SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - LMR DIVISION

Intermediate Boys Soccer

The Year 9/10 Boys Soccer Team had an outstanding day out at the Epsom Recreation Reserve at the Loddon Mallee Regional Finals on Monday 18 May.

Game 1 was a really tight contest against Irymple Secondary College, with both sides having opportunities to score throughout the match, however neither side was able to find the back of the net. With transitional play ebbing and flowing, both the defenders and attackers were hammering shots on goal, but unfortunately, they couldn’t get a score on the board. A nil-all draw resulted, and a realisation that more intensity was required for the next two games if they had any chance of winning the day.

The boys then warmed up for Game 2 against St Joseph’s College Echuca, and after a spirited pre-game chat, they took to the field with significantly more energy and belief. The lift in enthusiasm was evident as Jacob Kendal scored the first goal in the first few minutes of the game. Jacob then backed up that effort with another brilliant goal later in the half to put the team 2-0 up at the break.

After a quick chat, the boys were determined not to let their advantage slide. They continued to attack and as a result, the goals kept coming. Seth Ramm scored on the back of some terrific team play through the midfield, and then a dazzling goal to the effervescent Jimi Read saw the score line extend to 4-0 by the end of the match. This win was critical, as it put the team into a strong position heading into their final match of the day against the Sandhurst winners, Weeroona College. A win in this match would see the boys qualify for the State Finals, so there was a lot to play for.

The boys started Game 3 exceptionally well, their gameplay was smooth, their passing was considered, and as a result, they created a plethora of opportunities up forward. The Weeroona Goalkeeper, who was the size of a small giant, proved hard to pass, however a brilliant run from Jayden Kaungwa saw him fouled inside the 18-yard box and a penalty awarded. Jimi Read stepped up to the spot and confidently slotted the goal which put the team into the lead mid-way through the first half.

The boys were doing everything right. They were covering any attacks that Weeroona threw at them, as well as continuing to push forward themselves. Despite shots continuing to be saved, the boys’ effort to add to the scoreline could not be faulted. Likewise, defensively the boys were incredible, with special mention to Ben McAuliffe, who kept a clean sheet in goals for all 3 games. A 1-0 victory was the final score, which saw the boys finish top of the table and named as the Loddon Mallee Regional Champions.

This amazing result secured the boys a place in the SSV State Finals, which are to be played in Term 3 on Tuesday 1 September. Thanks to Daniel Xue for running the Line and Mr Oliver Maddison for coaching.

TEAM: Mr Oliver Maddison (Coach), Nay Lae Oo Ku, Seth Ramm, Jacob Kendal, Ben McAuliffe, Coen Kendal, Jimi Read, Dustin Ketterer, Angelo Cuadra, Tadhg O’Keefe, Archer Horan, Jayden Kaungwa, Simon Bu, Zu Ri, Christian Martin, Daniel Xue