Young’s Under 14s soccer team had a big day at the Cowra carnival last week where they made it through to the semi-finals.
First up Young took on Woden Weston FC Wanderers; a well drilled and competitive team who took full advantage of an initial lack of numbers in the Young side to dominate possession and the game, 4-nil.
After a late injection of talent – a very big thank you to the later arrivals and their driver /manager – a much improved effort in defence and goal scoring against South West Slopes saw the team run out winners in a tight finish 3-2.
Last game in the group was against the Gunghalin Thunder who put in a spirited performance, but Young went on to win 2-nil.
The win earned Young second place in the group on six points and a minus one goal difference.
After some complicated calculations it was decided Young’s progression to the semi-finals hinged on the outcome of the last game of the pool matches - Tuggeranong United versus Southern Tablelands.
Young’s team members were extremely pleased as their trip home to start the homework was put off until at least 3pm.
Ultimately, the goal keeping acrobatics of the Southern Tablelands keeper helped Young get through after a hard fought nil-all draw.
Tense times now as Young entered the semi against Woden Weston FC Wanderers who were preparing for the match with a Yoga class down by the river.
Young’s preparation was a bit more traditional with a simple game plan discussed and agreed; stay between them and our keeper, run flat out for the whole game and no huddles allowed.
The strategy nearly paid off with a rattled WWFCW no longer talking it up on the pitch, every possession a great contest for the ball, and neither team being able to get into the box for a shot on a goal.
It was a great game to watch, played in great spirit by both teams.
Ultimately the result was decided from some spectacular long range shots and free kicks from both Young and the WWFCW players, Young going down 4-2.
The Young team did themselves proud by behaving impeccably all through a long day, showing support for each team member on and off the field, playing good football and most of all having fun.
The Under 12s Bargwanna and Gerrard team played three very tough matches on the day.
Game one against Forbes United brought forward a strong performance from Clancy Hislop, Cooper Wells, Louis Clarke and Fraser Johnson in centres and the team was unlucky to go down 2-1 in a well matched game.
Coming up against Belwest Red the team upped their game even further and once again made the opposition work hard for their 3-1 win.
The game saw some great strikes from Sam Dunn in midfield and relentless attacking by Jardi Mcanespie, Jovan Croese and Will Adams in forwards.
The final game of the day ended in a 1-all draw against Majura, largely due to the tireless efforts of Cameron Job in goal, supported by a strong defensive line of Aiden Hines, Jaxon Greenaway, Mitchell Osmond and Rhys Lacey.
Young is to be congratulated on their sportsmanship, as commented on by the opposing teams’ coaches.
