River downs old rival Collie

Men’s soccer

Margaret River 5 v Collie 2

MARGARET River hosted old rivals Collie on a wet, wintery Sunday with a heavy downpour just before kick-off making conditions very slippy and both sides had trouble adjusting.

The first 20 minutes were very even and the hard physical nature of Collie unsettled Margaret River players who were second to the ball more often than not. But Collie could not maintain the intensity and River players started to use the ball more effectively.

A thunderbolt strike from Garry Holmes broke the deadlock, then Alex Costa added to the tally. This rattled Collie who found it hard to get out of their half.

A long ball out of defence caught Collie defence napping and Alex got his second, then Trevor Armener finished a great team move to make it 4-0. At this point Margaret River players were doing as they pleased and Collie were chasing shadows.

A controversial free kick to Collie on the edge of the penalty area, was superbly struck into the top corner to make the half time score 4-1.

The sun broke through for the second half and both sides stepped up a gear. Although they played attractive soccer, Margaret River found it hard to add to their tally. A free kick caused confusion in defence and Collie made it 4-2.

This raised alarm bells, but the game was put out of Collie’s reach by a net-burster free kick by Garry Holmes. Margaret River then cruised to victory, with poor finishing again the only let down. Congratulations to Lewis Hayes who made his senior debut for the club and the rest of the squad for another great team display.

–Paul Brown

JUNIOR SOCCER

Youth League

Margaret River Strikers 4 v Dunsborough 2

STRIKERS hosted a Dunsborough team that had an impressive victory the previous week, so the squad knew they were in for a fierce contest. The following 70 minutes showed the depth of talent we have in the South West, as both sides showed fantastic skill and team play.

It was end-to-end play and great entertainment. Something special was needed to break the deadlock. That happened when Jayden Stammers made a penetrating run from defence and laid a great pass to Kelby Guthrie-Phelps who beat his opponent and squared it inside to Sol Masters, who curled it into the corner of the net.

This was quickly followed by another great piece of individual play from Jayden Stammers who curled a shot in from a corner.

Two nil up and dominating play, it looked like a solid Strikers victory in the offing, but Dunsborough lifted and pulled one back through their main striker James Black. Dunsborough were flying, and putting Strikers’ defence under great pressure, but great goalkeeping from Jesse Gunnis and solid defensive play from Jake Sales, Jesse Martin and Daniel Murtagh kept them out.

The midfield of Kade Bougoure, Adrian Woodward and Zac Harney worked overtime, and out of the blue another great strike from Jake Graebner-Bond found the net to make it 3-1. Back came Dunsborough and scored a second from James Black.

The epic battle continued in the second half as both teams attacked. Jake Cockin in his first game for the season, put the Dunsborough defence under pressure and then a well-worked move saw a Dunsborough defender stop the ball on the goal line with his hands with the goal keeper well beaten. The player was sent off and the penalty well-taken by Jayden Stammers, increased the lead to two goals which the Strikers held to the final whistle.

Congratulations to both teams on a great game. Eagle Boys Player of the match was Jayden Stammers and the Yallingup Maze award went to Jake Sales.

–Paul Brown

15U

Dunsborough predators 2 v FMR Dragons 5

GOOD playing conditions in Dunsborough allowed for a great display of football and the teams fought out an epic battle. Dragons had early field position and Brendan Clark put pressure on the keeper from a throw in to have the visitors ahead early.

The Dragons soon added another when Kai Graebner-Bond beautifully controlled a clearance ball from defence and a quick through ball saw Riley Demunari coolly slot the ball on his left foot past the keeper.

Dunsborough maintained pressure and it finally told when Conor Wolfman pounced on a loose ball to finish a great strike. He repeated the dose a short time later which had the game locked up at half time.

To the Dragons’ credit they were more clinical in the second half and took control of the game, with the opposition allowing them midfield space. Rory Stevenson was unable to return after a corked thigh so Jack Kneebone played further up field. His attack and passing was a feature of the second half. Josh Brown set up Ryner Koster for a regulation finish and Brendan Clark added another after a similar run to give some breathing space.

Tarn Staveley proved an impenetrable force at sweeper. Conor White and Hamish White added to the Predators’ frustration and when Riley, with one of his many crosses, found the regular goal-scoring boot of Tyron Bradshaw, the result was sealed.

Jed Mattinson was unlucky when a late strike found the woodwork and a fall in the penalty area was ruled to be “play on”.

A great team effort and a worthy opponent saw all players leave the pitch with their heads high. Another impressive effort from the Dragons, which is comforting, as we meet tough opposition in coming weeks.

–Neil Mattinson

13U

Margaret River Raiders 0 v Capel Wolves 8

SECOND game of the season had the Raiders up against a strong and well-drilled Wolves team.

Wolves began best and put immediate pressure on Raiders’ back line.

Their experience of the bigger pitch showed, and Wolves took an early two-goal advantage.

Raiders centre backs Liam Mattinson and Angus Dowding – who won a players award - worked hard against the Wolves’ attack, but could not stop them increasing the lead before the break.

The half-time talk was about more talk and pressure on both player and ball from all the Raiders. The players took this to the pitch and with a few position changes, put in a spirited performance.

Claudia Jakovich – who also won a players award – did not stop running and combined well with Caleb Smirke in the middle.

Raiders were then unlucky not to score after Connor Heydon passed beautifully through to Finnlay Brooke but he was thwarted by the Wolves’ keeper.

The efforts of our own Taj Thomas in the Raiders’ goals did not go unnoticed, well done.

The game showed Raiders players what they need to do to achieve results in this league. Well done to all for putting in a solid effort.

–Andy Longmore

Margaret River Waves 4 v Capel 0

THE long road trip to Capel is always testing for parents and players of this age group, but having a full complement of players to choose from, gave the coach and squad a real lift.

Both teams began tentatively, until Sam Leigh unleashed a wonder goal from 25 metres that found the top corner. The Waves were in control and a second goal was added after a great move between Jaz Kupfer-Hollis and Hudson Moore and finished by Sam.

Jye Halsall’s first game on a full-size pitch was a memorable one, winning him the Yallingup Maze award. He linked well with Jasper Harvey and Tanah Howden-Woodland on numerous occasions.

Goal-scoring machine Luke Harney would not be denied after another great passage of play, involving midfielders Aria Beddow and Wini Knapp, giving the Waves a 3-0 lead.

Although goal keeper Ethan Hamilton was rarely bothered between the uprights, his ball distribution was excellent, feeding defenders Jasper Seisun, Alister White and Janaya Beddow, allowing them to play the ball out of back line with great skill.

The whole Waves team is starting to reap the benefits of lifting their heads before passing.

The Eagle Boys player of the match award went to Sam Leigh, not only for his second hat trick in as many weeks, but also for his contribution from central midfield, congratulations.

I thank all the parents for their organisation in getting the players to Capel and especially Mark Halsall for running the line and helping install the goal nets.

–Gary Leigh, coach

11U

FMR Marlins v Vasse Falcons

VASSE Falcons provided a stern test for the FMR Marlins’ first game of the season but the Marlins started brightly and, although there were some first-time players, they soon settled, helped by a superb early long-range goal from Sol.

Alex, Angus and Tomo provided solid defence. James went in goal for the first half and made one unbelievably brave save which unfortunately resulted in injury which meant Alex had to take the gloves. Sol was everywhere and combined well with Annika and Jace in midfield to keep the ball for Marlins and feed Jim and Molly in attack as Marlins put the Falcons under pressure.

The Marlins were unlucky not to score more goals and in the second half and they conceded several as Falcons hit some fantastic shots on target. But Marlins regained their composure and attacked, with Jim causing Falcons’ defence problems with his direct running. He was unlucky not to score after hitting the goalie and defenders time after time. For his efforts, considering this was his first game of soccer, player of the day was Jim.

Special thanks to Simon for reffing the first half. The coach and parents were proud of a great all-round performance and look forward to a great season ahead, well done Marlins.

–Mark Buck

FMR Marlins v GMAS Cyclones

THE Marlins looked fantastic in new jackets and uniforms for their second game of the season. They played some great soccer early, with the midfield of Jace, Sol and Annika winning lots of tackles and providing forwards James and Jim with shots at goal.

Carla made a great run on goal but was tackled just before shooting. Jim scored a goal after pressuring the GMAS defence and Marlins went into half time full of confidence. Molly made some important saves in Marlins’ goal and passed the ball out to our defenders well.

Half time instructions about keeping positions and passing around the GMAS players were executed perfectly in the second half and the Marlins started to grow in confidence and move the ball around.

The defence of Alex, Angus and Tomo did their usual fantastic job of stopping attacks and when GMAS did shoot on goal Jace made some good saves. The second-half highlight came when the Marlins got a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. Molly struck the free kick perfectly into the top corner for a goal that David Beckham would have been proud of.

Then Sol, who had been suffering with a sore stomach, snatched a third goal with a great long-range shot.

Again, the coach and parents were proud of a great all-round performance. Well done Marlins. Special thanks to Simon for reffing the first half and Tim for reffing the second half, and Kathy for organising just about everything else.

–Mark Buck

10U

MR Stingers v MR Bombies

SPECTATORS were treated to fierce competition and good sportsmanship when Stingers hosted Bombies.

Bombies caught Stingers’ defence unaware with a quick, early goal from Kobi Seisun, who played an impressive game from start to finish. But Stingers quickly regrouped to defend strongly against a relentless Bombies attack.

Outstanding goalkeeping from Anj Kupfer-Hollis and his defenders limited Bombies to one more goal from Seth Sanderson before half time.

The second half saw the Bombies continue attacking. Their defenders repeatedly sent the ball back into attack with some booming kicks from Chloe, Eleanor and Lilly. Bombies’ Kobi and Seth took the ball from them for many near misses and Taj Spencer set up some fine attempts with well-placed passes. John was hard to get the ball past, while Mira executed some tricky manoeuvres taking the ball away from Stingers players. Reily was everywhere at once moving into spaces waiting for an opportunity to score.

Forwards Reily, Mira, Seth, Kobi and John kept up the pressure for Bombies while Stinger Griffin Keen did his best to keep the ball out of the net. Anj came out of goals to lead the Stingers’ attack, however, despite some good attempts they were unable to convert with Aniela Doyle cutting off anything that came near. Ryan and Jeremy also played well for the Stingers.

Reily Stammers-Hozier and Kobi Seisun scored twice more for Bombies taking them to a 4-0 win.

Well deserved Players of the Day were awarded to Kobi for Bombies and Anj for Stingers.

All players on both sides are to be congratulated for their perseverance and sportsmanship.

9U

FMR Mambos v FMR Rovers

A HIGHLY anticipated local derby saw 14 excited players on the field entertaining a passionate crowd. With Mambos still buzzing after last week, their confidence was high, hitting the back of the net early.

Rovers, fighting hard. found it difficult to keep the hungry Mambos at bay. Andreas Nikulinski and Ben Cox showed skill to feed the ball forward to an eager Araya Heussenstamm for the Rovers, showing tenacity in trying to break Mambos’ strong defense of Charlie Best and Mikey Jeffs.

Mambos’ attacking duo Henri Sibon and Fred Sanderson showed menace throughout, proving they are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

With the scoreline running away from them, Rovers showed great sportsmanship by running hard to the final whistle. Player of the Day awards went to Monique Armstrong for Rovers and Daniel Botha and Luke Broadhurst for Mambos.

My apologies to Rovers, as the centre official responsible for the oversight of not having the teams change ends at the break. This resulting in Rovers playing into strong sunlight for the full game, and the result may have been quite different if they had changed ends.

Very well played to all who took to the field.

–Jeremy Sanderson

7U

Goblins v Groms

ANOTHER local derby at Margaret River displaying the skills the boys have been practicing at training. Huon House was strong in attacking the goals, and Jack Holzier was excellent in defence.

Jaxon Deighton made a hat trick and continued his good form from last week. Zahn Johnston dominated the mid field, Rayan Amedi showed his powerful kicking style, Lleyton Brooks working hard all over the pitch and Timon Bonelli showed his flair on the ball. Kalani Waterer showed some speed and accurate passing.

Well done boys, and it was great to see so many parents there cheering you on. Go Goblins.

–Brad Deighton

Groms & Grems v Goblins & Urchins

THE second game for Margaret River Groms & Grems saw a home derby against Goblins & Urchins and Groms & Grems showed how all the hard work in training is paying off with a fine display against much larger opposition.

The first game saw two great goals from out wide by Daniel Heyes with Salli Howden-Woodland adding a third. Lana Spencer was impossible to beat at the back and Maya Scott was superb in midfield.

In the second game Drew McMahon covered every blade of grass and was unlucky not to score goal of the season after a great passing move which involved every team member.

Great defence by Beau Seisun and Mischa Quadrio and a brilliant individual effort by Jayden Todd finished off a couple of awesome games. Well done.

Players of the week are Lana and Jayden.

–Ian Scott, coach

Gremlins v Stars

MARGARET River Gremlins and Margaret River Stars had a great game on Saturday. All players had lots of fun on the field in the sunshine with plenty of enthusiasm and some good skills shown.

Gremlins players of the day were Billy Blackburn and Evan Favazzo. Stars players of the day were Jagar Amedi and Mia Botha.

–Cushla Bowyer

6U

FMR Happy Feet v Capel

HAPPY Feet travelled to Capel for a mighty clash of U6s. Dechlan Bickers and Ryder Easton starred early with some precise passing. Ruby Best and Georgie Rothwell-Hines combined well to get the ball moving to the fast-paced Sajer Yurisich and Adam Leighton.

Oscar Dombroski did the biggest kick and Player of the Day was Angus Sommerset for his relentless attack at the goal. The whole team had lots of fun and tried their best, well done.