Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 The highs and lows of the 2008/09 campaign saw the Under 10 team win their Mini-Soccer Section and the Under 13 Girls reach the County Cup Final. The Under 10 United lads and the Under 12 Sports boys both made considerable progress, with the Under 12 team making an encouraging start to eleven-a-side football. After a good start the Under 14’s season hit a bad middle period but they showed improvement towards the end for a bright future. The Under 9’s knew from the start they would have a tough season but kept battling until the bitter end. Unfortunately the Under 11 and 15 teams both withdrew from their respective leagues. The Under 8 team also enjoyed a successful campaign in the non- competitive league.
Sunday 14 th September
Having struggled all of last season and recorded only a single point the Under 12 Sports got off to the perfect start with a 3-2 win at Wool and Winfrith in the Division 4 of the Under 12 League The other Under 12 team made the step up from Mini-Soccer were they won the Under 11 Section last season to share an eight goal thriller with Sturminster Marshall in the Under 12 Division 2 There was also an encouraging start to eleven a side football for the Under 11’s with a 4-2 win against Heathlands, while at the same time Tom Moate was not so fortunate in his first game in charge of the Under 15 side as they went down 1-4 to Gillinghan Town After a good run towards the end the last campaign the Under 14’s picked up were they left off as goals from Liam Falcus, Conner Saddington and two from new signing Will Prichard helped the Under 14’s to all three points with a 4-1 win at Blandford Youth Barbarians. The New Girls Under 13 team were on their travels but returned from Poole Town F.C Wessex disappointed after a 5-1 defeat. Down in the Mini-Soccer Section both the Under 10 teams visited the County Town, Marks Richards team returned with a point after a 3-3 draw with Dorchester Town Tigers, however the Under 10 United boys came back empty handed after a 6-0 reverse to the Dorchester Town Swifts. Meanwhile the Under 8 team recorded a win in their first game in the new non-competitive section.
Sunday 21 st September
Cougars only Girls team picked up their first points in fine style knocking eight pass bottom club Corfe Castle without reply in the Under 13 Section. The Cougar Under 14’s stay in second place in their division after a 3-1 home win against Okeford United. The visitors opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but two goals from Aaron Berns and one from Will Pitchard mean they have maximum points from there opening two games. Also unbeaten are the Under 12’s who return from Shaftesbury Rockies with all three points after a 3-1 win, however the Under 12 Sports lost by the odd goal in five at home to Broadstone Braves. There was also disappointment on the road for the Under 11’s who despite scoring three times were hit for six by the Blandford Youth Bulldogs The Under 15 ’s are still looking for their first points of the season after a 3-1 defeat against Rossgarth Youth In the Mini-Soccer Section goals from Liam Millen & Daniel Hoare meant the Under 9’s got their season off to the perfect start with a 2-1 against Weymouth Terras. While the Under 10 United lads are still looking to open their account after a 5-1 defeat to Dorchester Town Tigers. In contrast hat-tricks for Ethan Gear and Nial Turner, and a goal a piece for Ollie Camburn and Owen Harrison mean the Under 8’s have won both their opening games.
Sunday 28th September
The Under 14’s kept up the perfect start to the season with a 7-1 home win against bottom club Ringwood Rangers to remain in second spot in their division. Cougars took an early before in form hit-man William Pritchard notched five times in a devastating 20 minute spell to bring up the half-dozen by the interval. The Rangers tightened things up in the second half however Liam Falcus was denied twice by the post before Bill Wheelband made it seven. Ringwood having missed an earlier penalty were rewarded for their spirited second half display with a late consolation. Also in fine form on home turf were the Under 12’s in division 2 who matched the older boys by putting seven pass Parkstone Heights with out reply. The Under 8’s failed to win for the first time this season after been held a draw with Nial Turner scoring Cougars only goal. On Saturday Morning the Under 13 Girls returned from Twynham Rangers with a point after a 0-0 draw which keeps them third in the table The Under 15’s prop up their division having gone down 5-1 to Wimborne Town Youth while the Under 11’s faired no better going down 6-1 at Dorchester Town Gladiators who sit top of the Under 11 division with a maximum points. The Under 9 boys put up a battling performance against Weymouth Youth despite going down 8-0, a much improved performance from three weeks ago when they conceded eighteen to the same opposition.
Page 1 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 Sunday 5 th October
Of the Cougar teams in cup action this weekend only the girls made it into the second round of their County Cup Competitions. On Saturday the Under 13 Girls made the long trip to Boscombe Albion Youth and came away with a hard fought 2-1 win to progress to the next stage. The following day saw a real ding-dong of an affair as visitors Sturnminster Marshall got the all important odd goal in eleven to beat the Under 12’s 6-5 at the Marsh. Less drama for the Under 12’s Sports lads who went down 4-1 to their higher ranked hosts Sherborne Town Youth. There was further disappointment as the Under 11 boys could not make home advantage count after losing 3-0 to visitors Wimborne Town Youth. The only boy’s team definitely through are the Under 10 United boys who advance after Sturnminster Marshall withdrew. Meanwhile back in league action the Under 14’s kept up the pressure on league leaders Broadstone Colts with a hard fought win against Merley Allendale. Cougars fell behind after five minutes and it could have been a lot worse before the interval, however they held on to re- group and in the second period took control. Aaron Berns delivered a free-kick to the far post for Liam Falcus to bring the scores level. With ten minutes remaining William Pritchard drove into the visitor’s penalty area and crossed for Falcus to slot home the winner to preserve the 100% start and remain in second spot. The top two meet in the next round of matches when someone will drop points for the first time.
Sunday 12 th October
The youngest Cougar team the Under 8’s kept up their unbeaten start to the season by hitting double figures for the first time, After going close with efforts by Ethan Gear and Kai Luke, it was Harry Falcus who opened the scoring, by the interval he had added a second and was joined on the score sheet by Nial Turner and Louie Govier. However it was not all one way traffic, Danny Cleaver came to the Cougars rescue with an excellent goal line clearance. While at the other end Turner complete his hat-trick, Govier added his second of the morning with Luke also claiming a brace, to wrap things up Oliver Camburn added the tenth. Joining Falcus on the score sheet was his older brother Liam who helped keep up the Under 14’s impressive start to the campaign with a 3-2 victory against Okeford United in the County Cup. Okeford were out to get revenge for an earlier league defeat by the Cougars, however they found themselves a goal down after Mason Dunn fired in from close range, the lead did not last long Okeford punished a mistake in the Cougars defence to bring the scores level. Just before the break Will Pritchard beat two defenders before coolly placing his effort in the top corner to restore the lead. The visitors pressed for the equaliser but wasted several good opportunities before Aaron Berns split open the Okeford defence to release Falcus who crashed his first effort against the post but reacted first to slot home the rebound. Cougars again gifted United another goal this time a short back pass been punished to set up a nervy final ten minutes, but they held on to take their place in the next round. Also progressing in the County Cup were the Under 10’s who were involved in a really battle at Lytchett Red Triangle were two goals from Lewis Richards sealed a 2-0 win. Richards first effort was something special picking up the ball on the half way line he beat a couple of defenders before slotting the ball pass the advancing keeper for a fine solo goal. However Manager Mark Richards was quick to point out that the whole team contributed to a fine win. Back to league action the Under 12 Sports inflicted the first defeat of the season on Blandford Youth Raiders with a 4-2 win at the Marsh. The Under 9’s , Under 10 United boys and the Under 13 Girls all suffered defeats at the hands of the leaders from their respective leagues. The Under 9 team crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season losing 11-0 to Weymouth Wizards, while the Under 10’s went down 5-1 to Weymouth FC Youth Colts. The Girls went a lot closer only going down 2-1 to Dorchester Town Youth who have won all their games in the section.
Sunday 19 th October
Cougars Under 14 and Broadstone Colts had perfect starts going into the top of the table clash at Broadstone. Both teams went close in a competitive opening period; however the deadlock was finally broken by Will Pritchard who stole in behind the home defence to give the Cougars the lead. Cougars found it difficult to cope with the pace of the Broadstone wingers and conceded two goals from identical moves down the right hand side with the ball crossed into the box and finished both times to give the Colts an interval lead. Within five minutes of the break Cougars found themselves 5-1 down as the Colts fired in three quick goals. The defence did re-group after the shock and with Daniel Edwards and Zak Bently tightening things up. Cougars also had several chances to pull goals back but the damage had been done as they slipped to their first defeat of the season. Another player in fine form was the Under 12 Sports keeper Ashleigh Phelps who despite conceding seven but in a strong performance as his team went down 7-5 to Dorchester Town Rangers.
Page 2 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 There were mixed fortunes for the two Under 10 teams who both faced Weymouth F.C sides. A Milo Bant inspired Under 10’s helped inflicted the first defeat of the season on the Colts with goals from Lewis Richards (2) and Ben Read. Taking over at the top of the Section are the Wanderers who beat the Under 10 United lads 4-2. Both the Under 11 boys and the Under 13 Girls had success on their travels, the boys returning from bottom club Wimborne Town Youth with a 4-2 win. While on Saturday the Girls bought all three points back from Boscombe Albion with a fine 1-0 win. Not such good news for the remaining Cougar teams. Sunday Morning saw the Under 9’s conceded ten at Bridport Juniors without reply, with the Under 15 ’s going one worse with an 11-0 defeat against Poole Bay Youth in the afternoon.
Sunday 26 th October
The Under 10’s remain the only unbeaten Cougar team after a 3-1 win against top of the league Weymouth Youth Wanderers. Top Cougar Jack Drummond opened the scoring, while Lewis Richards kept up his recent hot spell with the second. Wanderers who had won all their opening games pulled a goal back but Dylan Jenkins ensured all three points with the third. Taking over at the top of Under 10 Section E are the Weymouth Youth Colts who squeezed passed the fast improving Under 10 United boys 2-1 at the Marsh. An unde r strength Under 9 team were hit for twenty five goals against a rampant Chickerell Youth, despite the result and the wet weather the boys never gave up and kept trying right to the bitter end . In complete contrast the Under 13 girl’s game ended goalless on Saturday morning after a hard fought battle with Poole Town Wessex . Over in the Youth League the Under 14’s lost ground on the leading teams in division 3 has Shaftesbury Rockies inflicted their second successive defeat. A depleted Cougars battled hard but had fallen 3-1 behind early in the second period. Only a heroic display by Jason Hoskins in the Cougars goal kept his team in the game. Then suddenly with ten minutes remaining Liam Falcus added his second of the morning to give his side some hope. In a frantic end to the game Cougars piled on the pressure in search of the equaliser, a late shout for a penalty when Will Pritchard went down in the box was turned away and with it the three points. The defeat drops the Cougars down to third three points behind the top two who have both won all their opening games. Better news for the Under 12’s on their travels as they returned from Dorchester Town Magpies with a 3-2 win in Division 2, however down in Division 4 the Under 12 Sports lads were not so fortunate losing 3-0 to second place Colehill Sports Bridport Juniors heaped more misery on the Under 15 ’s with a 5-0 win to leave the Cougars still looking for their first points.
Sunday 2 nd November
Both the Under 10 teams welcomed sides from different sections to the Marsh for the second round of the Under 10 County Cup. Mark Richards side took their unbeaten league form into the cup against Sturnminter Newton from Section B. Lewis Richards scored for the fourth successive game to keep up his impressive start to the season, however he was out shone by Top Cougar Ben Graham who scored twice to give his side a 3-2 extra time win and passage to the next round On the adjacent pitch the United boys came up against a strong Sherborne Town team from Section C and despite their best efforts went down 8-0. The only other Cougar team in action on Sunday were the Under 14’s who having won their first four games, have now lost the last three. Poole Town Wessex Colts sending the Cougars back to Weymouth empty handed after a 6-1 win that continues their perfect start whilst dropping the Cougars down to fourth. The previous day saw the Under 13 Girls returned from bottom club Corfe Castle with all three points after an 8-0 win that keeps the girls in touch with the leading teams in their division.
Sunday 9th November
Cougars non-competitive Under 8’s remain unbeaten while at the same time banging in plenty of goals. Harry Falcus started the ball rolling as early has the first minute, followed by further strikes for Louie Govier, two for Ethan Gear, Kai Luke and Louis Wilkinson. Despite conceding a couple after the interval, they equalled their first half tally with a further six in the second period Luke completed his hat-trick whilst Oliver Camburn and Nial Turner notched two each, Owen Harrison completed the dozen with the final effort. Another team still to taste defeat are the Under 10’s who moved into fourth spot in the Under 10 Mini-Soccer Section E with a 3-1 win against Weymouth F.C Colts. Lewis Richards continued his goal a game start to the season with the first, Jack Drummond added the second before James Hughes picked the ball up in his own area, ran the length of the pitch beating several Colt defenders before coolly adding the third. Colts did pull a goal back but were grateful to their keeper for restricting the Cougars to three The other Mini-Soccer games saw the Under 10 United team go down 7-2 to Weymouth F.C Wanderers, while Jay Anderson and Liam Barton scored for the Under 9’s who were beaten 10-2 at Dorchester Magpies.
Page 3 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 Current Under 11 Mini Soccer champions Cougars met Handley Sports the team that pushed them all the way last season, and once again the Cougars triumphant with a 5-3 victory in Under 12 Division 2. The Under 12 Sports boys hit five goals at league leaders Wimborne Town Youth in division 4 however conceded fifteen at the over end, There was no shock in the County Cup as the Under 14’s went down 5-1 to Gillingham Town from Division Two. The visitors took a three goal lead before Aaron Berns pulled a goal back from a well struck free-kick; however the Gills added two more to advance into round three.
Sunday 16th November
There were plenty of goals in the games involving Cougar teams, unfortunately most of them for the opposition. However one team to out score their opponents were the Under 12 Sports who beat visitors Bearwood United 9-6. Leading the scoring was Liam Hooley with six, this was not enough to earn the Top Cougar award that went to Jack Carroll with his two goals and several unselfish assists, also on the score sheet was Keith Derham. The only other team to claim three points were the Under 10’s who beat Bridport Juniors Youth 4-0 at the Marsh. Goals from Ryan Coutar (2), Dylan Jenkins and an own goal, plus a solid defence marshalled by top Cougar James Hughes means Cougars remain the only unbeaten team in their section. The Under 10 United lads could not complete a Cougars double over their west county opponents going down 6-2 to Bridport Juniors at St Marys. There were much heavier defeats for two other teams; Sam Young scored his first goal for the Under 9’s in their 20-1 defeat to Dorchester Raiders, the boys can only be congratulated for their effort and determination to keep going till the very end against far superior opposition. Also finding it tough are the Under 15 ’s who leaked eighteen with out reply to Wessex Eagles. The goals were shared more evenly in the other games, the Under 11’s lost by the odd goal in seven to Weymouth F.C Wanderers. At the same time Portland United sent the Under 12’s back across the causeway empty handed with a 6-4 defeat in Section 2. After a great start to the campaign the Under 14’s are going through a sticky patch, Wimborne Town heaped more misery on them going home with all three points after a 2-0 win at the Marsh. Suffering the same fate were the Under 13 Girls losing by the same score at Dorchester Town Youth on Saturday Morning. The Under 8’s got off to a bright start taking an early lead but failed to win for only the second time this season.
Sunday 23rd November
The Under 10 United boys finally got off the mark with a 3-0 win at Bridport Juniors Youth. A superb team display was capped off with three excellent strikes from Ethan Lister, Cameron Richardson and Jordon Moore while at the other end another top class performance by keeper Jack Brannigan meant they also kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. Mark Richards Under 10’s moved into third spot in Section E with a 9-0 win against bottom club Cerne Abbas. Cougars are three points behind leaders Bridport Juniors having played two games less. The Under 13 Girls also climb to third in their section after beating Boscombe Albion 4-0 on Saturday Morning. Eight down at the interval to Portland United the Under 9’s produced their best football so far this year in the second half, having scored from a Sam Young corner they went close several more times before Portland added two more towards the end to make it 10-1. Another team that can take heart from a much better display are the Under 15 ’s who despite leaking nine goals managed to register a couple themselves against Dorchester Town Cobras. Division 2 Leaders Rossgarth Youth made it six from six with a 6-2 win at the Marsh against the Under 12 boys, at the same time the Under 14’s also suffered on home soil going down 10-1 to Weymouth Diamonds.
Sunday 30th November
Top scores this week were Alan Newman’s Under 10 United who hit twelve pass bottom club Cerne Abbas. Having sampled the wining feeling for the first time last week the boys certain felt in confident mood, Ethan Lister led the way with five, outscoring his strike partner Cameron Richardson by one, a Jordan Moore hat-trick completed the scoring in a 12-1 win. The other Under 10 team also hit double figures with a 10-0 victory against local rivals Chickerell United. Dylan Jenkins, Ryan Coutar and Top Cougar Jacob Whittle all hit two goals apiece; Lewis Richards with an audacious lob of the keeper from the halfway line produced the goal of the game. He was joined on the team sheet by Ben Graham, Ben Read and Milo Bant; the win took Cougars to top spot in the Division. The rapidly improving Under 9’s went down 7-2 to Portland United but it was not until the final minutes could the islanders really relax. Having gone three down the Cougars Charlie Barber punished a poor clearance with a low effort that went in off the post for his first for the club. Portland restored the three goal lead early in the second period only for
Page 4 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 Jay Anderson to grab Cougars second after good work down the left by Sam Young, Anderson and Shay McNulty were then both denied by the United keeper, however the visitors broke away to hit three more in the final minutes. The Under 14’s could not repeat their opening day success against Blandford Youth Barbarians going down 4-0 on home soil, whilst the Under 15 ’s suffered on the road going down 13-1 at high flying Kingswood.
Sunday 6th December
The Under 10’s join the girls as the only Cougar teams still in their County Cup after progressing to the quarter-finals after a well earned 3-1 win at Broadstone from section D. The Under 10 United team made it three wins on the bounce with a 8-0 win against local rivals Chickerell United. Ethan Lister and Jordan Moore grabbed a hat-trick each with two from Cameron Williams capping a fine all round team performance. Also facing opposition from Chickerell were the Under 8’s , Chickens keeper Ben Carter was in fine form, however Louis Wilkinson, Nail Turner(2) and a Oliver Camburn who scored straight from a corner, did find away pass the impressive stopper. Manorside Athletic leapfrogged the Under 11 side with an 11-2 victory which drops the Cougars into the bottom three. In the Under 15 section the boys put up a much better performance despite going down 7-1 to Lychett Red Triangle. The Under 12 Sports visited Poole Town Wessex Rovers and produced an eleven goal thriller with the hosts edging it 6- 5.
Sunday 13th December
Very few games survived the weather this weekend, with the games at the Marsh & Redlands been cancelled as earlier as Saturday afternoon. However there was some action the Under 10’s kept up their impressive start to the season with a 8-2 victory at Dorchester Town Swifts. The boys have only dropped two points this season that was on the opening day, and sit proudly at the top of Section E goal difference separating them from Bridport Juniors, The top two meet next in their first fixtures of the New Year. The only other team in action were the Under 13 Girls who travelled to Boscombe Albion on Saturday Morning, but in a closely fought encounter the home side sneaked it 2-1. Most the Youth teams have one more fixture before the Christmas break, while the Mini’s and the Girls are not in action again until the New Year.
Sunday 21st December
At last there was some Christmas cheer for the Under 14’s , having lost their last six games they ended the year with a welcome three points at Ringwood Rangers with a 3-2 win that completes a league double over the East Dorset outfit. Not such a good end to the year for the Under 11’s , who went down 4-0 at home to top of the table Dorchester Town Gladiators. Also returning home with all the spoils were Wool & Winfrith who beat Andy Parkes Under 12 Sports boys 8- 2 at the Marsh, despite the results both teams have made real progress over the year and hope to continue that into the second half of their seasons.
Sunday 4 th January
The Under 10 United boys started the New Year as they ended the old in sparkling form. After going a goal down to visitors Dorchester Town Swifts they fought back to have taken the lead by the interval, three more followed in the second period to make it 5-1. This was their fourth win on the trot and they are starting to reap the benefits of all their hard work. However there was not such a good start to 2009 for the other Under 10 team, they lost for the first time this season going down 0-5 to a strong Poole Town Youth in the Quarter-finals of the County Cup The only other team in action were the Under 9 team who despite a bright opening went down 12-0 to table topping Weymouth Youth. It was not until the latter stages that Weymouth start to rack up the score but Cougars Jay Anderson and Sam Young had several efforts that brought the best out of the Weymouth keeper as the Cougars looked to get a goal their efforts deserved.
Sunday 11 th January
There is no doubt that the form Cougar team is at the moment, Alan Newman’s Under 10 United boys. They made it five straight wins with victory at Dorchester Town Tigers to climb into the top six in Section E. After surviving early Tigers pressure which saw keeper Jack Brannigan pull off a couple of excellent saves, Cougars went down the other end and a neat pass from Jordan Moore and a cheeky back heel from Ethan Lister gave the visitors a tenth minute lead. The second half was as thrilling as the first with some exhilarating football from both teams. Midway through the second period Lister
Page 5 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 unselfishly squared the ball for Cameron Williams to slot home for Cougars second. Cougar’s backline of Zack Hawkins, Tom Morris and Ryan Fallaise tamed any Tigers attacks, to ensure Cougars collected all three points. Meanwhile the other Under 10 team got back to winning ways after last weeks disappointing County Cup exit with a 4-0 win at Weymouth Wanderers. Another team banging in the goals were the Under 8’s , Oliver Camburn and Nial Turner hit four each, backed up by a hat-trick for Louie Wilkinson, also on the score sheet were Louie Govier with a brace and Kai Luke. Plenty of goals also in the Under 9 game but unfortunately in their net as they conceded ten against Weymouth Wizards, however they did manage to registrar themselves when Liam Millen won and converted a first half penalty. Over in the Youth section the Under 12’s went down 6-0 to league leaders Dorchester Town Raiders, whilst the Under 15’s went down 5-0 to Rossgarth Youth The Under 13 Girls returned to action after the break and were unfortunate not to return from Boscombe Albion with a least a point going down 2-1 to the East Dorset club.
Sunday 18 th January
Having gone three games without a win the Under 12 boys picked up a welcome three points by hitting ten pass Division 2 bottom club Heathlands without reply. Leading the way was Gareth Satchel with five; Harry James added a couple, Ben Lawrence, Harry Munson and Lloyd Harrison made sure the boys hit double figures. Still to register a point this season are the Under 15 and Under 9 boys, both teams lost 6-1 at the weekend the older boys at Wimborne Town Youth, while the youngsters suffered at home to Bridport Juniors. It was not till the final minutes that they got the reward their efforts deserved, Sam Young released Jay Anderson who hit an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box. Impressing in the Cougars backline was Shay McNulty converted from up front to a defender whilst Liam Millen caused the visitors defence plenty of problems at the other end. Goals in the first half from Louie Wilkinson (2) and another from Nail Turner were enough to seal another win for the Under 8 team, The previous day saw the Under 13 Girls put up a brave fight at league leaders Poole Town Wessex only going down 2- 1.
Sunday 25 th January
The Cougar Under 8 boys are having a fine first season together, a mixture of the team who played at this level last year, but were to young to go to Under 9 and boys who progressed from the Mini-kickers have combined to lethal effect. Nail Turner banged in four on Sunday, two in each half to make it another good morning for the youngsters. It was a busy weekend for the Under 10 United team on Saturday they played a friendly at Wool & Winfrith. Jack Brannigan finished off a fine ball from Kaylem Stone for the first, by the interval Brannigan had added a second. However the home team came storming back in the second period to take a 3-2 lead. Jordan Moore did bring the scores level but Wool & Winfrith got the all important winner, as Cougars searched for the equaliser they were grateful to keeper Chad Heather for keeping them in the contest. On Sunday they got back to league business with a 7-0 win against bottom club Cerne Abbas. The other Under 10 team kept up their title push in Section E by hitting ten pass Chickerell United who did manage a consolation before the end. The Under 13 Girls were also in hot form banging in eight without reply at basement club Corfe Castle. No other team played at the weekend all their games falling foul of the weather
Sunday 1 st February
All the plaudits this week go to the Under 9’s who gained their first point of the season with a draw against Dorchester Magpies. In what was an enthralling encounter the visitors took the lead when Keeper William Barber let a shot slip under his body. However the Cougars with a strong wind behind them picked themselves up, and went down the other end to equalise Jay Anderson getting the vital touch from Charlie Barber’s cross to beat the keeper. Them for the first time this season Cougars took the lead in a game, Barber broke free and calmly picked his spot to make the score 2-1. Now facing the wind the Cougars came under increase pressure in the second period. Sam Young cleared one off the line and when the County Town team got a penalty, Barber made up for his earlier error to tip a will struck spot kick over the bar. Just as it looked like been Cougars morning, they failed to deal with a long clearance down the park and the Magpies forced home the equaliser. Another team to take a share of the spoils were the Under 8’s on the adjacent pitch. Louie Govier gave the keeper no chance with his drive from outside the box that flew into the top corner for the Cougars goal. The Under 10 team went to the top of Section E with a 4-0 win against Bridport Juniors Youth. Next for them is the Cougars Derby against the Under 10 United lads who are on a rich run of form having won their last six league games. Not such good news for the Cougar Youth teams in action. The Under 11’s suffered at the hands of Dorchester Town Centurions going down 8-1 on home soil
Page 6 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 Top of the table Poole Town Wessex returned to east Dorset with all three points having beaten the Under 14’s 7-0 in Division 3, while the Under 15’s also went down to a Poole team, Poole Bay Youth sending them back to Weymouth empty handed after a 4-1 defeat.
Sunday 8 th February
It was the first of the Under 10 Cougar derby’s this week with the two teams from Mini-Soccer Section E meeting at the Marsh. The United team have been in tremendous form recently but after a tight, competitive opening period Mark Richards’s boys took the lead on the stroke of half-time. They extended that lead with three more before United’s Jordan Moore pulled a goal back; however this proved only to be a consolation with Richards’s lads adding another to make it 5- 1. The win keeps up their unbeaten league record whilst also opening up a four point gap at the top of the section over Weymouth F.C Youth Colts who have played three games more. The only other team in action were the Under 9’s who played host to Dorchester Raiders. Cougars started brightly and went close with efforts from Jay Anderson and Sam Young, while Cougars keeper William Barber was forced to tip a long range effort over the bar. However the Cougars could not hold out till the interval and found themselves a goal down by the break. Liam Millen broke free of the Raiders defence to bring the best out of the visitor’s keeper before Raiders eventually made their class show with two quick goals and by the end had moved the score to eight. The Cougars can take pride from the performance especially since the last time the two teams met Raiders hit twenty.
Sunday 15 th February
The Under 10 lads followed last weeks derby win against the United team with a 5-1 win against Dorchester Town Tigers. Goals from Lewis Richards, Ben Graham and Ryan Coutar put the Cougars three up before Dylan Jenkins released an absolute thunder bolt for the fourth; Jenkins also claimed an assist for the fifth when the Tigers keeper could only parry his corner into the net. The win keeps them top of the pile with a four point cushion over their nearest rivals. On the adjacent pitch the United lads recovered from last weeks disappointment to take a share of the points with a 2-2 draw against Bridport Juniors Youth. The Under 8 team also had a very close game with Weymouth Youth who after surviving early Cougar pressure scored an excellent team goal; their keeper started a move which swept the length of the pitch before ending up in the Cougars net. The best chance in a competitive second period saw Cougars go close with a Nial Turner effort which hit a post rolled along the line and the keeper pouncing before a Cougars forward could add the vital touch. The best performance from the older boys came from the Under 15’s who put up a brave fight against Parkstone Heights Hawks only losing out by the odd goal in five Both the Under 12 teams went down to heavy defeats, the Under 12 Sports have not played since before Christmas and this showed as they struggled against runaway Division 4 leaders Wimborne Town Youth who rattled in fourteen without reply. Whilst there counterparts in Division 2 went down by nine to title hopefuls Rossgarth Youth
Sunday 22 nd February
The Under 12 Sports boys returned from bottom club Bearwood United Youth in high spirits after a 10-1 victory that takes them out of the bottom two in Dorset Youth League Division 4. However in Division 2 league leaders Dorchester Town Raiders showed no mercy as they went one better against Paul Scott’s Under 12s with an 11-1 win. The long suffering Under 15’s had an afternoon they will want to forget after going down 22-2 to Wessex Eagles. Another team down on their lucky are the Under 11’s not only did they lose 11-0 at Portland United but they dropped to the bottom of the league after Wimborne Town pulled of the shock of the day with a 2-1 victory against league leaders Dorchester Town Gladiators to leapfrog over the Cougars. The first Cougar team to finish their league season are the Under 9’s who despite only getting a single point all season have made great strides in a league in which they were clearly out of their depth. Their performances over the season has seem a gradual progression, with better results the second time round against every team typified by Sunday’s result which despite losing 13-0 to title chasing Chickerell United was a vast improvement on the twenty five conceded back in October. With so many Cougar teams at the wrong end of their respective tables it’s refreshing to see the Under 10’s increase their lead at the top of Section E with a 7-0 win at bottom club Cerne Abbas. The Under 8’s were amongst the goals again with Nial Turner hitting an incredible seven, he was joined on the score sheet by Ethan Gear who claimed a dodgy hat-trick the second of his efforts had more than a little help from a defender. Owen Harrison needed no assistance with his solitary effort.
Sunday 1 st March
The Under 10 team clinched the Mini-Soccer Under 10 Section E title in style with a 5-0 victory against the Under 10 United lads in the second of the Cougar derbies. Lewis Richards got the ball rolling with a spectacular over head kick for the first of his two strikes; he was joined on the score sheet by Ryan Coutar and Jacob Witherall. Milo Bent completed the
Page 7 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 scoring with a long range effort from the halfway line. With Bridport Juniors losing to Dorchester Town Tigers the win sealed the championship however they will not rest on their laurels with three games remaining the boys want to complete the campaign unbeaten. A narrow 2-1 win was enough to give the Under 12 team all three points against Dorchester Town Magpies in Division Two, with the Under 12 Sports boys sharing the points with Poole Town Wessex Rovers in a six goal thriller down in Division Four.. The Under 14’s could only field nine players and despite their best efforts went down 13-0 to Shaftesbury Rockies,
Sunday 8th March
Whilst the Under 10 United lad’s progress this season may have been overshadowed by Mark Richards championship winning team; they can look back with a great deal of pride in their improvement. Last season they finished bottom of the section and after an indifferent start the boys have shown great character and a determined attitude to put together a string of results that has seem them climb the table. Goals from Arran Sawyer and Ethan Lister were enough for a 2-0 win at Chickerell United which sees them go into sixth place and over the twenty point barrier. Meanwhile the Under 10 title winning team took their foot off the gas and lost their first league game of the season when Dorchester Town Swifts returned to the County town with all three points after a 3-1 win. The Under 12 Sports boys had an afternoon they will want to forget going down 16-0 at Sturminster Newton United. However better news for the Under 14 team who after a heavy defeat last week steadied the ship with a 2-2 draw at Okeford United.
Sunday 15th March
Having had a torrid time in the league the Under 9’s turned their attention to the League Cup with a trip to Broadstone. After a bright start in which debutant Harry Fairman went the closest they were caught with a sucker punch when Broadstone broke away and opened the scoring. Just before the interval Sam Young saw his shot blocked by team mate Liam Millen and when Young fired in the rebound Millen was inches away from an equaliser. Kicking up the slope in the second period Millen was again at the heart of Cougars best effort racing clear and narrowly shooting wide. In the final minutes Young twice brought the best out of the host keeper who made sure they claimed all three points. A solitary Danny Cleaver goal gave the Under 8’s a slender lead at the interval however no one could foresee what was in store in the second period, both team exchange blows with two for Nial Turner and a Kai Luke effort enough to give the Cougars the final advantage The Under 13 Girls moved up to third place in their division with a narrow 2-1 home win over Twynham Rangers Having surrendered their unbeaten record last week normal service was resumed for the Under 10’s with a 5-0 win against visitors Bridport Juniors. It was a point apiece for the Under 12’s and Shaftesbury Rockies as the fought out a 2-2 draw, while on the adjacent pitch the Under 12 Sports boys were not so fortunate going down 7-2 to Ringwood Rangers.
Sunday 22nd March
Alan Newman’s Under 10 United lads brought the curtain down on their league campaign with an excellent 2-0 win against Bridport Juniors. Strikes from Jordan Moore and Cameron Williams saw them end the West Dorset sides slim hopes of claiming the runners-up spot. The United team lost their first seven games but since Bridport won the reverse fixture back in Mid-November they have picked up an incredible twenty five points from eleven games, only losing the two Cougar derbies to the league champions. Harry Fairman provided the only bright spark from a disappointing performance for the Under 9 team getting his first for the club, this after Heathlands had taken the lead after a period of Cougar pressure. Sam Young played in Fairman who chased down the ball forcing the keeper into an error to poke home the equaliser. Heathlands responded immediately to regain the lead and added three more in the second period. Both the Under 12 teams suffered on their travels, Paul Scott’s boys in Division 2 came back from Sturminster Newton with their tails between their legs following an 8-3 defeat, while the Sports lads in Division 4 returned empty handed from Ringwood going down 5-2 to the Rangers. The Under 13 Girls had a much closer tussle with Dorchester Town going down 3-2 to the County Town who closed the gap on leaders Poole Town Wessex to a single point.
Sunday 29th March
Not even a Saturday Morning Kick off could bring a change of fortune for the Under 9 team. They started off brightly and went close thought Harry Fairman, but once Lychett Red Triangle got their passing game together they took control and hit a dozen with out reply in a 12-0 win. However there were a few encouraging performances with Mitchell Page the Top Cougar with his best display for the club.
Page 8 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 Much better news for the Under 10 championship winning team, they ended their campaign with a 7-1 victory at Bridport Juniors, who have lost their last three games to Cougar teams. The win gives the champions a ten point gap over their nearest rivals Weymouth FC Youth Colts. Another team on the goal trail were the Under 12’s who hit bottom club Heathlands for ten in Division 2. There were also ten goals in the game involving the Under 12 Sports down in Division 4, Sturminster Newton United returning home with all three points after a 8-2 win. Broadstone showed why they are favourites for the Under 14 Division 3 title, putting nine past Geoff Burn’s boys.
Sunday 5 th April
Paul Scott’s Under 12’s travelled to Handley Sports to continue the rivalry with the team that pushed them all the way to last seasons Under 11 Mini-Soccer title and once again it was the Cougars that came out on top with a 5-2 win that pushes Handley deeper into the relegation zone in Division 2 Meanwhile down in Division 4 the Under 12 Sports boys were hit for double figures in the County town. Dorchester Town Rangers wrapped up second spot and promotion with a 10-1 win. The only other team in action the Under 9’s were also in the County town, concluding their League Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Dorchester Town Magpies, however it was an encouraging performance especially from debutant Hamish Hamilton.
Sunday 19th April
With the league campaigns entering the final weeks only two teams were in competitive action. The Under 12’s put up a brave fight against Portland United who clinched second spot in Division 2 with a 5-3 win. The Under 14’s mid-table clash at Wimborne Town Phoenix ended in disappointment for the visitors after a 5-1 defeat at the East Dorset Club. The Under 9 team tasted eleven a side football for the first time with a friendly at Portland United, despite the Islanders hitting double figures the young Cougars gave a good account of themselves.
Sunday 26 th April
The Under 13 Girls went so close in their County Cup final; a late extra-time winner for Poole Town Wessex was enough for them to complete a league and cup double. However the girls gave a great account of themselves and can be very proud of reaching the final. It took until the final week of the regular season but the Under 9 boys finally recorded a win with victory against Weymouth Warriors. After a bright opening period Jay Anderson scrambled home the opener after a Sam Young corner. Moments later Young had the chance to increase the lead from the penalty spot but was denied by a great save. Anderson again went close but saw his rasping effort go inches wide and the same player again let fly only for the ball to come back off the upright. Early in the second period Charlie Barber combined with Liam Millen for the later to poke home the second, Warriors went close with an effort that hit the bar but Cougars held out for only there second win of the season, the last coming way back in September.. Another team who ended the season on a high were the Under 12 Sports in Division 4, after suffering a 4-3 reverse at Blandford Youth Raiders on Wednesday Evening, they were back on the road on Saturday this time returning from Broadstone Braves with all three points after a 7-2 win. To complete a busy end to the season, Sunday they travelled to Colehill Sports and another fruitful journey this time a 3-2 success. Up in Division 2 the Under 12’s complete their first season in eleven-a-side football with a 6-4 win at Parkstone to finish a respectable sixth place. Unfortunately the Under 14’s went down 2-1 at Merley Allendale, a win that sees them leapfrog Cougars into seventh.
Sunday 3rd May
The Under 9’s made an encouraging start to the tournament season at Sandringham in the Dorchester Town Youth Tournament. They started with a 1-0 win against Puddletown, Liam Millen squeezing an effort in at the near post. This was followed by another solitary goal win against Maiden Newton & Cattistock. Jay Anderson rifling in Charlie Barbers cross with the last kick of the game. They made it three wins out of three against Dorchester Dynamos, a own goal from Sam Young’s corner gave Cougars the lead Young broke free and made sure of the points blasting in the second. Two early first half strikes by Dorchester Raiders in their fourth game made it an uphill task to qualify however they came back strong in the second period but could not make the break through and lost 2-0. In their final game went down 5-0 to group winners BSC Grange, but they finish a respectable third in their section. BSC Grange went on to beat Weymouth Youth 2-0 (aet) in their semi-final, while Raiders squeezed pass Ringwood Youth on penalties. Grange having beaten Raiders in the group stage earlier went on to claim the title.
Page 9 of 10 Weymouth Cougars Y.F.C Season 2008 - 2009 Sunday 9th May
Cougars were well represented at the Chickerell Tournaments, with all the Mini-Soccer teams taking squads to Budmouth on Saturday Morning. Having progress to the knock-out stage the Under 10’s won a tight semi-final on penalty kicks at the expense of Weymouth Wanderers. However the final proved a game to far as the Weymouth Youth ran out 2-0 winners against a tired Cougars. The Under 10 United team failed on goal difference to make the knock-out stage, while the Under 8’s missed out on a final place going down 2-0 to Bridport Juniors in their semi’s. The Under 9 had a bad start to their campaign losing both there opening game 1-0 to first Chickerell Colts and them AFC Trharris a Welsh touring side. Better news in the next game Sam Young opened the scoring after a great soul run against Weymouth Warriors, moments later Young again set off on a run but this time his shot was saved only for Charlie Barber to power in the rebound. Weymouth did pull a goal back but the Cougars held out for all three points. Their last group game paired them with Dorchester Raiders, Danial Hoare unfortunately put through his own net, William Barber saved bravely at the feet of the Raiders forward only for the loose ball to be slotted home for 2-0. A well worked free-kick allowed Junior Muir to score his first goal for the club, however Raider added a third before the end. The win over Warriors was enough to take them through to the Quarters were they met group A winners Corfe Mullen who had won all four of the group matches. The game went to form as the eventually tournament winners beat an exhausted Cougars 2-0.
Sunday 16th May
THE 18th annual Weymouth Cougars’ Summer Sixes and Mini Soccer Tournament was a massive hit with more than 90 teams taking part. The event gave Weymouth youngsters the opportunity to pit their wits against those from other areas, including Oxford, Bristol, Salisbury and Hampshire. This year’s showpiece, attended by Weymouth & Portland Mayor Tim Munro, was of the highest standard with some excellent football played in the best possible spirit. The Under-9s’ contest saw a repeat of last year’s final with BSC Grange beating Mangotsfield United on penalties. A shootout also decided the Under-10s’ event with Weymouth Terras edging out Weymouth Youth in the final while Ringwood Rangers won the Under-8s’ team of the tournament award for their outstanding performances. Once again Oxford-based outfit Radley Boys showed their strength by winning both the Under-14 and 15 age groups, beating Chickerell United and Weymouth Victoria respectively. The Under-11 final was one of the best games of the weekend and Weymouth Terras reversed last year’s result by overcoming Kings Park Dynamos on penalties. Sturminster Marshall proved too strong for Wimborne Town in the Under-12s’ competition while the Under-13s’ event threw up an all Weymouth FC final with the B team running out 3-1 winners over the A team. The only girls’ age group was the Under-13s where Boscombe Albion beat Dorchester Town in a penalty shootout to take the trophy. Cougars’ spokesperson Jim Halls said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped and supported this competition. “To Jake of AAA Transport and Gary of Drummond Driveways for the use of their lorries and vans. To Chris Palmer of Premier Entertainments for the loan of his PA system. “Our many helpers who help set up and run the barbecues and refreshment areas, especially Julie, Maggie, Chris, Suzanne, Dale, Alison and Georgia. “All the parents of Mark’s Under-10s’ team who struggled manfully in driving rain to set up the mini pitches and Sarah and all who baked and sold a whole truck load of cakes. “There were many others, too numerous to mention, without whose input the weekend could not have reached such a successful conclusion. “Our thanks also go to W&PBC grounds staff for looking after the pitches and surrounding areas so well for us. “A special word of thanks must go to our referees who year after year give up their weekend and without whom there would be no competition. “We would also like to thank all those individuals and companies for their pitch sponsorship.”
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