WSC U16 0 Vs Taroona 7 (Sat 8 May)

"We lost because we didn't win."
Ronaldo

Dear Under 16s,

Just a short note to offer some advice for this weekend's game, which is to be played against Taroona (again!) 12:30 pm, on SUNDAY 16 May at Kelvedon Park (again!) That means most of us know the way there now – if someone could kindly offer directions to the players missing last week, that would be shiny.

Firstly:
Do not show up for the game on Saturday, as that is way out! Roll up on Sunday and you've taken the first step towards a surprising victory; get there a bit early too, coaches always appreciate that (not Saturday early though...)

Secondly:
While I would counsel not dwelling too much on last week's game you should always take something from a loss – as ol' Schopenhauer once said “Life without pain has no meaning”. Last week's effort was a tad painful, which means there was something important to be learnt from it. Pay attention to Dalles at training, he has a mountain of experience of the game and knows what's what.

Thirdly:
Speaking of mountains; as Schopenhauer's good mate, the Little Engine once said “I think I can! I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!” etc. Yes, that little train did go on a bit, but it had a good point. I think you can, nay, I know you can! You can pull a good performance out of your collective hat, we've seen you do it; let the rabbit of optimism emerge from the burrow of doubt (or the hat of hesitation - take your pick). I'm serious, I'm not trying to be bunny...

Woodbridge U16 1st May 2010

This team has only just come together to combine their strengths. The under 13’s team from last year along with some under 15’s and a few first time players make up this years under 16’s.
The first real test came this weekend from the Glenorchy Knights who fielded a strong and committed opposition. The game started at a furious pace and it was the determination of both defensive lines that held strong and kept it nil all for a long duration into the first half.
It must be mentioned that our regular goalkeeper was a great strength and managed to keep the ball out of the net on many occasions.

The deadlock was finally broken by Bolan with a strike that buried itself deep in the back of the net. The tussle continued with some great attacking raids from the Knights and the relentless nature of the attack found a lapse in our concentration to allow a goal in (1 –1)
Jack and Rainen repelled the attacks for a long time which gave our mid fielders the chance to secure a second goal this one went to Vinnie.

Just before half time the score was 2-1 our way.

Phin made some strategic decisions and put a full strength team on the field in the second half. The ball was being battered along with some of our players, Rainen had to leave the field and soon after Bolan injured his back, luckily we had some valiant reserves to take their place.
A change in the defensive line gave the opposition a break and deflected ball went in the net now 2 –2. Nadirah showed how quick she was in defence and kept pushing the opposition winger over the sideline. Then some great footwork sent the ball forward and eventually Vinnie found the back of the net again (3 – 2)

It was looking like a win for us until a set of unfortunate events led to a Glenorchy player running into Kye and a penalty was taken right in front of our goals. A 3 –3 draw was then inevitable. Even though Phin did more than most humans could do and aptly supported by Nick we almost scored twice but it wasn’t meant to be.

The final whistle left us with a 3 all draw and even the opposition coach said this was one of the best games he had ever seen.

I can’t wait to see how this team grows together and where we will be by mid season. I can see some natural talent and some deadly determination that will propel this team, it's really going to go a long way.

Best of luck for next weekend team.
Jafar