U8 East Bentleigh Strikers

It was the second time we played the Strikers and this time it was no push over. They really beefed up their squad and had Jurgen Klinsmann as a forward who struck home a majestic goal from an incorrectly called corner. Our boys were up for it and managed to slot home two goals and had chances at quite a few more. Out goalies today really stood there ground and were bloody glad the opposition missed a few sitters. In my opinion, it was the best game of the season. Both the new joint-coach (pictured below) and parents, who were there in force today, had a great time watching another Stingray victory.

Congratulations to Liam on his "Most Valuable Player GOLD STAR" award for scoring an impressive goal at last weeks game.

Coaches' Corner: Another good  team effort against tough opposition, everybody played their part in the win. Goals for Karl and James and some good goalkeeping  from Charlie and Liam. Everybody has really improved their skills and positional play and this was clear during this game.

GO STINGRAYS! 

The score ended up 2-1 to the Stingrays
Scorers:  Karl  & James

U9 Hampton

Games against Hampton have been entertaining and this was no exception. After the dogs were off the field and the goals were set up, the game got underway with Hampton scoring a quick goal. We certainly found our mojo after that with some good attacks. Oliver DR was running into space and after a couple of missed chances it was Xavier that scored a good goal. Oliver H kept pressing the opponents and tried to save a corner with a slide tackle. We had some more changes in the first half and Joel and Damiano were unlucky not to score. After half time we continued to dominate, but Damiano and Will could not find the back of the net. Charlie and Lucas ensured that Hampton did not get a chance during the first ten minutes of the second half. However, they only needed one to get back in front. It was entertaining last 10 minutes with Campbell and the rest of the team pressing for an equalizer. Hampton on the other hand hit the post and after Oliver H could not toe poke the last chance of the game into goal, it was Hampton that had won. Losing a game after dominating much of it is not fun, but will all the effort and some great play, it was a ‘good loss’!

Congratulations to Joel on his "Most valuable Player" award for the game against Sandringham for his great defensive efforts

GO STINGRAYS!

The score ended up 2-1 for Hampton
Scorer: Xavier

U9 Sandringham

It was an early kick off on a foggy morning and some of our players did not seem awake yet! It took a while for the team to click but we improved as the first half went on.  Sandringham is a good team and kept their positions well with some very talented players. We were still waiting for the ball a bit, instead of trying to be first to the ball, but the second and third effort was excellent.  The fruit and lollies combo during the break was effective again and we started the second half well.  Even though we went a few goals down, it was good to see that the fighting spirit remained and we were unlucky not to score a goal.  The marking of players on corner kicks and throw-ins improved a lot which is great.

Overall a good effort and with three more games to go - lets keep it up

Congratulations to Xavier on his "Most Valuable Player" award for the game against Baxter for his get runs in the first half and diving saves in the second.

GO STINGRAYS!

The score ended up 6-0 for Sandringham

U8 Beaumaris Kings

It was the second time we played Beaumaris and 12 year Diesel was there again, thankfully in goal during the second half. This time however we were up to it and scored an opener but alas the skill level of our opponent was just to great. The boys ran themselves ragged and tried their best but in the end went down to a deserving team. The boys seem very comfortable and enjoyed all aspects of the days play. There are three games left this season so it's good to see that next year we have another coach to help Tony out. We want to build the boys spirit as much as we want to build their skills and I believe we're off to a good start.

Congratulations to Josh on his "Most Valuable Player GOLD STAR" award for scoring when it was needed at last weeks game.

Coaches' Corner: It was a tough opposition with good foot skills which had us stretched at times , we had some chances and scored the first goal but after half time our  midfield and attack were really all over the pitch not holding positions so we need to work on that for next week. We did have some chances in the second half but with the big Diesel engine in goals for Beaumaris nothing was going in.

GO STINGRAYS! 

The score ended up 4-1 to Beaumaris
Scorers:  Liam

U8 Glen Eira Crocodiles

A Tale of Two Halves: I always find it amazing how a team can start-off strong and suddenly buckle, unable to put anything together and then suddenly as if a light was switched was swung, they Gel. It was once again Coach Tony who inspired the kids at halftime to really go out there and win. And that is what they did against a decent team. The match was played in a great spirit and out opponents were magnanimous in defeat. There are not many matches to go but I think the boys really enjoy playing as a team and are starting to learn to win.

Congratulations to Alexander on his "Most Valuable Player" award for being and all round solid player at last weeks game.

Coaches' Corner: The boys played really well holding their positions  and backing up their team mates.We are now making good use of throw ins and and corner kicks with everybody really thinking about what needs to be done to make space and then actually doing it. There was some good runs of play all the way from our goals right up to the Glen Eira goals which led to us scoring 3 goals. Glen Eira scored one early goal which made the boys stand up and really fight for the win. We had good goalkeeping by Arun and Flynn and then Arun scored a goal later on along with Josh who had two good goals- but as i say scoring goals require teamwork so well done to everybody.The skill of all the boys has really improved as we start to approach the end of the season.

GO STINGRAYS! 

The score ended up 3-1 to the Stingrays
Scorers:  Josh x 2 & Arun

U9 Baxter

The big boys of Baxter were coming and we had the ice packs ready.  Last time they had beaten us 7-0 including shots from half way. Even though we had a big pep talk before the game and clogged up the field by playing 9 aside, Baxter started the game better and went quickly 1-0 up.  After they scored another goal we started to play better and it was a pretty even contest. Campbell and Oliver H showed the way by disrupting Baxter's play.  Lucas was clearing the ball as if he had not missed any game and Xavier had a couple of good runs and was unlucky not to score.  Deservedly (but a bit lucky) we pulled one back before half time after a cross from Joel bounced of one of their players into the goal.  At half time the secret weapon came out - the combination of fruit and lollies.  It certainly did the trick again as the team started the second half with fire in the belly.  Oliver DR ran straight at the ball and Will put pressure on from the front. After a phase of good pressure, Damiano scored his (weekly) goal and an upset was brewing.  Baxter responded and started to put more and more pressure on as we were forced backwards.  Charlie, who played as an old fashioned sweeper even though he was playing in the midfield, the big boot of Marley and desperate clearing from Joel kept the them at bay for most. When Baxter did come through, they found Xavier in their way. For the first time in goals for the U9 he was unbeatable.  Multiple good diving saves and with the help of at times frantic team mates it was too much for Baxter to breach.  It was a real fighting but also good playing effort of the team to get the draw with proud parents at the side line.

Congratulations to Joel on his "Most Valuable Player" award for last week’s game. Joel has great ball control and reads the play very well putting himself more than once in the line of fire.

GO STINGRAYS!

The score ended up 2-2

Scorers: Joel and Damiano

U8 Glen Eira Scorpions

Today the Orange Men (Ok Ok, perhaps there are a few Catholics amongst the rank) rolled up to face Glen Eira and the 12 year old hit-man trained by Ariel Sharon. We also had the pleasure of extra goal keepers and Ariel continually crossing the de-militarized zone while ordering his troops. To top it off the manager (aka me) was almost brolly bashed for asking the Orange Men to start using their elbows. Even with all the war games the match as played in a good spirit and the boys had fun..... Look forward to the next one.

Congratulations to Jackson on his "Most Valuable Player" award for being a great goalkeeper last week.

Coaches' Corner: A tough day on a ridiculously small pitch which was not suited to a free flowing game as all the players were usually bunched up, never the less the boys put on a good show but at times the opposition thought it was a rugby match and we struggled  with some rough play, even the ref thought it was ok for Glen Eira to kick the ball out of our keepers hands to score a goal, it was that sort of game. The boys need to use any weight they may have to stand up to any physical play they encounter. At times players were not staying in position which left us exposed and we did have chances to score more than one goal but missed the shots, so the boys need to think about having more control over shots a goal.

Overall we played well, Glen Eira had a couple of really good players that probably made the difference, one of them looked about U12 level and also had U12 skills At the start of the season this team would have scored at lot of goals passed us but now the difference in the teams playing and skills is there for all to see.

Looking forward to getting back to a descent size pitch at Brown's next week.

GO STINGRAYS! 

The score ended up 2-1 to Glen Eira
Scorers:  Josh