-WALK ON WATER-
Albury Hotspurs v Albury City–Sunday, June 30, 2002
Seniors v Albury City, drew 2-2. Great game and
goals Ben Holt. Yes, you should shave!
Under 15s v Cobram, lost 0-1 (previous week)
After our good second half performance last week we took to the field
confident of a good result, and we were not disappointed, the first half was
very even with both teams having a number of chances, good keeping by Mark
Belgre kept our sheet clean. Early in the second half Cobram scored a good goal
from a corner and try as we did we could not get an equaliser. The overall
performance of the team was very good and we were unlucky to lose. A number of
individuals stood out, Ricky and Mathew had good games and our defense
held up well. Hopefully our luck will change this Wednesday night against
Lavington.
Under 15s v Lavington Panthers, drew 2-2 (wednesday)
Following our improved form against Cobram and keen to seek revenge for the 5-0
drubbing when we played Lavington 2 weeks ago, the team came out on a cold
Wednesday night and immediately took the game to the Panthers, they drew first
blood with a goal from a corner, but we had a number of good chances. At half
time we were still down 1-0, but looking good. The second half was an even
battle, then Georgia had a cracking long range shot which beat their goalie.
They responded with an excellent individual goal where
one of their mid-fielders took the ball in his half and cut a path down the
middle of the field and left our defenders just watching as he slotted the
goal. The Hotspurs did not drop their spirit and challenged keenly until Amy
produced a great cross from the left corner, the ball took a deflection from
one of their players and leveled the score at 2-2. A special thanks to all the
under 14's who turned up to fill in for us, well done team, we have really
turned the corner.
Under 15s v Lavington Panthers, lost 3-5
It was an icy morning at Melrose Oval, the frost was cracking under the players
feet during the warm ups, Lavington were keen to make up for a loss to St Pats
and a draw with us last Wednesday and came out fired up, but Hotspurs through
Luke Briggs scored a fine goal early in the half. We had a number of good
chances in the half but failed to convert any more, and at half time we were
1-1. We opened the second half slowly and lapsed concentration a couple of
times, which allowed them to race to a 3-goal lead. We fought back well with
goals by Amy and Pat and in the end could be well considered unlucky not to get
a draw again as a couple of their goals were dubious. Well done to Georgia and
Matt who played strongly, and thanks again to David, Luke, Seato and Mark for
filling in for us.
Great game girls & boys, you all played excellent. Goals
scored by David 2, Caleb 1. Fantastic goal keeping Tom even though he was
injured , then Jarrod went for awhile. Tom was back in the goals. Thank you to
the following parents for helping out setting up the grounds & in the
canteen: John, Stan & Julie , Geoff & Sandra , Wil for packing up
the ground. If I’ve missed anyone I
apologise.
Under 11s v Albury City, lost 0-5
With another of our notorious slow starts we were effectively out of the game
at the 20 min mark. The first half of this match was perhaps our most
disappointing performance to date. (Maybe having the team photo taken while the
opposition and referee were waiting on the half way line for the coin toss was
a bad omen??). A "pep talk" at half time saw a dramatic turn
around and to the boy's credit a much more competitive and entertaining half of
football ensured. Best on ground Daniel Ryan (3) never stopped
running all day and was brave in defence. Jason Dalitz (2) and Liam O'Dwyer (1)
also made solid second half contributions to the team. Team management is now
looking into strategies for the boys to be fired up from the first whistle.
Suggestions have included regular screenings of the 11sec Turkish goal during
training sessions; the consumption of snakes and jelly babies as a part of the
pre match warm-ups; and playing the Rocky theme song over loud speakers during
the coin toss.
Under 11's v Cobram Lost 3-0 (previous week)
After a trip through the thick early morning fog the team was ready for a tough
encounter against the top team Cobram. Being a much physically larger and
quicker opposition than our boys meant that this was always going to be tough
match for us. Despite Cobram being almost relentless in attack, fine defensive
performances by B.O.G. Jonny Lindsay (sweeper), Liam O'Dwyer (central defender)
2 and Kai Ward (goals) 1, ably backed up by Jason Dalitz and Chris Besant meant
that the result was kept to a respectable score. All in all it was an
entertaining game to watch and to our boys’ credit they never gave up. Well done!!
After our session with the Photographer we started the game off full of
confidence, the play was in their half for the first ten minutes, then we were
given a bit of a jolt with only Adrian Ried between one of their attackers and
our goal. But they did not score and we had a few good build up attacking moves
with Aleki Ward doing some good passing. We just got back and into the second
half when James Eggleston had shot at goal, their goalkeeper kept it out but
only for a second with Chris Camby putting us one goal ahead. Our defence was
tested but Gina Furze and Jake Gardiner did a splendid job, Albury City were
lucky to squeeze one past us in the last minutes of the game to draw one all.
Under 9s v Albury United, won 1-0
Another tight game with only the single goal separating the teams.
Despite numerous attempts on goal we are still struggling to score especially
after some great build up work. If we can continue with our current work rates
the goals will once again start to come. Next week we should start to welcome
back some of our injured players. Once again our defence was impenetrable with
the Girls, Rebecca and Jocelyn showing the way with great tackling and
clearances. James Ellis continues to improve with his tackling and high work
rate while the midfield of Tyla, Domenic, Thomas and Dylan strung together some
good work, especially during the second half when they totally dominated.
Michael played his best game for the season winning many important tackles and
laying the ball off. Max, Ben & Sam Gunning all had several attempts on
goal, most of which were well saved, however Sam finally blasted one home just
after half time which was to be the winner. Some players are still holding onto
the ball for that one extra tackle and losing possession , which is costing us
dearly.
Star Player awards: Ben Clements and Sam Gunning for great shots on
goal.
Under 9s v Parents at Oddies Creek Reserve - Result 5-7 loss (series
tied at 1-1)
A very tight encounter with end to end attacks keeping the Mothers
on the edge of their seats. The parents dominated early on but as their
inferior fitness began to tell the kids started to assert their superiority.
Once the scores began to close up the parents called a halt to the game finally
giving them a victory. Tyla's Mother Chris was magnificent setting up many of
the parents’ goals and scoring a blinder from 10 metres out with a Ronaldo toe
poke scorching the goalies hair as it flew past. The rest all struggled!!
Next week: v Diamonds @ Diamond Park K.O. 11:30 am. Oranges Gunnings,
Player awards - Westons
All teams have a BYE this weekend except the NINES V Diamonds at
Diamond Park 11-30am SAT
All teams V W. Panthers at Home except Tens –BYE Fifteens v
United at Home
15 GIRLS v Wang at home
Newsletter
Match reports or any items
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