Under 9 Gold

On a chilly morning the under 9 Gold team travelled to Bulleen to play the Lions. While the heavy rain stopped as the game kicked off it was replaced by a whirlwind - the experienced and skilled Bulleen team who really tested our girls.

Ruby P in goal made some good saves but was unable to keep out some great shots from the Bulleen girls. Miki and Pearl stood firm in defence making some good clearances. Rosie and Ruby S made some timely tackles while Ednah, Kitty Rose and Saraya tried running with the ball to move us upfield.

In the second half Saraya took the goalie gloves and Ruby P played in attack as we looked to get the ball more into their half. Bulleen continued to press and made it difficult to get the ball away from our goal from goal kicks.

Lots of positives to take away, especially the way the girls stuck to the task, helped each other and tried their best.

 

Under 12s

What a great Mothers' Day present to those mums who froze at Caroline Springs!

It was a great win today. We were able to take our chances in front of goal. Another goal to Charli, our captain today, and two poacher's goals to Helina in the second half.

We have been working hard at training to make sure when defending we attack the player with the ball, without rushing in and where possible forcing them away from goal.  Today we showed tremendous improvement. All our defenders attacked the ball, with Maggie, Thea, Sofia and Noni stopping attacks by moving forward. Once they defended they also tried many times to pass the ball rather than just kick it as hard as they could. We will continue to encourage all our defenders to pass the ball to a midfielder (in position) once they have won the tackle.

One parent said of their daughter that "she came to play today".  All the girls came to play: Zoe continued to run and dribble the ball down the wing the whole second half; Helina poached two goals from close in to make the game safe; Charli took charge of the defence in the second half also sneeking forward to nearly score a goal; Elena had several great runs forward with a goal not far away and Merina, not feeling well, managed to play in goal for the second half making a couple of stops.

Our World Record belongs to Annabelle, who managed to attack the ball and win three headers in the first half a record for a game let alone one half!

 

Under 14 Blue

Kensington Girls JSC 5    Spring Hills 2

Goal Scorers: Ishani 3; Ari 2

Another cold and wet Sunday morning. In the first half we were kicking to Altona Street end aided by a strong breeze at our backs. We finished a dominant first half 3 nil up with Ari opening up the scoring finishing off a good build-up of passing. Ishi being her menacing self on the left wing put 2 passed the keeper in the first half. In the second half she rounded off her hat trick. The last goal we scored came from some brilliant lead up play which consisted on many passes that found its way to Ari. The ball started on the left and the team switched it from left with efficient and precise passing to right to finish in Ari’s possession. Ari still had much to do and smashed the ball high into the net passed the keeper.

From my assessment of the game this was the best game we have played all year. It was fantastic to see the girls keeping possession of the ball and passing it around. When we were passing the ball around the opposition looked lost. It was also great to see the way in which we attacked. Every forward move was well supported by the other forwards and the midfielders and defenders pushing up in formations. It’s great when the team works hard for each other.

Ishi and Ari had brilliant games on the wing. Ari for me had her best game of the year. Likewise Bella was brilliant in the attacking midfielders role. She worked tirelessly all game and was instrumental in the lead up to many of the goals. Imogen also worked hard all game and was unlucky not be rewarded with a goal or two. Kristina and Molly in central midfield were both strong in their positions. Both of them did the roles and were extremely effective. Sarah and Keely had strong games in the heart of defence. It was great to see Keely have composure in the last line of defence trap the ball and make great decision in her passing. Gen and Chloe in the wing back positions were rarely between by their opposition. It was great to see Gen get her confidence back and attacking the ball. Rozie in goals was almost unbeatable. I loved the way she talked all game and instructed her team mates.

I could not be happier with the way the girls played today. The passing / possession game that we are working on at training is starting to be actioned in the games. We are beginning to play some effective football.  I’m really excited about the improvements I am seeing in all of the girls. Keep it up girls.