Round 15 - 24 August 2024
Round 15 was a mixed bag weather wise. Some teams had nothing but sunshine, and others got caught in the rain and hail! It was a very cold windy day here in Margs, and another day of muddy boots on the pitch.
Luckily the rain mainly held off as FMR hosted the Belt Up ball presentation, with Jane Kelsbie, Member for Warren-Blackwood coming along to take in the action, meet with Club reps and present the Belt Up balls. Members from LNJSA Clubs, Football West CPO Mathew Adams and LNJSA President Pete Harding in attendance.
Round 15 was also the FIFA Cup Semi-Finals, with the U12 Wyverns, U13 Rockers and Warriors, U14 Sharks, U15 The Blaze and YL Wanderers playing to win and go through to the Finals.
The Warriors and Wanderers were unlucky on the day, but the rest made it through to give FMR a team in each final bar Youth League. Up The River!!! With the finals at home on September 14, it’s going to be a big day for the Club. Don’t forget to “Belt-Up” as you travel to the grounds.
U7 The Messi Kids
The Messi kids arrived to a wet and soggy ground to face Georgiana Molloy, on a Margaret River home game after a night of wild weather. We were lucky to have a good weather window which saw most of the game played with sunshine but a cold wind. Coach's focus on Tuesdays training was to encourage one touch ball movement to speed up play. The kids really enjoyed the training and it was evident on game day with "play of the day" going to Jack and Sonny. Jack did an amazing cross from the corner and Sonny slotted the goal with a one touch finish. Was great to see some freshly practiced skills being put to use on game day.
Messi kids had a great half time visitor to the huddle, which was a puppy dog after lots of cuddles and pats when the second half started, we saw more of the same great team work, great passing, running hard in defensive and some wonderful offensive plays and ball movement. When the rain started with 5-10min to go the team stood strong and ran out the game with enthusiasm.
Jack and Hunter won the days Voucher which is 1 day pass to LJ 's Holiday Clinic, big thanks to Luke. Great Job all team members today, thanks for our amazing coaches
U8 Raptors
Sat morning saw the FMR Legends and Raptors face off in the mud swamp with all the enthusiasm you would expect from U’8s. With the sun finally poking out the Raptors took the opening half advantage kicking to the dryer end of the field with young Bodhi scoring a double in the first 5 minutes, before some really good back and forth soccer with great passing and skills in the conditions. Late in the half saw a great team effort by the Raptors pick up another before an amazing individual run from the Legends Hutch through the muddy legs of the Raptors to score and take some momentum into half-time.
With the whistle to start the second half we had the wind pick up to add to the elements… but you couldn’t wipe the smile off the players faces. There was lots of slipping and sliding and some great sportsmanship throughout from both teams. We saw some super individual runs down the wing from both sides and some great switches and flow of play. Torin was a wall in defense for the Raptors while young Harper was instrumental for the Legends, stopping attack after attack in the stinging rain which destroyed a couple of the umbrellas of the dedicated crowd. In the end Soccer was the winner! Thanks to the coaches, ump and parents on half-time fruit patrol and well done to the kids for running out a great game in the beautiful Margaret River conditions.
U8 Rovers
A cold and windy winters day greeted the Rovers today as they hosted the Cornerstone Jets. The boys came to play today with Theo finding the back of the net early on followed not long after by Mason. The Jets defence were under constant pressure with the boys holding the ball in their own half for the majority of the first half. When the Jets did manage to break through Ari and Toby were solid in defence and Jimmy made a cracker of a save to deny the opposition a chance to add to the scoreboard.
The second half continued on much the same as the first with multiple shots on goal by Matty, Mason,Parker and Reef. Before some individual magic from Ari had him scoring an amazing goal. Theo stood strong in goals supported well by Sailor and Rio in defence. The boys passing game was strong and movement around the pitch to find space to advantage impressive.
POD’s went to Theo for his great skills all over the pitch and in goals and Reef for his forward pressure and passing and great sportsmanship in the second half. With thanks to Two Cracks Coffee.
U8 Legends XI
Legends 11 took on FMR Raptors in a derby clash. Full on conditions with high winds, more mud and even hail. The team gave it their all against a tough opposition. Well played everyone in a highly contested fair game. POD went to Ruby and Sonny for their can do attitude, giving it 100%.
U9 Strikers
Surprisingly the sun was shining at start of the Under 9 Strikers’ Round 15 game against the Busselton Possums.
Arlo G got the team off to a great start scoring in the first minute from a long range shot from well outside the goal square. Josh followed up with Strikers’ second goal five minutes later as the team settled into a steady rhythm with some great passing up the left side.
Busselton had a few chances in front of goal but weren’t able to convert and it wasn’t long before the heavens opened up, dampening the players uniforms but not the Strikers’ spirit. Sam made some great saves but a blistering strike in a one-on-one saw Busselton snatch their first goal towards the end of the first half and they quickly followed up with a second to level the score at the break.
After powering up at the all you can eat half-time orange buffet, the Strikers returned for the start of a cold, wet and windy second half. Busselton scored again from a rebound from a valiant first effort save from Jahla in goals. The Possums continued to pressure the Strikers’ goal but strong defending held them at bay until finally they broke through to score again. Suddenly, Genevieve linked up with Josh in the middle who sent down a cracking through-ball that Arlo G pounced on and rocketed to the back of the net to keep the Strikers in the match. Busselton missed their chances in the dying moments of the game but came out narrow winners of a close, hard-fought, wild and woolly game.
Congratulations to Players of the Day: Anouk, Genevieve, Josh and Arlo D. Thanks to sponsors Two Cracks Coffee and Squid Lips.
U9 Dragons
The sun made a rare appearance today and was shining on the Dragons for their last away game of the season in Busselton against the Cornerstone Cubs, a welcome respite from the rainy conditions of previous weeks.
By all accounts, it was a strong competition today. The Dragons train hard every week and it shows in their outstanding performances on the pitch each weekend. The team should be commended for their commitment to improving their game week in and week out. It was another great result for the Dragons, finishing their away campaign for the season with smiles all round.
Our players of the day today were Finley, for strong and reliable defence; and Jedd for being brave and having a go as goalkeeper in the second half. Gratitude as always to our sponsors, Squid Lips Margaret River and Amaze’n Margaret River!
U9 Grizzlies
Wow, what a wet and cold game against the Capel Cubs for the U9 Grizzlies this week but it didn’t damped their spirits. Even with a number of players down and out with sickness, the remainder of the team stepped up to the challenge in really tough conditions and with no subs. Hugo battled sickness and had a huge impact on the game, scoring 2 goals. Archie was relentless with his forward pressure, scoring the first goal of the match. Tyler and Boston were strong in defence, reading the ball well and sending it back to their teammates in the attacking end of the field. Elsie was a standout as goalkeeper, saving close to 15 shots on goal from the opposition. Dylan played an amazing role as attacking defender, scoring a highlight reel goal from close to the halfway line. Coach Sam said he couldn’t give just one player the POD as they all deserved it for such an amazing team effort.
U10 Storm
Storm travelled to Capel this week to face the Wolves in rain, thunder, lightning, hail and sunshine. The first half was dominated by the Wolves but Storm came back in the second half. Displaying how they have grown as team, working together and keeping the ball in constant play. Congratulations to Laura James, our POD thanks to Ninja in Motion.
U10 River Squad
River Squads game today was a relentless windy and muddy match against the MUSC Rockets. Well done team for getting out there in these conditions.
Final scores of 4-2 going the Rockets way.
Luca scoring an impressive long distance goal and Westie scoring the other for the Rivers.
Ollie and Luca were awarded players of the day. Congratulations boys!
U11 Breakers
With seven players per side both teams headed out onto the muddy pitch. The Breakers were the first to send the ball to the back of the net. Sienna showed growing confidence in defense and as a forward to earn POD. Marshall played with determination as a forward and goalie to earn POD. Thanks to Amazon ’ for prizes.
U11 Stars
A wet, windy game for the U11 Stars game against the BCFC Lightning team.
The game started off with great energy, even with some missing players and the Lightning team needing to borrow one of the Stars' players. Great sportsmanship shown by Alex Mitchell in volunteering herself, resulting in her receiving player of the day.
Some impressive passing moves shown which led to goal glory. A tough game to keep spirits up due to the wet and cold conditions. Well done Stars!
U11 Jettz
This weeks game was played on a very muddy pitch that made it a difficult game for both teams. It didn’t take away from the highlights - Lenny G was thriving and loving the mud it made the energizing bunny just kept on running. Millie went in with a fierce determination and she had it the whole game with amazing tackles and defense. An amazing effort from Ronan who scored his first goal! Well done.
I personally think it was one of the best games the Jettz have ever played and they all looked like they were having so much fun together which is what it’s all about.
U12 Wyverns
The U12 Wyverns are through to the cup final after defeating Vasse 2-0!
The Wyverns secured their home final through tenacity in their back line and some brilliant team play. A long throw in set up the first goal and an accurate boot of Michael put the Wyverns 2-0 up before half time.
The Wyverns stayed strong even though Vasse missed a penalty and had a disallowed goal in the second half which was not good for the fans nerves.
Coach Gary Leigh was delighted with his teams cup run. “I am so proud of the way these boys have played today. At the start of the season a good cup run was an unlikely dream with many players new to the game this season. Making the final is an amazing step. Each individual turned up and played brilliantly.”
Players of the Day were Banjo who had an absolutely amazing game, and Michael for his superb strike and then being in goal!
U13 Rockets
The weather condition set the mood for the tough game ahead of the Rockets, who clashed once again with GMAS Gladiators in the Cup Semi-Final. Both teams were there to show their best game. The Gladiators pressured Rockets with fast passes through the middle, approaching close enough to the goal to get defence on high alert.
While the Rockets used the sides and middle with lots of opportunities and great passes, with some splendid chances not realised thanks to Gladiator’s goalkeeper, the first half finished 0x0.
With the second half under way, and a break in the weather, the Rockets showed their best game, keeping the ball on Gladiators side. But a fast attack from Gladiators, followed by a highball, hit the Rockets’ net in a surprise score.
Then, Rockets were on fire, set on even out the score. With incredible, beautiful, and skilful kicks, stopping short of the mark. Until Hayden got pushed inside the box. Yes, penalty my friends. Kalani took the shot, and you guess it! Goooooooooooooal!
Rockets were still in the game! But defence had no downtime, moving fast to stop every attempt from the Gladiators.
Hayden shot a gold kick, forcing the Gladiators’ keeper to stretch like a gymnast to stop it from shaking the net. The middle of the pitch was a muddy bath and trying to move across it was often comical, with the ball floating instead of rolling.
The clock was ticking, and the boys were already considering penalty shots, when a corner for the Rockets saw gold knees Cody hit the net!
It was the victory shot, the victory goal, the goal Rockets needed to take them to the Finals for the second year in straight. Congratulations Rockets, your perseverance and sportsmanship have paid off.
Congratulations to Hayden and Cody our players of the day and to Squid Lips and Burger Baby for their support.
U14 Sharks
The U14 Sharks met the Busselton Lions on Saturday in wet, icy conditions, to fight it out for a place in the Cup Finals. The Sharks managed to score the first goal, but Busselton quickly retaliated with 2 of their own, the Sharks left trailing at half time. The opening minutes of the second half saw the Sharks go on a goal scoring blitz, scoring 3 goals in quick succession to edge in front.
The next 25 mins were excruciating as the teams traded goal for goal, neither giving in, every time one team would edge in front, the other would dig deeper and come back for more. The final whistle blew and the scores were tied 5 goals all. The teams prepped for penalty shoot outs to determine the outcome, as parents watched on incredulously, their hair greying by the minute.
Benji Willing put in a hero’s performance in goals, saving 2 of the Lions penalty shots before converting his own to ensure his team victory and a place in the final. There were so many incredible performances in this match, to the point that literally every team member is deserving of a mention. Rainer de Vries received player of the day for tireless chasing in the mid-field. Goals were scored by Kai Hiller, Benji Willing and Kelani Taylor. Let’s go Sharks- Cup Finals here we come!
U15 The Blaze
The Blaze played in a 3 team Round Robin in the Cup Semi Finals. Playing two games back-to-back, and the team missing some players to trips and illness, nerves were high on the sidelines.
Game 1: The Blaze vs Busselton Thunder
The game got off to a quick start with Thunder, fresh off a win over Geo Bay, making their way to goal within 2 minutes of play. Keeper Jarrah was able to make a brilliant save by stretching far across the goal which stopped it going in.
The Blaze promptly got into action with solid passing and accurately between our defence and mid field players. This eventually paid off with Ethan scoring the first and only goal of the match.
The Thunder made a lot of attempts at goal and were prevented due to Jarrah’s goalkeeping skills and the hard work by Archie, Charlotte, Lisa, Scarlett, Jack, Charlie and Poom. Ollie M and Asha were also consistent in providing goal shooting opportunities. It was a hard fought win and an excellent display of team effort.
Game 2: The Blaze vs Geo Seasiders
The Blaze needed to win this game to get through to the Cup Final. Seasiders were strong in getting the ball to their end and attempting goals. They also provided a steady defence and only when a ball rebounded off their GK did Lisa used her reflexes and initiative to score Blaze’s first goal. Asha later provided an assist to Ethan who scored the second goal. The third and final goal was a brilliant shot by Charlie.
The second half saw Matty go into goals and grapple well with the muddy end of the pitch. Efforts from Blaze’s defence kept the Seasiders from scoring and therefore kept the score stable. In addition, opportunities to get more goals were provided by Ollie M, Lisa, Ethan, Charlie, Scarlett and Archie who valiantly kept getting the ball down to our forward end.
When the final whistle blew there was much relief and now we are through to a home ground grand final! What an achievement and well done to all our players.
YL Wanderers
On a cold, blustery winters Saturday the Margaret River Wanderers travelled to Bovell to take on the Geographe Seasiders in the Cup semi final. It was always going to be a tough day in the office for Margaret River and all the recent rains certainly didn't help, with certain areas of the pitch resembling a lake. Free flowing football was not going to be the order of the day. To both teams credit they persevered, even if they did look like ducks occasionally.
Any hope of an upset was quickly quashed by the Seasiders as they piled on three goals in the first ten minutes, putting Margaret River on the back foot from the get go.
A goal to Malik at the seventeen minute mark restored some hope for the Wanderers, but once again that was quickly extinguished four minutes later when Geographe scored a beautiful goal from a free kick that was unsaveable.
To Margaret River's credit they managed to keep the Seasiders goalless for the next nineteen minutes and only a magnificent save from the Seasiders stopped Margaret River from scoring again before half time. Unfortunately, a quick rebound from the save resulted in Geographes fifth goal, a mere twenty seconds after the save.
The second half began with a great save from Henry for Margaret River and it wasn't until the fourteen minute mark that Geographe managed their sixth goal. Unfortunately for the Wanderers, later in the half over the space of just eight minutes the Seasiders managed to pile on a further four goals. Margaret River captain, Remi managed a great late goal to bring the final score line to a 10 - 2 loss for the Wanderers.
Positives to take out of the game is that Margaret River was more than competitive for the majority of the game. Three players of the day for Margaret River this week. Caspian had a great game up front in a position he is not too familiar with. Remi on wing was super strong and held position really well. Malik was outstanding again with his never say die attitude and was dominant for the last twenty minutes of the game.