By Sarah Bailey
Strong wins were an exciting start to the season for Healesville’s junior teams.
Healesville U16s 6-2 Berwick
Away in Berwick, Healesville kept the pressure up from the start.
Gordon K scored at the third minute, followed by Pip M in the nineth minute and Hamish M at 17th minute.
Berwick scored twice in two minutes to keep the game alive before Hamish M struck again in the 32nd minute to go into half time 4-2 up.
The second half was more of an arm wrestle, but Max J scored a beautiful volley at 54th minute and Pip scored his second not long before the final whistle.
Healesville U14 Red Devils 5-0 Blackburn North
The team’s confidence was high off the back of a successful Maccas Cup campaign in the preseason.
In the first half Georgia C and Ava H bossed the midfield and Healesville peppered the Blackburn goals, converting twice with two well-taken goals by Evie T.
Healesville dominated the second half, with Sia M scoring one and Evie T adding another two.
Healesville U14 4-2 Yarra Valley
Healesville dominated in the first half. Louis G scored the first goal, with Iggy C creating opportunities on one wing and Cooper, Tom Q and Liam providing great structure from the
back.
In the second half fatigue set in, but Dylan moved out of goals to play in the outfield, bringing an injection of energy.
The team deftly switched formation in the second half from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 to add defensive structure.
Louis G banged in three more.
Pepe and Julian also had opportunities in the last 10 minutes as Healesville reasserted their dominance.
A big thank you to Ryder, who added reinforcements to Healesville’s squad before he went to his own game.
Healesville U13 Heelers 4-0 Knox Strikers
Away against Knox, Dominic G led the boys out as captain. Oscar P opened the scoring with a clinical strike from range, putting Healesville on the front foot.
The boys kept the pressure on the Knox defenders in the second half.
Cooper S moved into the midfield, scoring two goals after playing the first half as keeper.
Another goal came from a great passing play, with Max M putting the ball in the back of the net.
The hard work of the backline players kept Knox from breaking through.
Healesville U12 Panthers 10-0 BSSC Hammerheads
In their first outing on a full-sized pitch, the Panthers made a big statement with a 10-goal victory.
Captain Sem K put on a show with his damaging left foot, slotting home five goals.
Louis used his speed and agility to set up many chances as well as scoring two goals himself.
Ryan dazzled early with his footwork, netting two goals before being moved to the midfield.
Flynn brought plenty of drive, finishing a slick volley from a quality cross from Louis.
Ben worked tirelessly in attack and helped out in defence.
Defensively, Sam and William were rock solid, cutting off most of the Hammerheads’ forward moves.
Ash, Jackson and Leon were all very dependable when called upon.
In goals, Sol and Ash combined well to keep a clean sheet and round off a near-perfect team performance.
Healesville U12 White Wolves 7-1 BNFC Crocodiles
With new corner flags and sensational sponsor banners, the home ground at Don Rd was in fine condition for the Wolves to graduate to a full-sized pitch.
The home side struck the first blow through a fantastic dribble from Zach C.
The visitors upped the ante in the second half, quickly scoring the opening goal.
From here the scoring opened up, with contributions by Robbie K, Evan K, Alex P (hat-trick) and Flynn F.
Healesville U11 Ninjas 5-0 Knox Churches
The Ninjas kicked off the season at Knox Park, led by captain Max H, who was best on ground, also scoring two goals.
More importantly, his work rate was excellent, consistently helping out in the back.
The Ninjas led 3-0 at half time, with everyone on the team present and involved.
Leroy, Ollie and Leo caused a lot of problems for the Knox defensive line.
Leo also helped out in defensive midfield in the second half.
In defence, Percy played very tidily in the central position.
Hayden and Jackson didn’t allow much on the wings.
Healesville’s goalies had a quiet day but neatly picked up the few balls that came their way.
Sealing the deal for the team in red were two goals from outside the box (mercy rule).
Healesville U10 Falcons 5-3 Lilydale
The team started on the front foot with Kai scoring in the first few minutes.
Ethan soon doubled the lead, scoring a nice finish in the far corner.
The Falcons kept up the hard work and were rewarded when Kai scored again.
They went 4-0 up after Conor scored not long after coming on.
Lilydale had a few chances, but some great keeping from Grey kept them out.
The referee awarded Lilydale a dubious penalty, which they scored from.
In the second half Lilydale scored a few quick goals to get back into the game, but the Falcons kept their heads up and Max scored their fifth to finish strong.
Healesville U9 Rangers 4-2 Northern Eagles
The Rangers went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to goals by Logan S and captain Ryder A and a clean sheet by Zach DR.
Logan S scored again to start the second half, but a defensive lapse and an unlucky goal had the Eagles coming back.
A nice goal by Milos K iced the game for Healesville.
Other results:
U16G Hurricanes 3-3 Berwick Blues (goals Mia K 2, Evie T 1)
Healesville Women’s Premier 4-0 Rowville Eagles (goals Kiah 1, Tess 1, Breony 2)
Healesville Seniors 3-1 Dandy Casuals (goals Johnny C 2, own goal 1)
Healesville Reserves 2-4 Dandy Casuals Reserves (goals Pip M 2)
