After a one week delay, we can happily report that the DRSC U9 A Yellow season is underway. The first game was eagerly anticipated by players and coach alike. Confident that the pre-season training drills and practice games had been effective and educational in the quest to improve each player’s skills and fitness levels.
Against a visibly smaller team in stature, the first competitive game against Mooroolbark was whistled underway on Saturday 3rd of May at 9am.
From the first kick-off the boys in yellow exuded confidence and were immediately into attack. The constant pressure took its toll on the opposition and the first of many goals was magnificently slotted home by Ryan, a first year Rovers player whose silky skills and seamless movement with the ball separated him from the opposing players.
At this point it was the writer’s intention to give a short summary of each of the goals sequentially as the game progressed, but due to a lack of fingers and descriptive adjectives, and the simple mathematics of 19 goals, a summary of only a few of the more memorable goals will simply have to suffice.
Yes, that was not a misprint, 19 - 0 was the final result. That was the accumulation of three hat-tricks, three other multiple scorers and in total 10 players of the team of 12 getting their names on the score sheet, including Alex our goalkeeper who whilst being in goals unfortunately didn’t get to touch the ball, but made an instant impact when an inspired change by the coach to reposition him forward resulted in an exceptional goal and an exquisite header which just sailed over the bar.
It seems headers were the order of the day, when the wonderfully talented and tenacious Cheyne, possibly our smallest player rose mercurially above all others in the box to meet a corner and head home another magnificent goal. Not to be out-done, Spyros whilst running back away from goal also managed to head home from quite a distance looping majestically over the opposing keeper for one of his three.
The always reliable Jack, slammed home a power goal into the top corner among his three, all the while maintaining control of the midfield, ably accompanied by Christos’ penetrating runs down the wing creating endless opportunities, and Dion’s fervent dribbling skills, also providing many forward thrusts and two wonderful second half goals of his own. Another player whose dribbling skills simply mesmerised the opposition and often drew them into fouls was Alexandre, making his contribution on the score sheet with three well drilled goals of his own.
Aaron and Michael once again proved that their vision and reading of the play ensured there was very little danger defensively for our committed team. For both it wasn’t just their defensive efforts as they each managed to score excellent goals after a concerted series of passes amongst the boys.
Anthony, also managed to skilfully turn on the run and slot home two timely goals, one in each half, and continued to provide his powerful and explosive crosses into the box always creating danger for opposing defences. Lastly, Joshua provided the wonderful link with his ferocious tackling and fervent attack on the ball, and his pin-point accurate corners were the perfect assist for a couple of outstanding goals.
All in all, a flawless performance from the boys and an enjoyable beginning for the season. Of note was the good spirit and sportsmanship that each of our players showed, giving respect to the opposing players and the referee. Three hearty cheers and congratulations on a game well played were shared by both teams. Well done to all the boys and the coach.
Next week we meet FC Bulleen Lions at Anderson Park with a 10am kick-off.
Train Hard, Play Fair & Have Fun
