Nail-biter draws for the seniors and strong junior wins made for a lively Saturday after the long weekend.
Healesville Senior Women 1-1 South East
Even with a player down, the South East team was full of quality.
Nil-all at half time was fair, even though Healesville had some great chances, one in particular from Kiah forcing an important save.
The second half was more open, and brilliant keeping from Kelly L spurred momentum.
Healesville were on the attack, but unfortunately a South East goal slipped through.
A flurried finish began with Aemelia S scoring a cracker from distance.
On the final whistle a header from Olive ‘Betty’ B had the crowd holding their breath, but the keeper saved it.
The header capped a fantastic game from Olive, who has been working extremely hard up front.
Healesville Senior Men 1-1 Bayswater Strikers
Top-of-the-table Healesville travelled to third-placed Bayswater for a 5pm game played under lights.
The early stages were tentative with chances at a premium.
A defensive mix-up led to a handball against the Reds, and Bayswater scored from the resulting free kick from the edge of the box.
Healesville stepped up their intensity and had the better of the game for the remaining hour.
Johnny C hit the crossbar and JJ had a goal disallowed for offside, but the equaliser came off David M’s head after his initial header was saved and rebounded back to him.
Healesville pushed for a win but had to settle for a point, which keeps them on top of the table.
Healesville U16 Hurricanes 9-0 Berwick
Playing at home against Berwick, Kendi L-T was outstanding up front, delivering a performance that was easily best on ground.
Isla C controlled the midfield brilliantly, setting up numerous opportunities, scoring a cracker and keeping the game flowing.
Evie T was at her usual dangerous best and scoring for fun.
U14 players Jade, Olive and Teah contributed significantly to the victory, and it was a strong team effort overall.
Healesville U14s 5-1 Mooroolbark
Undermanned and sick, but full of courage, the team secured a well-deserved win against Mooroolbark.
Healesville U14 Red Devils 2-0 Berwick
Decimated by sickness, the Devils called on Isla C and Kendi L-T from the U16s to assist.
The first half was low on energy with the game a bit of an arm wrestle.
Berwick started the stronger in the second half, but Healesville counterattacked and Georgia C threaded a through ball past the Berwick defence and Eloise W slotted a shot home.
The Devils got into more of a rhythm, and Eloise W added her second soon after.
Jade D and Isla L were solid as always at the back, and Eloise W’s second half was outstanding.
Healesville U12 Reds 6-1 Bayswater
The Reds were on fire against Bayswater, with great teamwork and a hat-trick from Macey securing a resounding win.
Healesville U12 Diamonds 5-1 Berwick Green
The Diamonds ramped up a level this week in their ability to contest the ball and create space through clever passing.
Emmelia scored four and Keely one, and all goals were a true team effort, with great attacking play by the mids and forwards to set them up.
With the Diamonds’ regular goalie away, Anja took a turn in goals for the first time, managing seven brilliant saves.
The Diamonds held their ground in defence throughout the game, keeping out the last attacking runs from the opposition.
Healesville U12 White Wolves 4-2 Mooroolbark Burras
Alex P scored two goals in short order, but a handball inside the box was then awarded to Mooroolbark.
They converted, keeping their hopes alive going into the break.
In the second half, Robbie K’s corner kick found Jono, who connected with a solid header to shake the Mooroolbark net.
Evan K in goals saved lots of Mooroolbark surges, but another handball was awarded inside the box, and again the Mooroolbark shot taker made no mistake.
Robbie K broke the Mooroolbark lines, passing at least three defenders to score with his left foot.
Healesville U11 Ninjas 5-1 Berwick CSC Spirit
A cold but beautiful morning at Don Road saw a motivated Healesville controlling the ball well right from the get-go.
The forward line, with captain Leo, Ollie, Jacob and Max, applied good pressure and created problems for Berwick.
Leo opened the scoring, followed by a superb goal from Max, who saw the Berwick keeper too far out and punished this from midfield with a brilliant strike.
Leo added another great goal to the tally before Leroy was fouled close to goal.
He took the resulting penalty and scored with ease.
Really good passing and an excellent Hayden clearing many balls that made it past the Ninjas’ pressing efforts led to a 4-0 half-time score.
While the Ninjas weren’t as prominent in the forward half, they defended well and made it hard for Berwick to break through.
A solid second half was topped off by a corner goal from Jacob that slipped through the goalie’s legs.
Healesville U10 Falcons 5-3 Northern Eagles
After a slow start from both teams, Conor took the lead for Healesville when he scored from outside the box.
The game was end to end, and soon it was 1-1.
Nate made it 2-1 to the Falcons after good link-up play with strike partner Maverick.
As before, the Northern Eagles equalised, and it was 2-2 at half time.
The Eagles started brighter in the second half and were rewarded with a good finish to take the lead for the first time.
Healesville didn’t let their heads drop and eventually drew level through Colton.
They took the lead again when Nate broke free from the defence to slot home his second.
With minutes left, Colton scored again to secure the win for Healesville.
Other results:
Healesville U12 Panthers 3-3 Waverley City
Goals: Louis 1, Ben 2
Healesville U13 Heelers 2-2 Lilydale Eagles
Goals: Yuuki, Cooper
Healesville U16s 1-6 Yarra Valley
Goal: Kieran O
