Round 9
It was a wet and cold start to the second half of the junior season. It was a sea of umbrellas in Dunsborough where we were, and I imagine the same at the other pitches. Hopefully the rain eases soon and we have a drier round 10!
U6 Lightning
Both Lightning teams played great matches today! Some great goals scored, fabulous team performances and an improvement across the board! It was cold and a little wet but the kids played so well and toughed it out. Sonny Hobers and Everly McNie taking out the player of the matches with vouchers generously donated from Yahava KoffeeWorks and Witchy Pies going home with them! Well done Lightning!
U7 Falcons
It might have been a bitterly cold start, but after the holidays, the Falcons were on fire. It appeared they all spent the holidays practising with some superb passes and goals. Dunsborough Knights were great opponents with all players leaving the pitch with smiles. Matthew did a great job helping the Knights out to even numbers today and was rewarded with player of the day. Marshall snagged the second player of the day but with the second half of the season underway the Falcons are doing a great job competing as a team.
U7 Ninja’s
Ninjas were pumped for their first game since the holiday break, meeting the Cornerstone Rockets, who delivered the biggest challenge of the season so far for the Ninjas. Team captains were Clayton and Leo this week. Cornerstone started exceptionally strong with a great defence, however some great passes from Vinnie and Eli saw 2 early back to back goals from Luke to put the Ninjas in front. Eli and Vinnie backed him up to both get some goals in the first and second half. A pass from Vinnie to Aston saw Aston’s most memorable goal to date. On Leo’s team it was the same battle for the first goal with Rockets again holding up a great defence. Leo Fucci, Leo gedge and Mack managed to break through each scoring great goals. Oliver’s passing was next level and Stone got a nice little goal from the corner. All Ninjas showcased the skills they’ve been developing in training looking more experienced and playing with maturity beyond their age group. Special mentions to Clayton for his work in defence and leadership and Leo Gedge for team work and sportsmanship.
U8 Messi Kids
The Messi Kids kicked off their match on a chilly winter morning under clear skies, facing a tough start as the Cornerstone Comets quickly scored the first two goals. But the Messi Kids didn’t let that discourage them! Ezra fired back with two strong goals, getting the team right back in the game. Up front, Sonny showed great determination, maintaining consistent attacking pressure, supported by Hunter, Jack, and Ezra. The backline stood strong with Elliana, Max, Clancy, Georgia, and Malakai doing an amazing job in defence and goals, stopping the Comets from scoring again. The second half saw the Messi Kids go from strength to strength! Jack scored a fantastic goal thanks to a great assist from Max, and soon after, he added another to his tally. Max and Clancy kept pushing the ball forward on the wings, and Elliana and Georgia added consistent pressure in defence. Hunter started in defence, then joined the scoring board with an awesome goal of his own. In the final ten minutes, the skies opened up—both with real rain and a rain of goals! Max scored a brilliant goal, and Ezra added two more to his count. The Comets responded with a final goal as the whistle blew to seal the game. A huge team effort from the Messi Kids, with Hunter taking home player of the day and a voucher to Two Cracks Coffee in Cowaramup. Big thank you for the amazing coaching and refereeing from Trey and Olivia!
U8 Magic
A chilly morning didn’t slow the Magic, who delivered a full-energy performance against the Dunsborough Comets. The first half was fast-paced, with Remi rock-solid in goal and Charlie leading from the back, combining strong defence with quick attacking transition. Mason and Lucas worked hard in midfield: Mason showing courage on the ball to drive forward, and Lucas covering ground with tireless energy. Zephyr’s clever reading of the game saw him always in the thick of the action. After a goalless but entertaining first half, both teams pushed forward in the second. Mitchell was everywhere, linking defence and attack. Mo and Elbi combined brilliantly up front, passing and moving to create pressure and chances that kept the game on edge. With the Comets pressing hard on the break, Savanna met the challenge of being the last line of defence, showing courage under pressure in goal — a Player of the Day performance that inspired the team. It was a great game of U8 football, with both teams playing in an awesome spirit. Well done to the Magic for their courage, teamwork and commitment!
U9 Raptors
A nail-biting games until the final whistle. Player of the days were Hemi who defended tirelessly in the girls and Cohen for his great goal. Thanks to voucher sponsors - Golf Gardens.
U9 Mavericks
Rain did not hamper play yesterday and boy did the two FMR teams put on a show. The battle for a win between FMR Mavericks and Raptors was a nail biter. Down by 2 goals at half time it looked like the Raptors were taking home the chocolates but The Mighty Mavs fought back and at the final whistle it was a draw at 5 all! Flynn Hardy was everywhere, I thought there were two of him! A well deserved POD, he is looking forward to getting down to Two Cracks Coffee to grab himself a hot chocolate!
U10 Strikers
In freezing conditions, both teams came out strong as FMR U10 Strikers faced off against Dunsborough Lightning. Dunsborough struck early, but Arlo G. quickly equalized. The Strikers kept the pressure on with sharp passing from Archer, Chase, Arlo G, and Miles, though Dunsborough managed another quick goal. Fired up, the Strikers responded with two unanswered goals from Chase and Josh before halftime. They carried that momentum into the second half, with Matteo and Chase scoring early. Despite Dunsborough’s efforts, strong defence from Arlo D, Lorenzo, Miles, Matteo, and standout goalie Jake kept them at bay. The Strikers’ attacking line — including Osiris and Arlo G. — maintained relentless pressure, leading to more goals from Arlo G, Chase, and Josh. Player of the Day went to Chase for his all-around performance.
U10 Wasps
What a match! The FMR U10 Wasps faced off against Dunsborough in a thrilling goal fest that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Both teams went all out in attack, but it was the Wasps who came out on top with a hard-fought 7–6 win. There were standout performances all over the pitch—Millie showed great energy and skill, Joel battled hard and made some key plays, Deccy was on fire up front with multiple goals, and Kai impressed with his all-round game. But it was John Mitchell who took home Player of the Day honours, delivering a cat-like performance in goal with some incredible reflex saves that helped secure the win. A brilliant team effort and another exciting chapter for the Wasps!
U10 Dragons
To kick off the second half of the season, the FMR Dragons travelled to Busselton to take on the BCFC Possums in frosty conditions, but with plenty of energy and determination. The first half saw some fast play and strong challenges, with the Dragons working hard to maintain their structure and keep possession under pressure. They had multiple shots on goal, passing the Possum’s keeper a few times but he was very agile, and saved a lot of attempts too! In the second half, the Dragons kept up the momentum and created multiple chances, keeping the Possum’s defence on their toes.
We do need to practise keeping positions on the pitch and not ball watching. Focusing on spacing and teamwork will continue to strengthen their overall game and build control in future matches. The team had loads of fun being reunited after the break and are excited to be back at it! Our player of the day was Jack, who is a great all rounder, always giving it his best and scored a couple of great goals. Thanks to Two Cracks Coffee for the voucher!
U10 Serpents
The Serpents showed great energy on the pitch today despite the cold, wet conditions, with smiles and positivity throughout the game. Ray earned player of the day with his outstanding goalkeeping in the second half, alongside Louis who scored an impressive three goals. They are looking forward to their well-deserved milkshakes donated by the Yallingup Maze. Special thanks to Jason for stepping up to coach the match.
U11 Storm
This Saturday's game was particularly chilly and with no subs, the Storm kept warm by running the whole game. They never slowed down and made GMAS Dynamics work hard. Congratulations on a particularly incredible second half show great passing and communication. POD goes to Kynan Taylor for his solid efforts both in goals and on the field.
U12 Breakers
The Breakers took the upper hand early in the Derby with the Jetts. Oscar shot a couple of goals along with Xavier who was pushing through some accurate passes to win POD. Thanks to the FMR canteen and Sons of Naples for prizes.
U12 Stars
The U12 Stars game at Churchill Park Busselton set off at a fast pace and was end to end. The CSC Stingers had a few attempts at the goal which were unsuccessful at first due to strong Stars defending, with one just squeezing in before half time. The Stars kept focus and improved competition in the second half but unfortunately none of their many goal attempts hit the spot. Although not the result they wanted The Stars came away knowing that if they continue to play like they are, on another day the score would have been different. Player of the day was awarded to Olive Bayley who showed confidence in her play making some strong, powerful attempts at the goal. She will enjoy an ice cream from Scoops Farm on Caves Road.
U12 Jettz
It was a wet and muddy day out on the field this week. The final score a 7-0 loss against FMR Breakers. Despite the weather and a rusty first game back after holidays, the team still worked well together and played well together, showing as always great team spirit and sportsmanship. The standouts and players of the day were Wyatt Smith and Ronan Bolster. It was great to see them giving it there best in a multiple of positions they played in.
U12 Legends
Everyone played really well against Dunsborough Fury. The teams training and Coach Jezza’s commitment are coming together which was evident on Saturday, particularly in the first half. Dunsborough were short on players, so we supported our opponents by rotating 2 players, Bella and Lachy in the first half and Cohen and Cooper in the 2nd half. Well done guys for showing great sportsmanship. Cohen and Cooper scored 1 of the goals for Dunsborough with some really nice passing. Thanks goes out to Dunsborough Coach who Umpired the match. Such optimistic feedback and fair play. Players of the day were Denzel and Westi. Denzel’s weight of pass and pass selection were superb, and Westi’s control of the game was excellent. Well done team!
U13 Stingrays
Despite the midday kickoff, there was little sunshine, the air was bitterly cold and the ground was sodden. Stingrays started well with many opportunities to take the lead in the first half, with a makeshift team and a team reshuffle the goal radar was definitely on the blink for Stingrays. Some great passages of play ended with a goal for the visiting Busselton Bullets. After a Bullets corner, the rebound was blasted at a Stingrays player, despite hands by their side a penalty kick was awarded and converted by the Bullets. This had the bullets leading 1-0 at the break.
The start of the second half had Stingrays draw level when Oscar Atkins wrong footed the Busselton Keeper after a great through ball from Taj McCrickard unlocked the Bullets defence. The Stingrays who looked the more likely to score were then guilty of ball watching as the Bullets went ahead for a second time 2-1. As the weather seemed to get colder and with driving rain, a great clearance from Fraser Massie had Taj react the quickest and he calmly smashed the ball into the back of the net when one on one with the keeper to bring Stingrays level again 2-2. Another goal from Busselton after some confusion over a throw in had them take the lead again 3-2.
Despite desperate attempts in the last 10 minutes to rally for a draw, the shots from Stingrays couldn’t bring the game level again. It just wasn’t Stingrays day in a very cold and very wet Saturday afternoon. Player of the Day went to Cayden Del Barrio for yet another solid performance, some outstanding tackles and tireless running as centre back and Captain.
U13 Wyverns
11am and the weather rolled in as we hit the pitch! it was cold and wet, but thankfully not windy. The Wyverns started off well, holding their own against Dunsborough, both teams played through the difficult conditions with a late goal in the first half by Dunsborough at the whistle to pull just ahead.
Both teams started the second half with spirit, but it looked like the conditions started to sap the energy of the Wyverns. Ben in goals certainly had his work cut out for him facing many shots and showing lots of bravery. Well done boys for playing today when most would prefer to be in front of the fire. Wasn’t the result we wanted, but you showed great spirit.
U15 Sharks
The Sharks met the GBFC Seasiders for a frosty first match back. There was some strong attacking from Benji, Kelani, Zane and Mateja in the first half. The Sharks looked strong and held the majority of possession. Unfortunately, a few unlucky slips in defence left the Sharks trailing 4 goals to 2 at the half time break.
The second half the Sharks dominated, levelling the score to 4 goals all. Rainer played strong in the midfield and Kelani was shining in attack. Credit to the Seasiders, who managed to defend the last 5 minutes of the match without conceding, as the Sharks threw everything at them! As the match was a ‘second chance cup round’ the draw meant that penalties would decide their fate.
Despite a strong performance from Benji in goals and some excellent shooting attempts, the Sharks were pipped at the post and the Seasiders snuck away with the win. Player of the day went to Kelani for his impressive effort, and special mention to Zane who played with skill and determination.
YL Blaze
The Blaze were keen to make their mark today, and that we did, scoring 2 goals in the opening minutes of the game. Kai and Sid worked together, the keeper came out and Kai got our first goal. Kade scored shortly after to give us a 2-0 lead. It was a fairly even match, but the Blaze showed dominance on the pitch. Defenders William, Poom, supported by rotating crew in Digby, Charlotte, Charlie and Caspian worked well together the whole game making it hard for DTFC Jets to score. When they did break through, they met Henry who was commanding in goals - punching, catching and keeping that ball out.
Everyone played their part on the pitch. Forwards Kai, Lisa, Asha and Tilly moving the ball well, and Kai finishing nicely. In the mid, Scarlett, Sonny, Caspian, Sid and Kade were dogged in their attacks chasing down the Jets players and giving no quarter. Duns had another run with a kick at goal on target. Henry however wasn’t having it, with a jump to deflect the ball off the crossbar. Unfortunately for us, Jets got the rebound and scored minutes later. Then scored again to even it out at 2 all. Kai had another run and shot, which hit the bar and bounced out. We got the rebound and put it in. 2-3 to us. A free kick from Lisa getting shoved to the ground gave us a chance. Sid took the shot. Was on target, but a little high and went over.
After half time, Jets had their chances, but Henry kept them out. Kai had a run up, keeper came out, bit of a tangle of players at the top of the box, but we got a shot off to take us to 2-4. A Sid - Kai combo gave us another, shot, but saved by keeper. Kade, Sid, and Kai had another run, in a great passage of play to give us another shot, but strong save by the keeper. The clock ran out giving us a well deserved win!
Coach Matt was very pleased, as were we all! Matt said we played some of our best football to date and have a set a new benchmark. Our passing and movement was on point and we took our chances with some great finishing. Our tackling was fierce, but none quite deserving of the Toblerone, which stayed in the bag. Special mentions to Asha, and Kai and Kade who both score 2 goals, but Player of the Day went to Poom. Poom has continued to improve each week, and has embraced a position he didn’t think he’d be playing at the start of the season and has taken ownership of it, working well with William to make a strong defensive team. Go Blaze!
YL Wanderers
There was quite a bit of anticipation for what felt like a top of the table clash between FMR Wanderers and table leaders Cornerstone Crabs.
Missing 3 of their highly experienced players in Malik, Ryder and Cohen, the Wanderers were lucky to open the game kicking with a strong crispy breeze at their back straight off the Busso foreshore. The game took its usual 10 minutes for both sides to settle with no clear chances whilst they were getting used to the conditions before the Wanderers started to take more control, passing to players in space with time. Zane held strong at right back allow nothing past but also getting involved in some in some triangle work, drawing players in to open space ahead for attacking plays. With George in goal, Lucas provided a great options on the wing, beating players and making strong runs and dangerous crosses into the box. Bobbie, who was lively on the other wing was combining well with Stirling to make good position but found it hard to control their shots on goal with the squally conditions. Saxon, Taj and Ethan worked hard in the midfield not only shutting down CS stars from having an impact but creating many runs and opportunities for the forwards. About 20min in, the midfield combined to put a well weighted through ball for Lucas who hustled well to earn the first corner of the game. The corner side suited a lefty so Bobbie put his hand up to take it. At that point a knowledgeable supporter quietly suggested to me “I reckon he can get this in these conditions” and what do you know… Bobbie drops a beautifully weighted shot over the keepers head and lets the breeze and his natural curve do the rest. Boom! First goal for FMR. Unfortunately, the lead was short lived as Cornerstone scored their first within a couple minutes after. For the next 10 mins FMR dominated possession with attacking runs that often started from defence with shots going wide or over. Then against the run of play CS punched a long ball down in front of their pacey winger who finished nicely to give them the lead. Again, FMR went up another gear but this time showing more patience with the shot selecting, playing the ball from Lucas out wide to Bobbie who then found Saxon in space at the top of the box to put home a clinical goal going into halftime 2 – 2.
Rain started dribbling going into the second half and CS came out hard with the wind at their backs but credit to the defence of Reef, Noah, Xav and Ollie they held firm repelling everything. George was unleashing solid goal kicks into the wind giving the defence some breathing space. The game then became a tug of war as the ball went end to end with both sides creating opportunities with Jay, Stirling and the wingers combining for some near misses. A draw looked a likely result with 3 minutes to go. Unfortunately with a call not going FMRs way, a corner was awarded to CS who headed home the winner goal in the final minute of the game.
Although disappointed with the result, the Wanderers showed they can play a sustained high level of team football to match it with the comp leader. Thanks to Marcus for taking on the managers role in Shelleys absence and Ands for running the line once again.