2011 KANGA CUP
AROUND THE GROUNDS GRAND FINAL SPECIAL
WE ARE THE KANGA CUP CHAMPIONS
BY DONGYAN WANG at University of Canberra
The fifth day of play in the 21st Kanga Cup saw seven champion teams found in the under-10 and under-11 male and female groups at the University of Canberra playing fields.
The successful teams are West Pymble Eagles who defeated Northbridge FC with a 1-0 win the Boy’s under-10 Cup, Belsouth Fury who saw off Rouse Hill Rams with a 1-0 win in the Boy’s under 10 Plate, Peninsula Strikers who came out on top in a seven-goal thriller beating Queanbeyan FC with a 4-3 win in the Boy’s under-10 Shield.
In the under10/11 Girl’s Cup Belsouth beat Gungahlin Strikers 1-0 whilst Fairfield Knights beat Eastern Suburbs with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win after the Boy’s under-11 Cup Final ended 0-0. There was also a penalty shoot-out win for Dubbo Devils who triumphed 3-1 from the spot against Northbridge FC in the Boy’s under-11 Plate after a thrilling match finished 2-2. And, in the Boy’s under-11 Shield match Tiligerry FC were too good for Braidwood Bullants winning 4-1.
All the Champions enjoyed their celebrations with their teammates, coaches, parents and relatives on the ground after the matches, celebrating their whole week of play but enjoying the win was not the only thing to do as they showed respect to their opposite players and shared their championship trophies with the opposite team to take a commemorative picture.
It is also a moment to say thank you for the Kanga Cup referees, officials and volunteers for their great work to provide a successful Kanga Cup trip for all the competing teams.
Gungahlin Strikers Coach, Marc O’Neill highly praised the Kanga Cup officials during the presentation to show their support to the Kanga Cup football games. “We really enjoyed the whole week of play with my girls during the Kanga Cup and it was a good experience for us,” he said.
Managers from other Champion teams thought it was also an opportunity to introduce their football clubs to the public helping to attract more players and supporters through showing their top skills during all the games.
MAJURA MINI MATILDAS WIN UNDER-12 CUP
GIRL’S UNDER-12 CUP Majura Mini Matildas 2 Canterbury Juniors 0
BY XIYUE CAO at Hawker Football Centre
Anna Crompton scored a double for Majura Mini Matildas to beat Canterbury Juniors and win the Grand Final of the Kanga Cup under-12 Cup at Hawker Football Centre. After the opening whistle, Canterbury found the chance to shot but failed and the offensive situation converted to the Majura girls. However, Canterbury organized some good defense and Majura couldn’t find any chance to shoot.
Three minutes later, Canterbury started to push forward but the girls seemed not prepared to shoot. This hesitation meant that despite some good passages of possession Canterbury were unable to seriously test the Matildas resolve.
In response Majura kept pushing pressure forward and found the net in the tenth minute. Eilis Fitt sent the ball to Grace Basser-Silk who passed to Crompton. Crompton controlled the ball well and struck a firm shot past the Canterbury ‘keeper and into the back of the net.
After that Majura hardly got the chance to shoot with Canterbury’s penalty area crowded by the players of both teams.
In the first ten minutes of second half, Canterbury got four corners in quick succession but all failed to find a net. Both sides tried to take an offensive approach but it seemed very hard as both defences were well organised. The two teams tackled heartily and blocked any further chances to score.
Majura however, slowly began to dominate the proceedings. Only ten minutes before the final whistle, Maya Mokak threaded the ball from the by-line to Eliza Baker, who passed it onto Crompton who claimed her second goal of the final.
The tempo fell considerably after Majura locked the winning position as neither team seemed to be striving to grab the next goal. And the most of the action commenced in the centre of the pitch and chances were few and far between but Majura did enough to claim the title.
SINGOK TURN ON THE STYLE TO DOWN ADELAIDE
BOY’S UNDER-12 CUP SinGok Primary School 7 Adelaide City 2
BY RUSS GIBBS at AIS Track
Returning to the Kanga Cup for the sixth successive year SinGok Primary School from the Republic of Korea showed, once again, how impressive they can be with a barnstorming performance in the Grand Final of the Boy’s under-12 Cup competition defeating Adelaide City 7-2.
The Koreans had racked up a half-time score of 4-1 after taking an early lead through a well-executed set-piece routine where a corner was nonchanantly flicked on at the near post, across the line of sight of the Adelaide goalkeeper, and into the far corner of the net. From then on it was catch-up for Adelaide who found themselves unable to cope with the pace and variety of the SinGok attacking forays.
The South Australians did reduce the deficit after SinGok had doubled their lead when the referee awarded them a penalty that was confidently despatched by De Donatis but it was a mere respite as the overseas visitors made it 3-1 with another clinical end to a sublime attacking mood. To cement their superiority even further SinGok added a fourth goal to their repertoire of outstanding finishes when a solo run ended with a neat near-post strike.
There was no let-up for Adelaide after the interval when SinGok extended their dominance with a fifth scored at the end of yet another stunning dribble down the wing. With technique and ability beyond equal in this division it was a well-deserved victory for a team that were also awarded the Fair Play trophy for exemplary behaviour, on and off the field, throughout the week.
Despite being in complete control of the match SinGok continued to play in the same vein as they have in every match played in Canberra. It was little surprise that further goals came before the end of the match as Adelaide City, who were gallant in defeat, were well and truly put to the sword.
DODGERS TOO STRONG FOR COURAGEOUS COOGEE
BOY’S UNDER-12 PLATE Majura Dodgers 3 Coogee United 1
BY RUSS GIBBS at AIS Track
Action on the 2011 Kanga Cup Grand Final day began with the bright winter sunshine warming the hearts and minds of a large group of spectators at the Australian Institute of Sport Athletics track, as Coogee United and Majura Dodgers went head-to-head in the under-12 Plate Grand Final.
With the pitch in immaculate condition and a chill in the air the conditions were perfect for football and the two teams served up a feast for the supporters.
The Dodgers were the more positive of the two teams in the first half and created the better of the openings but were unable to find a way past the formidable Coogee United defence. It took a moment of brilliance for Majura to take the lead and kick-start the final into life.
Awarded a free-kick some 25 metres from goal, D’Ambrosio blazed a superb shot high up and over the wall that dipped over the head of the Coogee ‘keeper and crashed into the back of the net to put the Dodgers into the lead. It was a goal of sublime quality and was struck with an accuracy and velocity that belied his tender years.
The score line remained 1-0 at the break and Coogee pushed looking for an equaliser for most of the second half. It was while Coogee was searching for the vital breakthrough that Majura struck what was to prove to be the killer blow. A swift counter-attack ended with an incisive pass splitting the United defence and allowing Cosentini to stride clear and slide a neat finish across the ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net.
Coogee gave themselves renewed hope with a goal struck by Mould but any hopes of a comeback were quashed in their tracks by a third, and decisive, Dodgers strike. Chan raced away to slot calmly into the net and give the Dodgers the Plate trophy with a final score of 3-1.
MOOREBANK SPORTS CLAIM SHIELD FROM LOCAL SIDE
BOY’S UNDER-12 SHIELD Moorebank Sports SC 3 Queanbeyan FC 0
BY XIYUE CAO at Hawker Football Centre
Moorebank Sports SC claimed the top honour in the Boy’s under-12 Shield defeating Queanbeyan FC 3-0 in the Final at Hawker Football Centre.
The average height of the Moorebank boys was taller than those from Queanbeyan but that only made Queanbeyan fight harder for the victory. Moorebank got the positive situation at first but later on both sides put forward in turn.
Moorebank got the corner and passed the ball to Ben Tolliday, Ben shot and the ball hit the leg of one of the opponent’s and bound back to Ben. He shot again but the goal keeper held it. In the tenth minute, a Queanbeyan player was tackled by a Moorebank illegally and was awarded a penalty. Andrew Messina shot but it was held by the goalkeeper.
Both sides were concentrating on defense and none of them were able to get the chance to pressure their opponent’s box. In the fourteenth minute, midfielder Timothy Watson sent the ball for Franco Maya Valiente and the ball was kicked into the net to give Moorebank Sports the lead. One minute later Queanbeyan had a chance to level but failed to convert.
The spirit of Moorebank kids was stimulated after several offensive forays and Franco May Valiente scored after Timothy Watson headed the ball to him. Because Moorebank strengthened their offense, in the last few minutes in the first half, Queanbeyan couldn’t create a chance close to the penalty box
In the second half, Queanbeyan adjusted their status but still in vain to convert their passive situation. Five minutes later, the tempo fell considerably as neither team seemed to be striving to grab a goal. Moorebank’s Chris Fitzgerald had a shot over the bar and the goalkeeper pulled off a fine save.
On the ten minute mark of the second half, a Queanbeyan striker shot but the goal keeper held the ball. This precipitated a period of Queanbeyan pressure that they were unable to turn into a goal and Jack Wannell of Moorebank made them pay, scoring only two minutes before final whistle to seal the 3-0 result.
“I am very happy the kids can come to the Final Grand, the result is not that important,” the manager of Queanbeyan Football Club said.
DRAGONS SILENCE STRONG HOME SUPPORT
GIRL’S UNDER-13 CUP Maccabi Dragons 1 Woden Valley United 0
BY XIYUE CAO at Hawker Football Centre
As an advantage of being the home team Woden Valley SC United had the loudest and best support from their families however, this couldn’t help them to win the gold medal in the under-13 Girl’s Cup competition.
After the game started, Woden Valley got the first free kick however Bianca Francis shot over the bar. Four minutes later Madison Toucher from Maccabi Dragons shot but was unfortunate to see the ball rebound off a Valley body. Minutes later though the Dragons Toni Sharp collected the ball close to her rival’s penalty box and fired a low shot to record the first goal for the Dragons.
Later in the half the Dragons tried to push pressure forward but both sides were unable to string passes together. Following two shots by Dragons’ Toucher the Maccabi girls were crowded in the box of the rivals. Woden Valley was struggling to get control of the ball and create any meaningful attacks let alone get near enough to the Maccabi goal to test the goalkeeper.
The situation changed after the interval though as Woden Valley reorganized their offence and put pressure on their opponents. The Valley girls tried to hold their positive situation but seemed reluctant under pressure to try their luck. In the second minute of the second half Valley got a good chance to shot twice but all failed. The Woden striker hammered her shot over the bar and the second time, the ball was held by the goal keeper.
In the sixth minute the Dragons’ goal keeper pulled off a catch from a corner and knocked a long ball down at the top of the Valley’s box but the breakaway chance came to nothing. Later on, Valley’s girls were scared by the three dangerous corners and spent few minutes to re-organise their back-line.
Lelina Gamer of Valley shot twice later but unfortunately was denied by the Maccabi goalkeeper and the only thing they can do is to strength their defense. In the last few minutes, Woden Valley couldn’t find any chance to shot and the Maccabi Dragons claimed their gold Kanga Cup.
LIGHTS OUT FOR UNITED AS KOREANS DOMINATE
BOY’S UNDER-13 CUP PoCheolDong Primary School 2 Light United 0
BY RUSS GIBBS at AIS Track
Playing two years above their age range PoCheolDong PS, from the Republic of Korea and one of the youth feeder teams to former AFC Champions Pohang Steelers, took out the Boy’s under-13 Cup by downing Light United 2-0 at the AIS Track on a bright, sunny afternoon.
The Koreans had started the week by playing some wonderful football and netted 21 goals in their opening two matches. Showing verve and mobility that proved too much for their older, more physical opponents, PoCheolDong took the lead inside the opening quarter pouncing on a rebound after a header had thumped back off the crossbar.
The lead was doubled shortly before the break when J.H. Kim set off towards goal. Feinting to his left, the fleet-footed forward cut onto his right and unleashed a fierce shot that flashed past the Light United custodian, leaving him grasping thin air, to give PoCheolDong a convincing, and on the balance of play, a deserving 2-0 lead.
Light United are made of stern stuff and have enjoyed a week of success in leading up to the Grand Final and their robust play was almost rewarded during the second half but the Korean defence was stern and resolute and put up a formidable barrier which Light United struggled to break down.
PoCheolDong looked increasingly dangerous on the break though and, even while they attempted to claw their way back into the contest at one end, Light United was forced to be wary of being caught on the counter- attack.
It was from one of these breaks that PoCheolDong should have put the game beyond the reach of their opponents. A poor challenge from behind resulted in a red card for the Victorian defender and a penalty to the Koreans however the United ‘keeper saved the spot-kick but it was to no avail as PoCheolDong claimed the title.
TILFORD VICTORIOUS IN A THRILLER
BOY’S UNDER-13 PLATE Tilford Zebras 4 Mindil Aces 3 (after extra-time)
BY JOHN FORRESTER at McKellar Park
The Tilford Zebras defeated the Mindil Aces during extra time in the first game at McKellar Soccer Centre’s grand final day. It means Tilford will be taking the under-13 boys Plate with them back home when they return to Tasmania.
The game couldn’t have started better for the Zebras scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes. C. Howard got the first goal and just two minutes later his team mate M. Pace managed to bag a goal after some good build up play.
In what was a frenetic opening 20 minutes, with the Mindil Aces able to hit straight back when some good play down the wing gave an opportunity to J. Cercarelli who cheekily chipped over the keeper. Both teams tried to calm the game down after that, with the game going to half time at 2-1 to Tilford.
Mindil started after half time knowing that they needed to be the first to score, but it was the Zebras who extended their lead in the 38th minute. After fantastic work down the left the ball fell to striker D. Fabrizio, who cut back onto his right foot and buried the ball in the top right corner.
At 3-1 up Tilford were cruising, but in the most entertaining game of the day was not done there. The Aces got their second goal directly from a corner. T. Mckaraunous took the set piece which curled over the keeper’s head and into the net. Nine minutes later D. Campbell took a free kick from halfway and hit the crossbar. This turned out to be a practise run as only 4 minutes later he got another chance from the same spot and got the equaliser.
Regulation time finished 3-3 with both teams looking mentally and physically exhausted. The first half of extra time was a cagey affair but the game came alight in the second half. Mindil got the first chance of extra time when they got the ball in the back of the net but unfortunately were called offside.
Only 2 minutes later Tilford Zebras got the winner when D. Fabrizio went solo and bagged his second goal in fantastic style. Both coaches were proud of their sides for producing the performances they did and getting better over the whole tournament. The Mindil Aces are the first Northern Territory side to make the final, and their coach said that despite the loss, the boys were very proud of themselves.
“When we walk off the plane in Darwin tomorrow night, they’re going to be wearing their medals and they’re going to be very proud.” The flight home will be much easier for the Tilford Zebras, not only is the trip shorter than their opponents, they will also be wearing the winner’s medals proudly around their necks.
LOCALS BRINDABELLA GO DOWN TO COUGARS
GIRL’S UNDER-14/15 CUP Colo Cougars 1 Brindabella Allstars 0
BY JOHN FORRESTER at McKellar Park
The only local team involved in Grand Final day at McKellar Soccer Centre went down in a nail biter to the Colo Cougars today. In what was the loudest match of the day, Colo won 1-0 in the under-14/15 girl’s cup competition in front of a lot of fans.
Colo dominated the first half of the match with their number nine wreaking havoc upon the Brindabella All-Stars backline. She had the first chance from a corner which somehow was headed over the bar from point blank range.
The games one and only goal came in the 30th minute. An optimistic lobbed shot from J. Lundy bounced over Brindabella’s keeper S. Sheppard and rolled into the back of the net. The Brindabella girls came in to support their team mates, but the keeper was visibly upset with her mistake. Half time was then mercifully blown for the All-Stars as they had struggled to play one goal down.
The local team came out firing in the second term and dominated the rest of the game. Colo were desperately holding onto their lead as their keeper, A. Rea made two fantastic saves to deny E. Marci and her team the equaliser they were hoping for.
With the seconds counting down and the crowd screaming and yelling, Brindabella made one last attempt at getting that all important goal but just fell short. The match finished 1-0 to the Colo Cougars, but both teams were cheered emphatically off the field by the supporters in the grandstands.
Despite her first half mistake, one of the players of the match was Brindabella goalkeeper S. Sheppard, who in the second half made a string of fine saves and interceptions to deny the Cougars.
All-Stars coach Daniel Ha said that his girls had learnt and grown over the tournament and it was just unfortunate that someone had to lose today.
Colo Cougars coach Val Howarth was on the edge of her seat towards the end of the game but was thrilled with the result and the whole tournament.
“We came for a fun tournament and we won it… the experience has been fantastic and we will be back next year to defend it.”
CLOSE MATCH IS FITTING END TO KANGA CUP WEEK
BOY’S UNDER-14 CUP Fairfield Hotspurs 1 Light United 1 (after extra-time, Fairfield win 2-0 on penalties)
BY RUSS GIBBS at AIS Track
The Kanga Cup 2011 drew to a close at the Australian Institute of Sport Athletics track as the sun went down on a successful week of football and fun in the Nation’s Capital.
Fairfield Hotspurs and Light United had the honour of competing in the final match of the day and put in a terrific effort in front of a small, but vocal crowd, in a match that could have gone either way.
Light United took the lead when a cross from the right caused mayhem in the Fairfield penalty area and the ball was eventually bundled over the line from close range by E. Ozean In a tense first half that goal proved the difference between the two in a game that was shaping up to be an entertaining match between two evenly-matched teams.
If the Light United goal was scrappy then Fairfield’s equaliser was the complete opposite. After a through ball had been half-cleared by the United ‘keeper, the rebound was met by N. Irusta from fully twenty-five metres who sent a shot rocketing back past the stranded defence and into the empty net for a superb equaliser.
Fairfield was slowly getting on top and should have had the lead, and possibly the winning goal, twenty minutes from time. A shot from outside the area was blocked and popped into the air for Hotspurs striker J. Rosso who raced onto the loose ball and confidently finished. The Fairfield celebrations were cut short though by the assistant referee’s flag in what must have been a close decision.
Despite much effort from both teams neither side could make the critical breakthrough and with extra-time also proving fruitless in the quest for goals, even though Fairfield hit the woodwork three times, the match headed towards the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Fittingly, therefore, Fairfield kept their nerve and won 2-0 from the spot.
WHITSUNDAY JSA WIN ORIGIN FINAL
BOY’S UNDER-14 PLATE Whitsunday JSA 4 Highlands FC 1
BY JOHN FORRESTER at McKellar Park
The team from the Whitsundays won the under-14 boys plate final convincingly in the second game at McKellar Soccer Centre. JSA ran out in their maroon kit to face their opponents, who were dressed in blue, on the cold Friday morning.
Highlands FC thought their chances were good in the final, but they were quickly on the back foot as JSA grabbed two goals in the first 12 minutes. The Whitsunday’s D. Napier was the scorer of both goals. Firstly with a neat finish from a team mates through ball, then a clinical volley from practically the same position.
The game was all but done and dusted 10 minutes later when B. Thompson went one-on-one with the keeper and managed to finish neatly putting JSA 3-0 up. Despite having the lion share of possession, Highlands were not able to trouble the scorer, and went into half time looking shell shocked.
After half time Highlands worked to get back in the game, but were not able to get past Captain L. Dunn at the back who was cleaning up everything. The only thing stopping JSA from going up by four goals was their goalkeeper J. Heyhorn who made a number of fantastic stops.
But he was eventually beaten for the fourth time when a corner was whipped in by JSA and A. McConnell nodded in the sealer. With only a couple minutes left Highlands FC pushed up and was able to grab a goal. M. Bidawell had been working tirelessly up front all game and finally got his just rewards when he pocked home from just in front.
He celebrated like it was a winner though, and it was good to see the rest of his team come to congratulate him despite the score line. The match finished 4-1 to JSA Whitsunday, much to the jubilation of the coaching staff on the sideline.
JSA’s coach said she couldn’t have asked for more from her team who she said have had a fantastic Kanga Cup experience. The Whitsunday’s will return to North Queensland tomorrow continuing this year’s tradition of Queensland victories.
STUNNING BANGALOW CAN’T STOP WINNING
BOY’S UNDER-15 CUP Bangalow Bluedogs 5 Emu Plains 1
BY JOHN FORRESTER at McKellar Park
Favourites Bangalow Bluedogs didn’t disappoint in their under-15 boys cup grand final winning 5-1 against Emu Plains FC. The Bluedogs had won all of their previous Kanga Cup games convincingly but were given a scare by their NSW counterparts.
As expected Bangalow dominated possession but were unable to capitalise in the early goings of the game and were made to pay in the 14th minute. Emu Plains won a free kick in the right corner which was curled in by D. Rymer and volleyed home by K. Reid.
With the early goal Emu suddenly had a glimpse of what could be and were able to hold out the Bluedogs for the rest of the half thanks to keeper S. Blackhurst. After half time it was the same story with a different ending, Bangalow came out all guns blazing and soon had the equaliser after a beautiful flowing move that started in their own half.
The move ended with B. Milne sliding the ball past the keeper from a tough angle and all his team mates running to celebrate with him in the corner. This goal opened the floodgates with Bangalow scoring another two goals in the next 12 minutes. They got their second from a set piece. The ball was floated into the box from halfway and headed home by striker E. Grimley, who then helped set up his fellow striker partner M. Kone who buried his shot into the bottom right corner.
The three goals took the wind out of Emu Plains’ sails as they struggled to get the ball off the high flying Bluedogs. They were determined to go down with a fight though with their goal scorer getting another shot on goal and A. Cecattini troubling the defence with a couple of weaving runs.
However it was all for naught as Bangalow playmaker B. Butler scored a spectacular drive from outside the box, and B. Milne grabbed his second to complete the win. The game may have been one sided, but it was played in a good spirit as was seen when the players and staff shook hands at the end.
The Bangalow Bluedogs Coach L. D. Milne said that the boys were disappointed at half time but new that if they stuck to their game plan, they could take the title. “I told the boys at half time just keep going because effectively we were the better team on the park and it’ll come.”
Emu Plains coach J. Barton was disappointed with the result but couldn’t fault the boy’s effort and was happy they didn’t pick up any injuries. Attention now turns to the NSW State Cup Final for Emu Plains FC. The club will meet Glenhaven FC in the final on Sunday and will be hoping to reverse today’s result.
The Bangalow Bluedogs leave this year’s Kanga Cup, not only as under-15 boy’s champions, but also as one of the most entertaining teams at this year’s tournament.
BELCONNEN UNITED SCALE SUNSHINE HEIGHTS
BOY’S UNDER-15 PLATE Belconnen United 3 Sunshine Heights 2 (after extra-time)
BY XIYUE CAO at Hawker Football Centre
Belconnen United stole the Boy’s under-15 Plate final with a goal in the final ten minutes in the second period of extra-time.
It was Belconnen United who had more chance to shoot and got close to the box initially, but Matthew Gembarovski scored first for Sunshine Heights at the sixth minute in the crowed penalty area. Belconnen continued their offensive but failed to level.
Ten minutes later, Belconnen tried very hard to get into the opponents penalty area but hesitated and the opportunity was lost. Five minutes before the interval Belconnen finally did draw level when they converted off of a corner. It pumped the Belconnen guys up and their game sped up considerably.
Belconnen shot twice after the re-start and both sides put the pressure on in turn. Belconnen goal keeper Ben Jackson saved one dangerous shot by a Sunshine Heights striker. Then two minutes later, Belconnen found a chance to shoot.
It was Belconnen’s Sean O’Neill surrounded by Sunshine boys, who flicked the ball back through the two legs of one person and passed it to Belconnen’s Michael Rinaodo, Michael got the ball and passed it to Daccy Albrecht who was very close to the box. He shot perfectly and scored in the second half of the match.
However, five minutes later, Sunshine Heights got a penalty and scored. In the next 10 minutes, Belconnen got six free kicks while Sunshine got two, but both sides defended well and there was no further score added before extra-time.
During the eighteen minutes’ extra time, the Belconnen boys seemed don’t want to hold onto a draw and settle for penalties. They poured forward and shot five times and at the fifth time scored. Sunshine Heights players, as well as their coach, were in a hurry and two minutes before the final whistle, Abdul Abdulabbar unfortunately got a red card which made Sunshine’s task impossible.
NORTHERN TASMANIA WINS IN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
GIRL’S UNDER-16 CUP Northern Tasmania 2 Canberra Olympic 2 (Northern Tasmania win 5-4 on penalties)
BY XUAN HUANG at Hawker Football Centre
First-time contestant, Northern Tasmania, was the lucky one after a breathtaking final. Hannah Partridge and Taylah Lehman scored for Tasmania in each half. Anna Bennett was the hero for the home team who levelled the game twice. Neither side was able to find the net in extra time. Tasmania made all penalties from the spot while Olympic scored four from five.
Tasmania gained a dream start. Partridge controlled a throw in ball and dribbled into the box. Her strike was blocked by the defender and passed over the keeper’s head luckily into the top right corner. The early goal ruined Olympics’ strategy and they didn’t make their first goal attempt until 15 minutes in.
As both sides were trying to dominate the midfield, it was really hard to make any real threat. Bennett showed her talent the seventh minute of the second half with a sensational goal. She spirited from the left wing and took a low shot on the edge of the box. The ‘keeper got a touch on the ball but couldn’t stop it from entering the net.
Lehman though then gave Tasmania the lead again. Partridge’s direct pass cut the defense and left Lehman a one on one chance. She confidently hit the ball into the net.
The match was not over yet. A penalty was awarded to Olympic for handball just before the final whistle. Bennett didn’t pass up the golden chance to level the match at 2-2.
Due to the fierce contest in regular time the players couldn’t offer more in extra time.
Both team netted in the first two rounds of penalty shoot out. In the third round Elly Smith unluckily hit the bar. Emma Langley scored the winning penalty to claim the final for Northern Tasmania.
CITY EDGE KEMPS IN BOYS CUP FINAL
BOY’S UNDER-16 CUP Canberra City 1 Kemps Creek 0
BY TOM CASTLETON at Deakin Stadium
The under-16 Boys Cup final was a closely fought encounter with Canberra City coming away with a 1-0 victory over Kemps Creek at Deakin Stadium today. The only goal of the match came in the 43rd minute after City went on the counter attack. A’Amico was able to play the over the top to Roman Romeo. Romeo then played a neat one-two with Banjac to allow himself time to cross the ball and meet the head of Calvert who slammed it into the back of the net.
Kemps Creek dominated the match in the first half as they utilised the width at Deakin Stadium. Their attack was predominantly down the left- hand side with Bonifacio and Mallia communicating well between each other to create constant trouble for City’s defence. City shot-stopped Joey Mickleburgh continually denied the visitors from Sydney’s west as Schipelliti and Martino’s continuous attack was pulled to a halt time after time by City’s defence.
In the second half City came out a different side and captain Romeo believes that was the difference. After some solid defence by both sides in the first half City was able to continue to shut out Kemps Creeks attack in the second stanza. Frustration crept into Kemps Creeks game and this was telling as they started to tire. With City’s goal coming 17 minutes from time Kemps Creek thought they had the equaliser with two minutes remaining when Schipelliti surely thought he had scored but a diving save from Mickleburgh would deny Kemps Creek again. Co-Coach of Canberra City, Fonz Moscraitolo could not believe the result and was struggling for words as excitement took over.
“Words can’t describe it. The boys have been working really hard for it and they came out today and they delivered. They just topped of the campaign. We started off pretty slow. But since our first loss we regrouped and I acknowledge the boys and I am so proud of them. The way they conducted themselves, it’s just awesome,” Moscraitolo said.
Captain Roman Romeo was overwhelmed with his sides victory and put it down to all the hard work they have been doing off the field. “I think the boys deserved it. Full credit to the coaches Fonz [Moscraitolo] and Tony [Jordon]. I thought we dug deep after the first 20 minutes where a lot of nerves kicked in but we just pulled ourselves out of that and got back on top. I thought we were on par with them in the second half and we got our opportunity and went up 1-0,” Romeo said.
Coach of Kemps Creek, Samuel Bonifacio put it down to tired legs as it was his sides’ ninth game in ten days. “We had a lot of missed opportunities. 50 per cent of those you have to bury at least and they got one shot, one goal. Good team, they defended well so congratulations to them,” Bonifacio said. Canberra City are currently second in the Under-16’s Premier League and will be hoping that they can carry this string of results into the final half of their season. BENGALS WIN PLATE OVER SUBANG JAYA
BOY’S UNDER-16 PLATE Wakehurst Bengals 2 Subang Jaya 0
BY TOM CASTLETON at Deakin Stadium
Wakehurst Bengals have taken out the under-16 boys Plate with a 2-0 victory over Malaysian side Subang Jaya at Deakin Stadium today. The first half was played predominantly in the midfield with Wakehurst looking the most threatening to score and they got the breakthrough five minutes before half-time when Kaan Sima laid the ball off for Jake Acheson who drilled it into the top right-hand corner from just inside the box.
Both sides chose to sit deep within their own defensive halves allowing the opposition to run at them. It was a tactic that worked for the boys from Sydney’s Northern Beaches but backfired for the Malaysians as they were constantly loosing the ball between transitions from defence to the midfield.
Subang Jaya had a chance to equal the scores just before the half-time whistle but were unable to complete what was nice passing between Affia and Syazwan leaving the score at 1-0 at half time. The second half saw Wakehurst lift as they found their feet and continued to peck at Subang Jaya’s goal. A string of fine saves from Subang Jaya goalkeeper Lim kept his side in with a chance.
With just 15 minutes left Jonny Osborne went for a run down the left wing and was able to cut the ball back across the top of the 18 yard for Taylor Cahill to shoot but his attempt was parried away by Lim. The danger wasn’t over as Jake Acheson whipped in another dangerous ball across the face of goal. The ball was met at the back post by Jonny Osborne to score Wakehurst’s second.
Wakehurst thought they had wrapped up the match when Sima went for a run. He was able to brush off one defender then shoot but the woodwork would deny Sima a goal resulting in the match ending 2-0. Wakehurst coach, David Brennan was very pleased with his side’s performance. Brennan’s side only took 12 players with them and was plagued with injury throughout the week.
“Very, very happy to win the Kanga Cup. We came down here as under-13s and made the final and lost so it’s nice to come back and pick up a win,” Brennan smiled. “I think we just used the space well, possessed the ball well and we took the opportunities that we had, I don’t think there is too much you can ask for.”
Captain Michael Domjen was solid in the midfield and created plenty of opportunities but he felt as if his boys did deserve the win today. “We had a tough run through the pool stage. I think the determination the boys showed means we did deserve that plate,” Domjen said.
Wakehurst will be looking to take this form back home into the Manly-Warringah competition.
SUNS RISE TO DOWN CANBERRA FC
GIRL’S UNDER-18 CUP Gungahlin Suns 1 Canberra FC 0
BY TOM CASTLETON at Deakin Stadium
Gungahlin Suns claimed the bragging rights in the all Canberra under-18s girls final defeating Canberra FC in extra time at Deakin Stadium today.
Gungahlin got the upper hand with under a minute left of extra-time and with a penalty shoot-out looming, when Suns co-captain Laura Sofoulis was brought down inside the penalty area. It wasn’t without arguments from the Canberra FC defence who thought they had won the ball cleanly. Substitute Wilson stepped up and slotted home from the spot to hand Gungahlin the win and also the third in a row for Coach Bruce Green.
Gungahlin dominated the match in what was a game of missed opportunities for the North Canberra side. It was a lack of finishing that could have hurt Gungahlin should the match have gone to penalties as the Canberra FC defence stood strong. Sofoulis was dominant in the midfield as Canberra FC allowed her time and space to run, helping her create ample opportunities. The best chance in normal time came after a Sofoulis run through the middle of the park when she played Wilson through on goal but the shot was fired wide of the goal.
Canberra FC had to make a few changes to their side that played in the semi-finals due to injuries and suspension, with substitute goalkeeper Churchill having to step up and she did. The Canberra custodian was solid between the posts and pulled off a number of fine saves to keep her side in with a chance. But it wouldn’t be enough as constant persistence from the Suns attack paid off and gave them and their club their first bit silverware.
“We had a couple of wasted opportunities but we did it. It was persistence, I told them to never give up and they did just that. It’s fantastic,” Bruce Green said. Suns Co-captain Kylie Green was solid in the backline and was ecstatic about the win. “Great feeling, I just told our defence to keep it as tight as you could and to play as hard as you could,” Green said.
Suns co-captain Laura Sofoulis admitted nerves did kick in after it went to extra-time. “It was really nerve racking when it went to extra time. We knew we could win, it just took longer than we thought,” Sofoulis said. “We wanted to keep on pushing. At the end you get really nervous and shaky. You know it’s the end and its nil all and no one wants penalties. Three minutes to go you are just telling everyone to just keep going.”
Canberra FC coach, Peter Kavouras was very pleased with his side’s performance and believes the penalty was the only difference between the two sides. “It’s a cruel blow when you have been playing for 90 minutes and then in the last minute you give a penalty away. But that’s soccer and you have to respect the ref’s decision,” Kavouras said.
COUGARS BEAT WOLVES IN BATTLE OF BIG CATS
BOY’S UNDER-18 CUP Colo Cougars 1 Weston Creek Wolves 0
BY TOM CASTLETON at Deakin Stadium
The Colo Cougars continued their undefeated home season to take out the under-18 boys final 1-0 against the Weston Creek Wolves at Deakin Stadium today. After being forced to wait around for the start of their match due to extra-time in the under-18 girls final both teams were raring to go and neither side could find a way through solid defensive lines.
Colo seemed to be on top for a majority of the match but were forced to take their chances from distance as Weston appeared to form a blockade around their 18-yard box. In what was a midfield affair Colo seemed to be playing around tall target man Jeremy Hegarty and it would be a bit of Hegarty magic on the left wing that would create the winning chance with 30 seconds left on the referee’s watch.
Hegarty was able to cross the ball after beating two Weston defenders to find an open Chris Luscombe in the box who headed the ball home to continue Colo’s unbeaten run this season. “To be completely honest, I was on the ground and I had no idea what was going on. I put it in there and when I looked up I saw the ball go past the keeper, I was ecstatic,” Hegarty said.
Colo’s best chance came deep in the second half when Captain Jon Wotton fired a few long-range attempts. Weston goalkeeper Bruen was able to make the save but spilled the ball back into open play but with no Colo players following up, the Weston goalkeeper was able to regain possession. Weston’s chances were few and far between and when Colo allowed them inside the 18-yard box Bray thought he had scored but a flying Vella was able to get in the way of the shot to push it out for a corner.
Colo Cougars coach Malcolm Hegarty was very happy with his team’s performance during the Kanga Cup and was glad to secure the trophy. “It was great to come here and put ourselves up against the best after we have had such a successful start domestically. They {Weston Creek] were a very good team. They have couple of outstanding players. I was very proud of the boys, they stuck at their game and didn’t panic,’ Hegarty said.
“It was a very good goal. Chris’s dad passed away last year and he is our sponsor so he was a fitting person to score the goal.” Luscombe was determined to win as Colo only had their eyes set on the Kanga Cup. “It was the best feeling, it’s just so unreal. We came here to do the job and we have done it,” Luscombe said.
The Colo Cougars will be looking to continue their fine form back in Penrith where they sit on top with no strokes in the losses column.
2011 Kanga Cup – Around the Grounds: Grand Final Special Russ Gibbs (Media & PR Manager – Capital Football) and contributors All enquiries to [email protected]