UNDER 8s:

By KIM FLACK

It was a much anticipated clash of the elements on Saturday morning, with the Lightning taking on the Thunder in the Under 8s soccer over in Shepparton.

Both teams were packed with energy, fielding two full sides plus interchange players, a fantastic result considering just a few months ago there were only 10 registered participants.

Thanks to a combined effort from the club and community to encourage new sign ups, 17 eager players took to the pitch.

A huge win for local sport and the health of our young athletes.

In a well matched game, there were plenty of exciting plays.

Ball handling skills have clearly improved across the board, with Isaiah, Rex, Freya, Darcy, Freddy, and Max all making great runs up the wing and through the centre.

Equally impressive was the teamwork on display, as players took turns to chase and tackle.

Much like the calm before a storm.

Raph, Will, Toby, Ruby, and Logan all showed determination and hustle.

The crowd roared as shots on goal came close time and again, with Skylah, Darcy, Patrick, Isaiah, and Noah all having solid attempts at scoring.

At half time, Coach Hooly gathered the group and chanted his key message.

“Stop and look.”

The players took it to heart, with the second half featuring impressive passing sequences from Archer, Arti, Ruby, Noah, and Will that moved the ball smartly up the field.

It wasn’t just the attacking efforts that impressed.

Goalkeepers Logan, Patrick, Max, and Matthew pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the game level.

The final score was a 0–0 draw, but the real victory was the joy of the game, with 17 beaming players and a proud crowd.

A big thank you goes to coaching superstar Julio, who somehow managed to juggle coaching two teams at once - no small feat.

This week’s awards went to Will, Toby, Noah, and Rex for their outstanding efforts on the pitch.

UNDER 10s

By DAN GODSMARK

Heading into the game without head coach David, a number of parents stepped up and 'son of a gun' William H was named captain to lead the team out against the Blasters.

Having played the Blasters several times before, Thunder knew what they were up against.

Starting strongly, Montunui made some brilliant saves in goals.

But after several attacking entries, the Blasters eventually found the scoreboard.

Not laying down lightly, Anakin defended with real heart, sprinting from one opponent to another to maintain pressure.

Max launched some big clearing kicks, while Teddy slotted Thunder’s only goal, capitalising on a masterclass throw-in from captain William H.

The extra throw-in training sessions are clearly starting to pay off.

Owen played to his position and made some strong plays throughout the game, holding his own.

Rowan found some great space and was always hunting the ball, showing great energy and intent.

At the break, Anakin took over from Montunui as keeper and who put in a solid shift.

Hunter lifted in defence, and Hudson had a great passage of play applying pressure before a tough clash, though he shook it off and kept going.

Ritchie played out of his skin in the second half, chasing the ball hard and never backing down from the contest.

While the final result wasn’t ideal, the team’s effort and endeavour were sky high, and the kids never gave up.

SCOREBOARD: Euroa 1 defeated by Blasters 11

AWARDS: Max and Hunter

UNDER 12

By HAYLEY ROWAN

The Euroa under 12 boys delivered an impressive performance full of teamwork and grit during their exciting clash against Nagambie over the weekend.

A big thanks to Remy for stepping in as a substitute, allowing the team to rotate effectively and maintain intensity throughout the match.

From the opening whistle, both sides fought hard in a tightly contested game, with goalkeepers and defenders from each team standing tall under pressure.

Crucial saves and clearances kept the scoreline close and the contest intense.

In the first half, Jasper broke through with a perfectly timed goal, giving Euroa a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.

Nagambie responded strongly in the second half, equalising with a determined strike that levelled the match at 1–1.

However, Euroa’s composure shone through, with midfielders tirelessly supporting both attack and defence.

Their excellent link up play created chances for the strikers, while defenders remained disciplined to withstand pressure.

Late in the game, Jasper sealed the win with two more goals, completing a well earned hat-trick and securing a 3–1 victory for Euroa.

It was a fantastic team effort from start to finish.

AWARDS: Jasper, Jayden, and Harry