By Sarah Bailey
Healesville Firsts 6-1 Le Ralph Alps (Lilydale)
Early missed chances raised the spectre of one of those days for Healesville, but Cam D broke the deadlock after 20 minutes to score his first, and scored a second soon afterwards.
A goal for the away side against the run of play saw a slight shift in momentum, but Cam D completed a first-half hat trick to keep Healesville ascendant. Midway through the second half, 3 quick goals from Anthony M, Brian W and Josh L sealed the result.
Healesville U8 Tigers 6-2 U8 MUFC
A great effort from the entire team, with Luca, Axel, Jude and Wyatt forming a super-strong defence.
Oliver, Reece, Zac and Jack all hit the back of the net, and credit must go to Oliver and Jude in goals.
Healesville U9 Lions 8-6 Bayswater Strikers
After a quick goal by Bayswater, visiting team Healesville had a great run, scoring the next 4.
It got closer after the break, but the Lions carried the day thanks to scorers Hudson (5), Colton (2) and Maverick (1).
Healesville U9 Redbacks 3-2 Blackburn Raptors
Will R opened the scoring with a nice goal through heavy traffic. Max P scored another soon afterwards, sending the ball over the defenders and keeper.
The Redbacks’ defence stood up well, with Teddy F making multiple saves.
It was 2-0 at half time, but the Raptors came out hungry and levelled the score before Louie slotted home a goal to put the Redbacks in front.
Special mentions to Ben, Karl and Max for some fantastic efforts.
Healesville Senior Women 2-1 Knox Strikers
Battling sickness and injury, the team held their undefeated position on the ladder with a tight win.
Knox put up a good fight, but an early goal lobbed perfectly by Ava H, followed by a beautiful set-up from Kiera S for Melita C to smash it into the back of the net kept Healesville ahead. Keeper Kelly L continued her strong game this season with dynamic goal-saving.
Healesville U13 Girls Hearts 1-1 Waverley City
The Hearts were lucky not to go a few goals down in the first 15 minutes: Waverley hit the post twice after some fantastic goalkeeping from Henrietta I.
Healesville snuck a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half time with a great team goal finished by Poppy T.
In the second half, the girls kept the lead right up until 45 seconds to go, when a Waverley corner was deflected into the Healesville net.
Georgia C was a clear best on ground, and Stella C and Isla L also played well.
Healesville U10 Ninjas 1-1 Knox
Adapting to new conditions and playing on a smaller pitch with fewer players, the teams proved to be evenly matched.
Coach Nik did well to manage game time for all and keep the team focused. Willis K was lively up front, chasing down balls and providing opportunities.
Milos K was a rock in defence, repelling a skilful opposition.
Max K was brave in goals in the second half, making great saves, and then flipped the script to score the equaliser for the team.
Healesville U12 Heelers 2-2 KCSC Force
In a closely contested away match against Knox, the Heelers did themselves proud, with great leadership by captain Oscar.
Beautiful passing through midfield and among the forward line saw Healesville keep the pressure on the KCSC goal. Yuuki’s determination against several well-drilled attacks was excellent to see.
Healesville U15 Girls Flames 3-4 Knox Force
Goal for goal in the first half saw the teams head into the break 2-2.
The second half continued to be a seesawing battle, with Knox managing a late winner against a disappointed but ever improving Healesville outfit.
Senior Women Reds 0-1 Maroondah FC Sapphires
Away at Silcock Reserve, the undermanned Reds dominated possession in the first half but couldn’t get past the experienced Maroondah goalkeeper.
The score was nil-all at half time.
Healesville injuries and tired bodies saw Maroondah go ahead 1-0 early in the second half.
Healesville created chance after chance, but it was not to be. Shoutout to Olive B, Jessica P and Sally C for their relentless running and everyone in the team for their never-give-up attitude.
Healesville U15s 2-4 MUFC Valour
A familiar story continued for the U15s, with four players out with illness or injury and some on the ground bravely trying to play through.
With the help of Manny W, Healesville kept the game fairly even despite quick turnover goals from the visitors.
Healesville struck first in the second half, but Valour responded to keep their two-goal lead.
Another Healesville goal late in the game was met with another quick response. It was nonetheless a good showing for Healesville, whose ladder position doesn’t reveal their true potential.
Healesville Reserves 1-3 Lilydale Threegles
Healesville took on second-placed Lilydale in a local derby. After three wins on the bounce, Healesville were full of confidence but missing a few players.
Lilydale took the lead through a wonderful free kick and headed into half time with a 1-0 lead.
Tom E scored with a delightful chip and it looked like Healesville might cause an upset, but two quick goals from the visitors saw the game go Lilydale’s way.
Healesville U13s 0-3 Berwick
A tough day at the office for a Healesville team low on confidence after a few losses.
The home side struggled to match Berwick’s intensity.
The second half was better, but the Reds couldn’t make inroads behind the away side’s defence. Keepers Dylan C and Ryder H performed admirably, and Cooper W and Liam W never gave up.
Healesville U9 Falcons 1-4 Blackburn New Hope
The Falcons put in a great effort against strong opposition in Blackburn.
An opening goal from Ethan S was a great start, but Blackburn began to get on top and the score stood at 3-1 at half time.
In the second half the Falcons were unlucky in their fightback, seeing Blackburn’s keeper stop every attempt.
