7 April 2008 Newsletter Number 3 　

Dear Hotspurites,

A beautiful day in the Paris of Victoria (Benalla). All teams looked great and performed pretty well.

Thanks to Paul Mussara of RIVERINA PODIATRY and Peter Mitchell of MC2 for providing some new strips for the LADIES, ELEVENS and FOURTEENS teams. A couple injuries to senior players spoilt the day but we wish speedy returns to Viders,

Marcus and Trev. Most teams have a report so well done.

DRAW FOR THIS WEEK

DRAW for SUNDAY 13th APRIL
HOTSPURS v ST.PATS at HOME ALL Teams play at normal times- 12 Girls play at 1-00pm on Waites Park

DUTY TEAM is the TWELVES - Please be at the grounds at 7-30am to set up fields.

Lost Jacket – Tom Hodge has lost / misplaced his rep. jacket at Aloysius Park possibly on Tuesday 25^th. Please give to Greg Wright U13 coach if you have it or found it.

**** Finally the award for our best report using the word of the week “sasquatch” judged by the newsletter editor (me) goes to the report of David Beckingsale of the U12’s. You can pick up your drink prize at the canteen when we have a home game. A special mention for Craig Day of U11’s. An easier word for next report is “pandora”.

MATCH REPORTS
Under 10’s Bye

Under 11’s V Benalla Won 3 – 1

Sasquatch/Bigfoot/Yeti - call him what you will, 　but he caused us some major foot pain　last weekend. Missing the incisive left foot of Dom Brew and the booming right foot of our striker Jack Day we strode bipedally to the centre to take on the mystery that is Benalla. With our restructured forward line we proved adept at getting the ball wide then into the strike zone but somewhat less accomplished at finishing off, perhaps stricken by the Curse of the Bigfoot. We wasted numerous chances and lost focus at the back to allow a soft goal to our nimble footed opponents who took a 1-0 lead into the break. Not used to being behind in games, our team implored each other to show some Spurs pride. Resplendent in our brand new Riverina Podiatry Group strip we worked hard straight from the whistle, determined to leave our own huge footprint on ht e match. Unrelenting finally yielded a goal, courtesy of one of our first year players, Euan Macleod, who neatly ballooned one in from outside the box after Blake's corner swung across the pack. With Joe Davies making a number of crucial saves in goal at one end, our offence ran in waves, finally capitalising on one of many chances to see Dom Baker, Jack Mitchell and Zac Kraich combine to take the lead, before Jack himself converted to give us a 3-1 victory at the end. Benalla were worthy adversaries and our boys had to pull out all stops to claim a hard fought win. Jack Mitchell was colossal in midfield then up front, ably supported by Zac, Gus, Lewie, Blake and Garth. Euan, Jacob, Chris and Dom worked hard across midfield whilst Joe, Brandon, Daniel and Will all made critical tackles and clearances when it really mattered. A big game against St Pats next week and a big step up needed in our intensity and focus throughout the match.　

Goals: Euan Macleod, Zac Kraich, Jack Mitchell

Under 12’s V Wodonga Panthers Won 5 – 1

The under 12's started the season with a strong performance in defeating Wodonga Panthers 5-1.　 We welcome four new players Caleb, Xavier, Paige and Liam into the team this year. Liam and Xavier celebrated their starts with the team by scoring goals.　 Ryan S also scored a goal while Josh found the back of the net on two occasions.　 With these players along with Caleb and Hamish playing very well in the midfield and upfront the team created many scoring opportunities.　 The defence was very strong. Paige had a good game in defence in her debut with the team while Issac, Lucy, Mark and Thomas played as a unit and showed good decision making skills on the ground.　 Henry had a strong game in the goals with several good saves. Unfortunately he was unsighted on one occasion and a desperate dive at the end just failed to knock the ball wide.　 All in all it was a good team performance and shows that the potential exists for the team to have another very good year.

Under 12’s V Benalla Won 4 - 0

What a Himalayan effort from the Under 12 team. During the first half, and despite the glorious day, the spectators would have been excused for thinking the team was playing on a snow covered pitch – with a touch of frostbite and blurred snow vision. However abominable Caleb, one of our new recruits this year, was keen to show his team mates what an asset he was. He scored the first goal of the day and was instrumental in the second goal being scored by Cam. Yeti Henry performed some fantastic saves as goalie, using his’ big foot’ at just the right time.

The second half was a different story. All the team scaled the mountainous heights and moved like slalom skiers. With the potential of an avalanche of goals being scored by Benalla, Yeti Thomas, in goals for the second half, was admirable. Lucy, Mark, Paige and Isaac, dug in deep during defence, ably assisted by Kasbooras Josh and Hamish who kept the ‘snow’ ball headed down hill only. Esmond, and Ryan, amongst several other players, snow cleared the slope for ‘bull dozer’ Cam to finish off a flurry in the goal square. With support all the way, ‘sasquatch’ Cam then completed a hat trick from the 16 yard box. Well done to a group of absolutely ‘abominable’ players. A great team effort.

Under 12’s Girls V St Patricks Lost 5 - 8

While the other Hotspurs Teams faced the extra travelling time to Benalla, the under 12’s girls and spectators found themselves well located at the St Pats ground, ready for the game but also able to enjoy the aerial Olympics overhead and yonder towards the airport.

The girls faced a tough challenge from the experienced St Pats team and our defensive players- Lauren Mc, Tahlia, Emma T and Isabella in goals- were kept extremely busy, stopping many skilful attacks at our goals from the St Pats frontline. At half time we were 6-2 down.

Snakes and water fuelled the girl’s tanks and they fought back with great resolve outscoring the opposition in the second half. The highlights of the second half were the driving attacks from Melinda, Georgia and Emily M; great passing by Emily Mc, Reuby, Isabella and Milla. Our defensive players closed down the opposition with Bethany making some great saves in goals; Lauren Mc showing some great leadership as our experienced defender. Emma T and Tahlia showed great flair and skill.

Alas the half time margin was too great an obstacle for our valiant girls. The official score was 8-4 however the girls actually put away 5 goals　with 2 goals to Melinda, 2 to Emily M and Georgia scoring her first (ever) goal.

Under 13’s V Benalla Won 10 -0

The coach was right!!

We had been summoned to Benalla earlier than usual to shake off the dreaded travel lurgy. The whistle blew, the coach and parents sat tight; like hunting the elusive Sasquatch we waited for a glimpse of the team we knew was hiding beneath the sleepy faces of the children.　 The Hotspurs camp was confident but it took the first fifteen minutes to find our soccer legs. We waited for the inevitable, and then one by one, like ‘the domino effect’ our team began to awaken. With strong defence and control of the midfield our strikers were fed the ball throughout the game to attack the opposition’s line time and time again. One goal after another rained down on the home team but they could do little to stop the onslaught. A break for some nourishment and it was back to work for the Under 13s.

Although Benalla tried hard and attempted to break our defence on numerous occasions they had little hope of finding a chink in the Hotspurs armour. With the luxury of such a score line the coach made some positional changes and tried some new tactics and the squad didn’t let him down doing everything asked of them. The score could have been higher but for some determined saves by the Benalla goalkeeper who threw himself at everything. Every player had an exceptional game and could not be faltered.

Keep up the good work boys and girls. PS. Thanks to Robert Barrett for running the line.

Under 14’s V Benalla Won 5 - 2

At the beginning of the match Hotspurs were still half asleep and as a result of that Benalla scored the first goal. Then everyone woke up and played good soccer and after good passing Will Clifton scored our first goal and got us back in the game. The next shot was from Connor with a good header but only just hit the cross bar but got another chance and this time scored. After half time both teams were ready to go with score at a close 2-1, then after a penalty was taken from us but we got another and Nick.M put it away with little fuss. Sam was making good saves and kicking huge kicks. Hotspurs were taking good shots and were unlucky to miss. Then Benalla scored again, now the score was 3-2. Johnny had a good run and had a shot but hit the post, then followed up to shot again and scored, now it was 4-2. Then in the last couple of minutes Harry scored and the game finished with the score being 5-2 Hotspurs way. Congratulations to the whole team and to Jimmy who played his first game and made good tackles.

Under 14’s Girls V Benalla Won 3 - 0

Under 16’s V Benalla Draw 0 - 0 Benalla proved to be a much different team compared to last years results. The later starting time for the game left Hotspurs a little more refreshed for the game, which was evident in the amount of effort put into the first half. This consisted of some good passing and plays that were unlucky to not leave us up a goal by the end of the first half. The second half began strongly with more attempts at goal made, but these were still unsuccessful. Our defense was shutting down attack after attack from Benalla and we were saved from a loss by a good save on the line by Patty. A good result for the intensity of the match. Good goalkeeping James and thanks to Rob and Eggy for playing for us.

Under 17’s Girls V Benalla Lost 2 - 3

The girls started the game very competitively with the team having most of the possession. We kept the pressure on and we were looking at 0-0 at half time until Benalla slipped in a goal minutes before the half was over.

In the second half we tried to keep the pressure on but unfortunately Benalla were awarded a penalty. Benalla looked triumphant after their third goal but somewhere Gena managed to put the ball in the back of the net. Hotspurs began to lift and we were awarded with a penalty in which Gena put away nicely. Well done girls and special mentions to Gena, Ella, Millie and Skye.

Thirds V Benalla Won 2 – 0 Forfeit

Reserves 　V Benalla Won 4 – 0

A comprehensive win although most thought Hotspurs played below there best. The doctor was again on target with three goals. The defence was solid with the skipper(Cobra), Stickey and Paddy all playing sound games. Steve and Woodsy both did well off the bench.

Ladies V Benalla Lost 0 - 1

Most observers would agree we were unlucky to lose. We had most of the play and our opponents only had one shot and it went in off the post! Soccer can be tough! That said we can play much better and we will look to do that next week when we

play a top side. Both Briggs girls played very well, while Mia and Brooke were great in midfield and worked very hard on a hot day. Emma(old) and Emma(young) also played good games.

Senior Men 　 V Benalla Won 3 – 0

Always good to get a win at Benalla because we have faltered there in the past. Benalla played in a determined fashion and did not make it easy. Tuksar scored a hattrick to add to his impressive club tally. Rowan and Spokesy were good in the defence while Javi and Giggsy dominated the midfield.