet again a strength for the Warriors, he knew where to be and where to pass to help his team succeed. Oakley showed true grit this week as he delivered excellent play and teamwork even though he had been unwell all week. Andi was on fire, charging all over the field to make passes and show the crowd her powerful kick. Estelle displayed great talent but even more notable was her empathy and care for a fellow injured Warrior who she safely escorted off the pitch.
We celebrated Oakley and Owen as our Players of the Day for their committed play and focus. Thank you to our Round 6 sponsors Burger Baby and Squid Lips for making the players proud.
U7 The Messi Kids
Game 6 for the Messi Kids - they definitely gave it their ‘all’,
Resilience, collaboration, teamwork; always defending the ball.
Sonny with ultra speed, the skills from Darcy and Jack,
Malakai and his power kicks, Clancy always getting the ball back.
Koby’s control and precision, Hunter’s dribble and slide,
Quinn intercepting the ball, while Max defends from side to side.
A big shout out to Eliza; not only skills guaranteed,
She also helped an injured teammate, get back on their feet.
But for their shielding and passing, our standout Players of the Day:
Ezra and Lou - congrats to you! You kept our ball in play.
Ninjas in mOcean - thank you! Round 6 sponsors this week.
Take a trip to see them on Station Road - whether the weather is sunny or bleak!
U8 Raptors
FMR Raptors had a fun, competitive game against MUSC Ninjas. Louis did a fantastic job holding his position in defence and clearing the ball out and Coe saved some powerful strikes in goals. The boys really worked on their passing and put this into action in the second half.
Bodhi received POD for his passing and dribbling and Arlo had some awesome strikes on goal. Well done boys. Thanks to Witchie Pies and Scoops Farm.
U8 Rovers
Today the Rovers travelled up the road to Vasse to take on the Kingsnakes. The boys came out to play today and they showed they’re a force to be reckoned with in both defence and offence. Our strikers and midfielders put on a masterclass with some great passing and shots on goal. The Kingsnakes goalie stood strong with some great saves before some great teamwork from Toby set up Theo to open up the scoring. Once again our defence stood strong stopping multiple attempts to push forward by Vasse. They stood up to the pressure before the Kingsnakes managed to sneak one past. The first half finished in a close battle.
The second half started and so did the rain. It was bucketing down but that didn’t stop the boys energy. They showed even in the rain their passing and teamwork are unmatched. Ithan and Mason showed off their footwork with some great goals each in the second half and Theo showed he’s also a formidable goalie with a great save.
Our players of the day went to Rio and Sailor who week after week are defensive superstars clearing the ball out of the back half setting up their teammates and relieving pressure for our goalie. Very rarely does the opposition get past these two. Well done boys. With thanks to SquidLips
U8 Legends XI
A toughly fought contest between MR Legends 11 and Vasse Dugites. Legends 11 played with a lot of heart and determination and their skills are improving rapidly week to week. The players are starting to play really well as a team. Some great defence by Ruby and excellent carries up front by Moose, and a tireless effort from Max. POD went to goalkeeper Jangchub for excellent game awareness and stopping some challenging shots on goal, ninja cat reflexes in goal as always.
U9 Serpents
The FMR Serpents took on the Cornerstone Grasshoppers for the first game up on Saturday morning. Both Teams came out firing with fantastic team work to put together some creative passages of play, with the Grasshoppers getting the upperhand and scoring first up. The FMR Serpents saw an opening through some quick footwork for a chance to respond and scored.
The second half kicked off with the crowd roaring both teams. The Serpents kept coming with chances to score but ultimately after several fantastic goals by the away team the Cornerstone Grasshoppers ran away with game. Both Teams had a great fair game with lots of hugs and handshakes afterwards. Players of the day went to Noah Nash and Kalani Parker.
U9 Grizzlies
Wet and blustery, but the rain mostly held off. Despite challenging weather, the young athletes' spirits remained high. Both teams showcased strong defenses, making early goals hard to come by. Elsie put relentless pressure on the opposing goalkeeper, while Zephyr and Archie excelled in defense. Hugo broke the deadlock with a goal, quickly followed by Dylan's spectacular strike from the halfway line. The opponents responded with a goal of their own.
In the second half, Hugo assisted Elsie for a fantastic goal. The defensive trio of Tyler, Archie, and Boston kept the opponents at bay. Dylan added another brilliant goal, and Osiris played a key role in midfield. Amelia made a crucial one-on-one save, preserving the lead. As the game neared its end, Osiris, Hugo, and Archie kept up the pressure, with Hugo scoring again after a great run supported by Archie.
Coach’s Comments: The Coach praised the team’s excellent defense and teamwork, saying, "We defended well, always looking for our teammates and playing as a cohesive unit." Elsie was named Player of the Day for scoring her first goal, capping off an exciting and well-fought game. Overall, it was a thrilling match with standout performances, showcasing the talent and teamwork of these young players.
U10 Storm
The pace didn’t stop this week as U10 Storm played against GMAS on our home pitch. It was a high scoring game with plenty of action at both ends of the field. Our goalies and defence did a great job keeping the ball away from our goals, whilst the midfielders and strikers kept the opposite chasing us. POD went to Nalu Walker thanks to Amaze’n Margaret River.
U10 River Squad
It was a quick and strong start for the U10 River Squad team on Saturday with four goals scored by Luca before GMAS got their game on to bring the score to an exciting 4-3 by half time. Flo demonstrated great pressure in defence, while Heath and Declan made some excellent clearances to midfield players.
Kick off in the second half ended in a brilliant block by Westie, who then took the ball all the way to score another impressive goal for River Squad. A close and brilliant save by goalie Summer, another goal by Westie and a last-minute cross from Luca to Ollie, ended with a score of 7-3 and another fantastic win for River Squad. Players of the day Abigail McSweeney and Ollie Stander received some well-earned vouchers from the legends at 2 Cracks Coffee and Witchy Pies.
U11 Breakers
The Breakers rolled into Vasse with some dark clouds threatening overhead. Fynn started the charge with an attempt at goals that bounced off the post. He quickly followed it up with a ball to the net to chalk one up for the Margaret River team.
Some position changes at half time saw Xavier move up to midfield. Like a flash of lightning Xave sent a ball hurtling through to the net for a milestone goal! Shortly before the end of the game something like a thunder clap sounded as Xave’s boot connected the ball for his second ever goal to earn POD. Marshall volunteered to take on the goalie position and proved his worth also earning POD. Thanks to Squid Lips and Fudge Factory for prizes.
U11 Jettz
The kids partnered up well and worked well as a term. Reef has come from a back man to play forward, resulting in a few goals, the best game he’s ever played. The joy in his face was what it’s all about.
Zoe I don’t even know how to begin, she always gives 💯 and doesn’t stop running. The enthusiasm and talent that she continues to show is amazing. It encourages the whole team to just keep on trying. She is an integral part of the Jettz.
Watching the kids improve week in week out is so good to watch, the best part is the kindness and care they show each other . Lenny Grace put his body on the line for the team, speedy recovery mate. Thanks to Squid Lips. Perfect weather for some fish and chips.
U12 Legends
When you have motivation and dedication, you achieve continuous growth and improvement. Our Legends showed us this up in Busselton against GMAS Storms. We saw great passing, direct ball placement and supportive sportsmanship. Our goal this week as ‘keep going, keeping trying’.
Our defence line was strong, Beau is just glowing in goals with confidence jumping on the ball at any opportunity. Our forwards maintain great drive and possession of the ball. Bella and Ari earnt players of the day for the assertiveness and defensive techniques. Thank you Squid Lips for your vouchers.
Well done Legends and Coach Jeremy.
U12 Wyverns
The Wyverns first local derby against the MR Stingrays delivered a lot of great lessons for the team.
The game of mates v mates delivered a tightly fought first half with the Wyverns breaking the deadlock first with a great goal by Michael, but the Stingrays drew level shortly after, tightening the game further. Whilst parents were delighted the rain held off, the wind was a factor on the field for both teams especially in the second half.
Learning the game and learning how to play as a team is the number one priority for the Wyverns and this chaotic game has provided them will some great examples of what to work on with plenty of lessons learnt this week. The boys work rate was fantastic and they are really showing their tenacity regardless of the final score line.
POD went to Tommy Tunnell who bravely had a go in goals after a strong first half in the midfield and Sam O’Beirne whose strength in defence is really starting to shine. Thanks Squid Lips for the yummy post game lunch prize!
U13 Warriors
The Warriors have played their match of the season to date, coming up against GMAS Gladiators in Busselton on the big pitch at Barnard Park. While we lost 2-0, The Gladiators are a skilled, well-drilled team with several big-name players. The Warriors put up a defensive wall and pressure to be reckoned with, and it was kept to a very tight game.
Holly Mitchell was awarded the player of the day for an outstanding central effort that neutralised the Gladiators' forward movement through relentless pressure that disrupted two of their key player's efforts to build up through the centre. Well done, Holly.
Holly was well supported by Declan, who used his excellent footwork and ball skills to apply pressure in the central corridor and carry the ball clear. Together, they kept the Gladiators' key central players frustrated and brought out mistakes that were capitalised on, allowing us to break forward on occasion.
Special mention goes to Tadhg, another of our first-season players who is developing skills quickly, taking instructions to the pitch, and executing them very well. He continuously puts pressure on the ball with accuracy and power, stealing the ball from the opposition's feet and looking up to find and deliver passing opportunities. Keep it up, Tadhg!!
Our main wingers, Alex and Flynn, and forwards Luca and Angus had a tough match. They stood up repeatedly, acting as our first line of defence and then transitioning into attacking roles. Alex managed to get past a barrage of three defenders multiple times, taking her on all at once. She was able to break through to have a couple of shots on goal. Luca supported her by running hard and responding quickly.
The back line - you are amazing!! Sophia, Che, Savana, Anouk, Max, and Arlo, you worked as a unit, shuffling to fill gaps, trusting each other to fulfil your roles, and keeping the defensive structure intact for the entire game. Our reliable goalie, Catto, played a solid performance, making great decisions in 1v1 situations, setting up the team and saving shots with safe hands from corners and free kicks. The couple that got through were unstoppable. Great job, Catto.
It was a great game, rewarding and good fun. Both teams played with energy right through, and the sportsmanship was a treat. All the Warriors can be very proud of their game this week and their continuing development this season.
U14 Tigers
Great start to the game the teams have started of evenly matched with the Sharks team pushing for the attack there was some solid defence by Charlie and Riley kept the goals from being scored. Sharks scored the first goal with a very tight defence. Tigers had their first goal opportunity not long after with Alex taking the lead. Sharks kept the pressure but hit a wall from the defence number Daniel, Piper and Fiona and the goalie stopped many attempts.
Opening the second half Alex Ralston scored straight off the bat with a new energy for Tigers. Following up with a quick second for the tigers. Alex with a strong left foot. Not long after Sharks pushed back and scored a goal in retaliation.
Emillie from Tigers had some excellent action in the midfield to push the ball up but Sharks was able to get the ball to their end and keep the pressure on the defence. Riley (goalie) survived an onslaught of attacks from the Sharks. Tigers eventually pushed it back to their scoring end and had a shot on goal but it was a tough save from Sharks goalie. With the last minutes of the game, it was a fight back and forth but the end result was a draw and an excellent match from both sides.
Player of the day was Riley, thanks to Witchy Pies
U14 Sharks
The U14S FMR Sharks x Tigers was an intense match with both teams prepared to give their best.
The game started with an even ball possession. Sharks defence line saw an incredible performance from Felix Gibbs on the right back who was determined to stop any attempts from the opposite team which combined forces with Marli Coney on the left and Max Prolongeau in the mid-field to push their game forward.
Sharks found their opportunity to score the first goal of the match by a cross from Kai Hillier to Benji Willing. The equaliser came at beginning of the second half. Sharks kept putting pressure through with Rainer DeVries and Ziggy Denham assisting Nico Fisher and Benji Willing at the front, but the third goal of the match came from Tigers.
Moments after that Vincent Lonnie scored for Sharks from a corner kick. In the final minutes, and apart from the incredible effort from Sharks and Tigers to score their advantage, the game ended up 2-2.
The players of the match were Felix Gibbs and Vincent Lonnie. Thank you Squid Lips fro the voucher.
U15 The Blaze
The Blaze travelled to Busselton on Monday night for their second match against the Development Squad. Luckily it was not as cold as Round 1’s game, and the rain held off.
Asha and Stirling started strong giving us our first shot at goal, but their keeper was faster and made the save. DS had the next run and were able to sink it into the net, followed quickly by another goal to give them a 2-0 lead.
Despite the efforts by William, Scarlet and Ethan, we couldn’t see the ball in our forward half. Matty in goals made a couple of good saves. Oliver L was stalking the ball and applying solid pressure. DS free kick was saved, Stirling shot in our forward half was blocked. We finally got on the board with an Archie, Stirling combo that went straight through. Matty did a great dive and roll to save another going in for DS. Ethan was quick as the flash running rings around the opposition, but couldn’t convert, leaving us 1 down as the whistle blew.
Second half started with another Stirling shot that was saved. A DS free kick was dangerous, sailing over Matty’s head, but Archie swooped in to block it, and got it out of the box.
Good body and pressure by Jack who played a good, solid game in defence. Lisa was flying across the pitch, but a Poom shot was saved.
William and Oliver L put on a “how to do a header” display, with our dense piling on the pressure to frustrate the forward attacks. Ethan made another great run up, but couldn’t break through. A William, to Asher, to Ethan play was looking good, but the shot was just a smidge wide. In the end, we were outplayed and the DS took home the win 4-1.
YL Wanderers
Margaret River hosted Cornerstone this Saturday without three key players, but having Remi back from injury was a big plus. The game began much the same way as last weeks game ended and Margaret River quickly found themselves three goals down after the first fifteen minutes of play.
To the Wanderers credit, they rallied and managed to keep Cornerstone goalless for the rest of the first half and had a few chances of their own, but unfortunately could not find the back of the net.
The second half went much the same way with Cornerstone adding two more goals to run out comfortable winners, five to nil. Once again Margaret River had their chances which was definitely a positive moving forward.
Pie and Ales player of the day went to Lucus for his great attacking runs which created some much needed spark in the second half. Honourable mentions to Noah who was stoic in defence, plus Xavier and Remi who tried hard all game.