Top teamwork on display as teams tackle Round Robin

It’s hard to believe it’s Round 8 and almost half way through the season! This week saw sunny weather in Busselton and Dunsborough, but dark clouds looming in Margaret River.

The weather didn’t deter the U12s who participated in their first FIFA Cup Quarter Finals.

With two teams playing in Margs, and the other in Dunsborough, there were mixed results, but everyone gave it their all in a difficult Round Robin.

The U6 Ninjas experienced their first defeat of the season, which served as a humbling start to the weekend. Despite the team’s focused training, the Vasse side proved to be a formidable opponent. The match created a challenging atmosphere, highlighting the well-honed skills of Evie, who earned the title of Player of the Day (POD). Vinny also stood out with his consistent effort, showcasing his strength and resilience throughout the game. Although the team felt tired and somewhat disheartened by the defeat, they are eager to address areas needing improvement in their upcoming Wednesday training session. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, Burger Baby and Pies and Ales.

The U8 Raptors put on their best display of teamwork so far, with all players putting in a great effort to work together. The PODs were Jay and Cooper who stood out for their excellent goal keeping skills. Thanks to our sponsor for the game – Squid Lips.

It was sunshine and clear skies for the game between the U9 Strikers and Dunsborough Fire. We witnessed a spirited display of teamwork between the players, good running energy by Josh and an excellent strike by Arlo G. Our goalkeepers provided stunning entertainment, Sam in the first half and Jahla in the second half. Malakai deserved the POD voucher for his rock solid defence. We would love to thank our generous sponsor, Candy Cow.

What a game from the U9 Grizzlies! The little legends played some of their best football and displayed some wonderful teamwork. Every single player was on fire and getting into the game and looking for space to get a pass to a teammate. Their impressive defensive play prevented the opposition from making too many advances towards their goal, while the beautiful passing from all the Grizzlie players into the goal square meant we were able to capitalise and score. A massive shout out to our players of the match, Tyler for being formidable in defence and not letting anything get past him and Archer, for scoring not only his first goal for the season, but also his second goal too!! A big thank you to Witchy Pies for the POD awards.

Saturday morning’s home game started off strong for U10 River Squad against GMAS Dynamics. With a few amazing goals by Westie and Luca supported by Flow in the first half. Westie showing his remarkable foot work and agility skills throughout the game. Luca scoring an impressive goal in the top left from a great distance. Flow dominated the wing and was applying great pressure. Abby was giving it her all in the Mid with Summer, both doing some great passes and demonstrating great team work. Declan, Dylan and Heath all keeping the ball clear from the goals with great defence. A few great saves by goalkeeper Ollie. It was an action packed first half. Second half defence was persistent with Heath showing confidence, stopping many attempts to score by GMAS with Dylan always there to assist. Some great clearing of the ball by Declan and nice work to Demi in the mid for having a go and getting some good contact with the ball. Congratulations to the team for your efforts and the win. Well done to the PODs, Westie and Heath.

Some classy passing led to the U11 Breakers leading the scoreboard against the Jettz at half time. The Jettz turned on the after burners in the second half to even the score. Oscar sent several balls into the back of the net to earn POD along with Drake the dynamo goalie. Thanks to Witchy Pies and Squid Lips.

The U11 Stars produced the best performance of the season so far against a battling GMAS Titans. With just 9 players this week the Stars let the ball do the work, some great passing moves produced plenty of goal mouth action with goals spread across the whole team. Stand out performances from Luke Harvey who showed great energy from start to finish and some nice interplay and passing. Special mention to Kai Field who showed what a great team player he is by stepping up to play in goal. Well done to all the Stars this week, an awesome all round performance, full of skill, endeavour and team spirit.

The U12 Legends had their first taste of the knockout cup, unfortunately we have not proceeded to the next round. However, two games means twice the number of players of the week! Congratulations to Bella, Ryder, Denzel and Ashley for their consistent efforts. Enjoy those vouchers to our supporter SquidLips, Pies & Ale and Scoops Farm. We really felt our groove in the second game against the Wyverns, the sea of green and yellow on the field gave us great support with familiar faces and encouragement on both sides of the field. Busselton Bullets played well and scored early in the first game to set themselves up with great momentum.

It was quarter final day for the U13 Rockets, and it was two games for the price of one. First up, Rockets versus Cornerstone. You could feel their commitment and their concentration, pressing forward and creating good opportunities. The action was real in the midfield, and Cornerstone demanded agility from the Rockets who kept possession of the ball throughout the first half of the game. Cornerstone found some holes and made the most of wrong passes, but Rocket’s defence was a solid wall. Alby was with the head in the game running up and down the field creating fantastic opportunities. The boys demonstrated great footwork, but the Cornerstone goalkeeper was ready to block any attempts at a goal. Rockets pressed on, but the angles weren’t quite right. The second half saw Cornerstone scoring after a battle for the ball. Rockets never gave up, with the ball finding the pole a few times. They played their best until the final whistle, but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. A game that tested the player’s skills and the parent’s hearts.

With one game behind them, the U13 Rockets came in to win against Vasse, and they started the game with energy to show it. After a fast pass from Kalani, Darcy opened the score, setting the pace for the rest of the match.

Rockets dominated the first half, pushing Vasse’s defence to work overtime to avoid our players from scoring right, left and centre.

It was an intense game, with many players out with injuries. Oli got slammed stopping a goal and had to be subbed and Charlie came in ready to stop Vasse’s dream of scoring.

The second half, the team had all but one sub. Rockets attack was formidable, and Vasse’s goalkepper was the star of the show blocking much of the kicks coming his way avoiding a higher score.

With the final whistle Rockets took the victory home.

Well done team on another fantastic game. Riley and Alby picked up the Players of the Day for great all round performances. Thanks to our sponsors, Witchy Pies & Cakery and Burger Baby.

U14 Tigers – Cup Round Robin : The first half started off with the first and second goal being kicked by Sharks with Tigers attacking strongly making it a very hard goal to score. During the second half the first goal was scored by Tigers followed closely by Sharks scoring another. Sharks won by one goal with the final score Tigers 2 Sharks 3. Player of the match was Buster (Daniel Woods).

Margaret River’s YL Wanderers travelled to Busselton on a perfect winter day to take on ladder leaders Geographe, hoping for a little redemption after going down six goals to one the last time the two teams met. Unfortunately for The Wanderers, redemption will have to wait. Instead The Seasiders handed Margaret River a lesson on what good hard football with constant pressure can achieve, in this case an eight to nil score line at the final siren.

After a rough first half Margaret River went into the break six to nil down and did well in the second half to limit Geographe to only two goals. Fynn was the player of the day for Margaret River, trying his heart out all day, as he always does. Honourable mention must go to Henry, who must surely be the hardest working goal keeper in the whole competition at the moment. Remi and Malik both worked hard all day and can hold their heads high.