By Suzanne Tyzack
Under 8 Strikers v Berwick
Under 8 Strikers went up against Berwick Spirit in a very evenly matched contest. The game ended 2-2 with Bryce Stevenson adding another to his tally and Milos Krstic kicking his first goal of the season. Unfortunately, being the coach’s son, Miloš has played defence all year and constantly complains he’ll never have a chance to score. He took matters onto his own boots and scored from inside his defensive half. A ripper game, well played Strikers.
Under 9 Redbacks v Berwick
Not sure if it was the long drive down, the strong wind or what the boys ate for breakfast but the game-day mindset wasn’t really there this week for the U9 Redbacks.
They were up against it from the start against a physically stronger and more skilful Berwick opposition.
Unfortunately, the team effort and structure, defensive discipline and attacking pressure were lacking compared to our previous weeks’ efforts which have resulted in good wins.
There were a few good moments and passages of play but the team lacked the cohesion and concentration needed, resulting in a 4-0 loss.
Under 9 White Knights v Berwick
The U9 White Knights played a hard-fought, intense match against Berwick U9, one of the four U9 teams Berwick has. This particular side hasn’t lost a game this year and is likely to finish best in the competition. Healesville was perhaps focused a little too much on defensive play but scored 1 superb goal from Arlo. Berwick had many scoring opportunities and goal strikes but the Healesville defence did well to repel with Berwick scoring 4 goals, 2 of which were lucky goalie bypass dribbles. After the game, the Berwick coach awarded the Best Player of the Match to Healesville player Lexie Gray who revelled in the associated canteen voucher for hot chips and a soft drink. Lexie is a fast-running defender who has great foot-on-foot defensive skills
Healesville U10’s Whites V Mooroolbark
4-1 Mooroolbarks way
Healesville conceded 3 early goals and found it hard to penetrate into their forward half of the ground in the first half of the match.
Some good bursts from Will on the wing were not taken advantage of until the second half, when the midfield attacked and found Will out on the wing in space. He dribbled and shot across his body into the top right corner – brilliant.
Some stand-out efforts from Healesville mids and a heavy focus on defence were not enough to hold off a strong Mooroolbark attack.
U14’s V Gideon Warriors 1-3 loss
U14s were unfortunately outgunned by a visiting team who were up for the challenge. It was great to again see numerous shots on target however unfortunately most were saved or hit the bar. Yet another goal kicker was added to the list which is always good to see.
Senior Women 1-0 win
Our Senior Women headed off to Rowville for their first-ever match against Bayswater Strikers. It was a wild and windy afternoon when the unusually small Healesville contingent pulled up to prepare. With the team full of grit and determination the eleven players marched onto the pitch eager to keep their top spot on the ladder. Even considering the first-half conditions with the wind pushing against the team and the flashes of sun beaming straight into the eyes of the defenders the women fought hard to keep the ball in their attacking half. Kiera Steventon was not deterred and scored the first and only goal with a brilliant boot sailing just out of reach of the keeper’s hands and into the back corner of the net. With all players needing to play the full 90 minutes it was an exceptional display of hard work and resilience with a shout-out to Captain Sarah Cunnian who was everywhere across the pitch. Not to mention, with very few supporters able to make the Rowville trip, massive hats off to Coach Klaus who mastered the art of multitasking not only managing to lead the women to victory but also wrangling small children on the side of the pitch so the incredible Healesville women could play. Well played Healesville 1-0.
U14 Girls Healesville Derby
It was time again for our Under 14 girls to face off against each other at Don Road. With the long line of Healesville girls facing each other on the pitch, it’s a reminder of how super excited we are to have not one but two full teams of inspiring under-14 girls this year. And as we near the halfway mark of the season these girls are showing how much they have grown in skills, strength and purpose. With the Reds this time wearing the White away shirts it made for some confusing cheers and chants from the crowd, reds, whites, healesville, just go girls you got this! The Reds managed to secure some very nice goals in the first half including an incredible run and score by Sia McMahon and impressive conversions by Mia Krstic and Melita Campbell. Melita Campbell scored the only goal in the second half securing the Reds’ win 4-0. A shout out to the Reds wing defenders Eloise Stevenson, Isla Campbell and Melita Campbell who ran hard all game and gave the game everything they possibly could. Well done to both teams the camaraderie between each other is commendable and everyone’s skills and talent continue to build.
U8 Dragons – 1-2 loss to Berwick
U12’s – Bye
Senior Men 2-4 loss to Bayswater Strikers
Senior Men Reserves 0-4 loss to Bayswater Strikers
