By Sarah Morton
Healesville U9 Redbacks 6 -2 Yarra Valley Vikings
The U9 Redbacks were keen to end the season on a high and they did just that.
At home against Yarra Valley Vikings, the Redbacks started incredibly strong and goals started to come with Max netting the first which lifted the team even further.
Goals continued to flow and when the Redbacks were awarded a penalty in the second half, captain Willis took on the responsibility.
Demonstrating excellent composure and accuracy he whipped it in past the goalie.
Arlo netted 4 goals for the Redbacks taking the final score to 6-2.
Some superb football from a well grouped Redbacks side with special mention to superstars Billy, Boe, Levi, Isaac, Rory and Ash!
Healesville U10 Reds 1-6 Lilydale Eagles
Last game of the season against Lilydale Eagles.
The Eagles were the first team the Reds played at the start of the season.
It was a great opportunity to see how much the team had improved their skills over the season. Great plays by Louis and Ronan pushing through the Eagles defence opened up an opportunity for Alex who drove the ball home to score a great goal under heavy pressure from both sides.
Isla once again had the opposition boys flustered with opposition coach calling out ‘shut her down’. The score did not reflect how well the Reds played, with a few missed opportunities.
A great first season for the U10 Reds.
Healesville U10 White Wolves 2-5 Knox Strikers
The Whites were looking very sharp in their warm-up preparations and started the game with a determined mind set.
Having to really wrestle to gain ascendancy it was Knox who started the scoring in the first half to help lift their sides spirits.
A physical Knox side struck again to make it 2-0 before Will B scored late in the first half to give Healesville something to cheer before half-time.
A very late goal from Knox gave them a commanding lead taking the score to 3-1.
Returning to the pitch the White Wolves made some positional changes and Evan took the gloves in the second half.
His keeping was outstanding, highlighted by a determined save when a Knox player with a one-on-one opportunity was almost written down as a goal before he kicked it, to be denied by Evan with a superb jump and double handed block to push the ball over the crossbar!
Knox pressure did not relent as they remained poised under pressure from the Whites’ forward advances.
On the rebound they were hard to stop with some crafty dribbling and physical pressure helping to score another goal.
This pushed Knox’s lead out further to 4-1 before Ardi C came to the rescue again with another trademark goal and adding to his long list of goals for the season.
At 4-2 the dominance of Knox was punctuated with another late goal securing their victory 5-2. Overall the White Wolves have played with a great deal of determination and have tried many new ways to unlock opposition defences.
A great bunch of kids with great character has ensured an enjoyable season for all who were involved.
Congratulations Healesville U10 Whites and Healesville hopes to see your smiling faces and enthusiasm next year.
Healesville U4 3-0 Gideons Warriors
Healesville u14s took to the field at home for the final game of the season against Gideons Warriors. Both teams sitting equal top, whoever won was to finish the season as champions of Division B.
It was a tough hit-out with both teams surging forward and no time to relax.
Sam K managed to break the deadlock with yet another long range shot from the wing.
A little while later Will W scored before going into the Half time break 2-0 up. A reminder that Gideons would not give up with some words of encouragement and focus by the group’s leaders and Healesville came out swinging.
A Healesville penalty missed was nearly capitalised on by Gideons, but 1 of many saves for the day was made by Nick R who stood tall in goals all day.
Some more forward runs as Gideons started to tire meant a few corners for Healesville.
A beautiful corner by Sam K was read very well by Will W who headed it in to lift the spirits of the big crowd watching on.
That was all that would find the back of the net for this game with Healesville running out 3-0 victors and claiming first place for season 2023 after winning 6 games in a row, and 8 of their last 10 to claim top spot.
Congratulations to each and every player!
Healesville U14 Girls White 4 – Healesville U14 Girls Red
The final game of the season brought the two Healesville U14 Girls teams together for a final show down – Whites vs Reds.
The Healesville Under 14 Girls Reds had won the previous three meetings between the two teams. The U14 Whites came out strong at kick-off applying early pressure, but was met with strong defence and attacking plays by the U14 Reds.
U14 Whites were the first to score with cracking goals from Ava and Charlotte to see the U14 Whites leading 2-0 at half time.
The second half started with some wonderful attacking play by U14 Reds with a beautiful cross from Isla with Mia finding the back of the net.
Neither team backed down continuing to press and defend beautifully.
U14 Whites found the back of the net two more times, both scored by Ava to give her another hat trick for the season.
At the final whistle, it was U14 White with a 4-1 win.
It has been an amazing season for both teams, with significant development and growth in confidence in all the players across the two U14 Girls teams.
Healesville Women 2 -1 Monbulk
With a bounce still in the Healesville Senior Women’s step from last week’s epic win the women turned their attention to the in-form Monbulk team.
With plenty of supporters lining up to cheer the team on for their final game of the season the women came out strong and determined to end the season on a win.
Kiera S was the first to hit the back of the net with one of her signature long range crosses and her final for an absolutely outstanding season for her.
Monbulk evened things up with an equally impressive goal to ensure our team stayed on their toes. A confusing goal late in the first half had both teams pause while awaiting the referees whistle but Naomi Hausmann had slotted it in to take the team to 2-1.
A hard fought battle ensued for the second half with Healesville locking down their defence and taking out the win.
Their final one for an absolutely stunning season and ensuring they take home the runners up prize. Well done women you have truly done Healesville proud.
Other results
Healesville U9 white knights 0-3 Lilydale U9
A hard fought game.
