Round 11
Another bitterly cold day for our Juniors this week. 7 degrees at home at 9am when the first Cup Quarter Final game kicked off! No warmer at 11:30 when the 17’s took to the pitch for the last match of the day either! We had rain, hail and freezing winds! Was not a great day for our Cup teams, who despite giving it their all, were not able to progress through to join our U13 Legends and U15 Rockets in the Semi-Finals.
U7 Shadows
It was a very cold and rainy game for the Shadows in Vasse this week. The Vasse Sidewinders were a tough competition , but the Shadows showed grit and determination across the field. The team demonstrated strong attacking and defending skills, and ran super hard for the whole game. Harry was named player of the match for his non stop running, keeping up pressure against the opposition, and some great shots on goal.
U8 Falcons
It was a very brisk morning at Rapids today as the Falcons took on Cornerstone Rockets. The improvement over the season in these Falcons has been great to watch. Today's contest was tight despite the hail and squalling winds the team never gave up. Players of the day today to Winston and Matt.
U9 Raptors
The Raptors showed tremendous teamwork, resilience and determination throughout a tough match against Dunsborough. The team created numerous attacking opportunities through the hard work and combinations of Eddie, Ezra, Isaac and Beau, while Ollie, Will, Leo and Aston worked tirelessly in defence and helped transition the ball forward.
At half-time, Coach Dan encouraged the team to use the width, trust their teammates and attack corners in for a connect, and the players responded by continuing to press, create chances and work for one another. Eddie's creativity and finishing, Ezra's relentless energy and leadership, Isaac's attacking movement, Beau's all-round effort, Ollie's important defensive work and goal, Leo's willingness to take on the goalkeeper role, Will's key saves and clearances, and Aston's work at both ends all contributed to a fantastic collective performance.
The biggest takeaway was the team's willingness to keep fighting, support each other and do whatever was needed for the team, with Coach Dan highlighting how proud he was of the improvement and commitment shown by the whole group.
U9 Magic
Magic played a fantastic local derby in rain and icy winds against the Messi Kids who proved to be a tough opponent. Despite the conditions, Magic worked hard to break through their defence and create opportunities.
Elbi was outstanding in defence with numerous spoils, while Savannah worked hard to break up Messi Kids’ attack. Mason had a strong game, repeatedly breaking through their tough defence, while also finding the back of the net. Charlie was excellent in midfield with clever passing and electric runs down the wing. Austin made great use of the wing and pulled off some incredible saves in his first game in goals. Mitch quickly capitalised on an opportunity in the goal square before taking over goals in the second half. And Zephyr played a strong game, hunting the ball relentlessly and scoring two fantastic goals for his team.
Mo was our Player of the Day, showing great discipline to consistently hold his position and work hard for the team. He also created some great attacking opportunities and had several strong strikes on goal. Thanks to Domino’s Margaret River for sponsoring this week’s Player of the Day voucher!
A huge effort from the whole team in tough conditions!
U10 Legends 11
The scene was set for a challenging match at Churchill Park, with an ominous weather forecast and an apparent temperature at Busselton Airport of just 0.5°C before kick-off. Despite the wind, rain and bitter cold, the game was remarkably free-flowing, with both teams creating plenty of chances and both defences working hard. The Legends battled strongly and a second goal just 20 seconds before half-time gave us the lead going into the break.
With the weather improving slightly, the game opened up further in the second half. Moose, Harper, Teddy and George worked tirelessly repelling attacks, while Koby, Makai, Emma and Delasi continued to apply plenty of pressure going forward. With some key players away, converting our opportunities proved difficult and the Colts eventually edged ahead to take the win. Thankfully the forecast hailstorms never quite reached Churchill Park! A true test of resilience for our young Legends, who battled bravely through some very tough winter conditions. PODs went to Koby and Teddy for their fantastic efforts. Well done to all!
U10 Raptors
This week the U10 Raptors played Capel Wolves Cubs in Capel and despite icy winds and some sideways rain, they played their hearts out and gave 100% as usual. There were definitely some extra weetbix onboard this week too! There were many strong kicks and fast running throughout the game. One thing the team did especially well this week was passing back and forth multiple times while moving the ball up the pitch - you can see them anticipating the passes now and looking for each other each time. Ruby was a standout at that this week, both up the front and in defense, with great footwork in winning the ball, keeping it and then passing on accurately to a teammate.
All players worked hard to keep possession, keep the ball in play and pass well which led to several epic goals from different players including Cohen's stellar strike in the first half. The team's commitment to quick throw-ins was also paying off with quick reactions helping to gain advantage each time. Coe and Hemi both did a great job in goal too.
Raptors were super strong defensively this week, creating a solid impenetrable line across the back which held Capel back well. Playing a big part of Raptor's excellent defense was Nissi who tirelessly marked opponents, pressed them back, tackled and won the ball and kicked it away down the line multiple times - he was relentless! Nissi was our player of the day - thank you to Margaret River Football Club for the canteen voucher.
U10 Mavericks
The Mavericks put on a fantastic performance at Vasse today, playing with incredible teamwork, determination and plenty of enthusiasm from start to finish. Every player worked hard for each other, showing great passing, support and a real team spirit on the field. A brilliant effort from the whole team, well done Mavericks!
Players of the day went to River and Charlie!
U11 Dragons
The Dragons were back at home this weekend for a local derby against fellow FMR team, the Hornets. It was a tightly fought contest from start to finish, with the Dragons having to work hard to maintain their lead against a highly determined opposition. It made for an exciting match to watch, particularly when the Dragons settled into their football, used the space around them and moved the ball with purpose. When the passing started flowing and they worked together to build their attacks, the quality play lifted considerably.
Player of the Day went to Harry, who had more shots than we could count and was a constant threat going forward. Harry has consistently worked hard throughout the season, always giving his best, and he should be very proud of his efforts. Thank you to our generous sponsor Golf Gardens!
U11 Serpents
What a game! Margs Serpents took on the Capel Cubs today, with outstanding teamwork.
It was the girls in the team who really shone today. Raya had a cracker of a game, holding down defense all match and not letting the ball past her. Standout player of the day.
Special mention to Elsie, who was brilliant in goals in the first half, then came out and made tough tackles all over the pitch.
Both girls brought real grit that lifted the whole team. Well done!
U12 Storm
What a hard-fought match this week! U12 Storm vs BCFC Falcons was always going to be a showdown. Having played this team three times now, it’s fantastic to see just how much we continue to improve each time we meet. The players are growing in confidence and showing that all their hard work is paying off.
Storm should be incredibly proud of their efforts, showing plenty of determination, teamwork and resilience from start to finish. We still have some work to do on our positional awareness, but that’s all part of the journey and there was plenty to be proud of today.
Our POD, thanks to Domino's Pizza, went to Lachlan Wills for ensuring we only lost by one lucky goal.
A really great match this week. Well done, everyone!
U13 All Stars
Wow what a game. What a great start to a cup game. Who needs the word cup when you got determined U13's.
The first half was nail bitting. Lots of attempts at goals by the DTFC Roar, but with Zoe Ralston as goal keeper, nothing could get passed her and she was quick and accurate getting the ball back into play.
Scoreless until the 20th minute of the 1st half, then a missed ball by DTFR saw Lennox Hermon pick up from the half way and take control passing three players and sent it passed the keeper into the net. The MR crowd cheered immensely.
Unfortunately the second half saw a big comeback with 4 great goals from the Roar. Leaving the final score 1-4.
Every player put their heart and soul into the game and gave it there best every second of the game. Every parent must of been so proud. Player of the day went to Zoe Ralston.
Well done both teams.
U13 Breakers
The Breakers took their positions on the Busselton pitch under the shadow of an ominous dark rain cloud. The wind began howling and an umbrella was blown tumbling across to the other side of the field. The BCFC Blades scored a goal early in the match. Mireya was something like a flash of lightning as she ran down the opposition in defence to win POD. Ben played an incredible game of speed and finesse on the wing to also take out POD. Special mention to Kai who had an amazing second half in defence along with Drayke who maintained his composure under pressure in goals. Thanks to FMR Canteen and Golf Gardens for prizes.
U17 Mustangs
What a game. It was a proper team effort with everyone playing their part on the pitch. FMR had all the momentum the first half, with the ball spending more time in our forward half. Some excellent passing and teamwork gave Kai the first 2 goals of the game.
A rebound off Jarrah in goals gave United a chance with a tangle of limbs in the box, but Will was able to clear it out. Ollie and Reef were both strong in their positions moving the ball with precision.
Sid, Ethan, Alex, and Richard were solid in the mid. Ollie, Reef, William and Stirling holding down the defense. Digby chasing down the ball in the forward half. Kelani moving the ball well, and Poom put in a solid effort, playing both forward and in the defense. Rotating off the bench, Luca, Riley and Arie gave it their all on the pitch.
Kai’s third run was saved by the keeper, but we went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
United came out hot after the break and caught us off guard, scoring twice in the first 4 minutes of the second half. Jarrah was so close to saving the first goal with a dive, but the ball went under his hand by the slimmest margin.
Both teams had their chances in the second half, but weren’t able to convert. A corner from Ollie was on target, but was saved. Sid had a shot, but that was also saved. With the score 2-2 at the final whistle, it was on to penalties as no extra time unless a Cup final.
United shot first and scored. It was even until United’s keeper got his fingers on our third shot, which deflected to the bar and out. United got their next giving them the win 3-5 on penalties. Not the outcome we wanted, but it wasn’t form lack of trying and effort. Well done Mustangs!