Under 6 Match Report 24th July

On yet another beautiful Saturday morning (now I am getting worried about where our water for summer is going to come from) our Under 6’s prepared for a match against Glen Huon.

Woodbridge had Amber, Caleb, Noah Rory Ruby and Serafina. Noah, in usual fashion thought a goal within one minute of the start was the way to go. Serafina was not to be outdone and also slotted one home. Glen Huon come back with a good reply, then Noah with a lot of help from the team made it 3-1 at half time.

After the obligatory orange skins were spread around the ground, it was all on again. Unfortunately, Glen Huon must have used red cordial rather than the traditional oranges at half time and some of their team were a bit hard to get focussed. Caleb was having a good game and I would suggest he was robbed of a goal when Noah slotted his third goal home. Noah said he had passed it to him, those at the ground would use another verb. Rory was playing his usual game and nearly scored a couple of times and Ruby and Amber hadn’t lost their enthusiasm that they had displayed two weeks previously. Glen Huon scored another goal, so Serafina decided that 5-2 had a better ring to it and that was how the score ended.

It was a good effort all round and thanks to everybody for handling the substitutions.

John the coach

Saturday 17th July 2010 at Huonville.

Match Report U6's Woodbridge v's Huon Valley.


"The Match that Nearly Wasn't"

The goals were set up, the pitch was marked out, the day was cool and sunny - the scene was set for another great match. The Woodbridge 3 of Amber, Noah, and Rory patiently awaited the arrival of the opposition, using up some valuable match energy in pre-match skirmishes. The Huon Valley 3 eventually rolled in with the rostering changes and sibling match clashes sited as contributing to the late show.

The three aside clash provided ample space for a free running end to end game. Both teams put pressure on goal with some lovely runs and intense goal mouth tussling. Noah again demonstrated his casual and seemingly effortless style in some dazzling centre runs , finishing off in a number of goals. Amber was tenacious on the wing and once clear of the pack she had some lovely runs with the ball putting pressure on the opponents and turning the tide in Woodbridge's favour. Rory kicked long and hard and ran his legs off both in defence and attack. He generously fed his team mates with some precision crossing in front of goal. He was very happy to land a couple in the net himself which had him "walking like an Egyptian" (you had to be there).

The 15 minute halves seemed like an eternity for little legs and there were signs of flagging energy from both sides with no subs in sight. They seemed to cope well with my facilitative and creative refereeing in the first half and came back to finish the game with renewed energy. Well done the Woodbridge 3!

Not The Coach
for
The Coach.

Under 6 Match Report 10th July

On yet another beautiful Saturday morning our Under 6’s prepared for a rematch with Margate Gold. I apologise for the disorganised start because I was referring the under 11’s right up to 11-00AM.

The last time we played this team, the game was fairly close (we won 2-1). Woodbridge had Amber, Caleb, Derek Noah Rory Ruby and Serafina. The play was tenacious and it obvious that Margate was out to redress the result from last time. Noah was able to slot one goal in but Margate managed three for the half. Margate had been planting a player in our goal. I was tempted to ask their coach at Half time to stop that as it is against the spirit of play (as is planting a player in your own goal), however it may have looked like sour grapes considering the score.

The play in the first half gave no indication of what would transpire in the second half. Amber and Ruby both got right into the play and it was definitely the best game I have seen from both of them. Serafina was her usual reliable self in defence and attack. Caleb and Derek both defended well and both were very close to scoring goals. Rory tried hard in defence but couldn’t stop another three goals from Margate. Noah put in another two goals to bring the score 6-3. I don’t think the score line reflected how well we played and I am really pleased in the improvement.

I will not be available on Saturday because I am finishing my referee course. I would therefore appreciate a volunteer to manage the team at Huonville. Obviously there will not be any field preparation required and I assume their coach will referee both halves if asked to.

John the coach

Under 6 Match Report 3rd July

On yet another beautiful Saturday morning our Under 6’s prepared for a rematch with Kingborough. The last time we met the score was 6-1 to Woodbridge. That was the game that Derek and Caleb swapped shirts to help them. This time we had five players: Amber, Derek, Noah, Rory and Serafina. Kingborough had three subs.

The game started with a lot of energy and in no time Noah had us at 3-1 with a lot of good support. Amber was in the thick of it at times and Derek made some nice breaks from the cluster. Rory seemed to want to defend most of the time, while Serafina was all over the place providing great defence and being a threat to the opposition's goal.

The Lions then come back with a couple of goals to have the score at 3-3 at half time. Both sides had played really good football with excellent defensive displays from Woodbridge. For example, Rory’s little flick off the back of the foot brought a lot of cheers and clapping from the sidelines.

The second half was played at the same pace as the first, however Kingborough were the only team to find the back of the net. It was pleasing seeing the effort put in to keep the ball out of the net and the disappointment for several players that we had lost. I have had a philosophy of not pushing the team because of their age, and they have developed at their own pace. The disappointment suggests they will be more willing to listen to my suggestions etc, that is apart from Rory but that’s one of the joys of coaching your own children.
See you Saturday

John the coach

Under 6 Match Report 8th May; Under 6

On yet another beautiful Saturday morning (it is going to end soon) some of our Under 6’s prepared to take on our mid channel rivals Margate (they’re all rivals when you come to think of it). Due to sickness etc we only had five players. Amber, Noah, Rory, Ruby and Serafina were there to keep the dream alive. It was a really close game, partly because everybody was a bit rusty after the couple of weeks off. It was only at the end of the first half that Serafina decided that it was going to be all up to her and she slotted a goal in. The oranges at half time didn’t help either side’s scoring ability with a goalless half (the first we have had). I’m fairly sure that next week will see a vast improvement. Margate were a good natured team to play against and I think everybody had a good time (the coach did anyway).

On another note, we had planned to split the teams (I thought we might pick up several more players) and the new roster was put out with two teams. We had requested that all our games be at Woodbridge. This way we could cover any absences. Unfortunately, the person doing the rostering was not able to accommodate us and we had a roster with one team at home and one away. The consensus has been that we go back to one team. I have asked Dalles the pres to pass that onto Central Regions. Consequently we will have a game at 10-00AM on Saturday at Woodbridge.
See you all there
John the coach

Match Report Under 6s, Saturday, 22nd May 2010.

The Under 6s were without an opponent this weekend, as Glen Huon had to forfeit the match. In cool but brilliant sunshine the Under 6s put on an exhibition match to try out their skills and enthusiasm against each other. A three-aside match commenced with Noah, Caleb and Seraphina in “Woodbridge Blue” taking on the “Yellow Bibs” of Rory, Amber, and Ruby. John the Coach was absent this week but his team did him proud.

The match was hard run, energetic, and goal scoring was happening from all boots and all angles. There were some long attacking runs and intense on the ball action with boots flying and the occasional tumble on the muddy pitch. After ten minutes legs were starting to look weary and thoughts had turned to a drink and half time oranges.

The second half commenced with Ella joining the “Woodbridge Blues”. All players seemed to be conserving their energy and relying on penetrating passing and skillful play to make sure they would last until the end of the match. Goals again were coming thick and fast. Ruby retired injured with a splinter in her finger and Caleb readily donned a “Yellow Bib”. There followed a further ten minutes of furious end to end play with lovely attacking and defensive skills on display.

Full time saw a tired, happy, and proud group of young players giving each other plenty of cheers and a few hugs. It was a great game for the whole team and lots of enjoyment for the parents and other fans.

SM (for John the Coach)

Under 6 Match Report for 16th May

On another beautiful Saturday morning our Under 6’s prepared to take on our upper channel rivals Kingborough Lions Blue (when is a little rivalry too much). As with last week, we had enough for two teams. Ella, Noah, Rory and Ruby were in one team, with Amber, Caleb, Derek and Serafina in the other. Last week the score was 2 to 1. Could we do the same again? All of the Under 6s staff (me) were a bit concerned that only four players made it to practice. Was the team going to be underdone, was the seven day break too long?

The two coaches had exchanged pleasantries and tried to get the inside running on what to expect. The Lions had also lost by gazillions to nil against Cygnet and beaten Margate 2-1. General consensus was therefore this should be a close game. Should have been, but somebody forgot to tell Woodbridge. Noah banged in a couple of goals to show all his previous ones are not flukes. At training we had spent a little bit of time teaching how to kick the ball with the laces (preferably done with a foot still inside the boot and the laces firmly tied). Rory decided to show the coach that he had understood the lesson and slotted home a long-range goal. I told Dalles and John Owen that it was at least a forty-metre kick but they pointed out that we only play on a 30 by 20 metre pitch.

Ella and Ruby were providing good support and the teams changed. The Lions started to play a bit better and Amber, Caleb, Derek and Serafina were up for the challenge. Serafina continued where she left off last week with some tenacious defending against the Lion’s playmaker (William). Caleb made two great runs for goal and was close to scoring both times. Derek and Amber provided good support. After that good tussle, the half-time score was 3-0.

The Lions had started with four players but had a refusal at the start of the second half. They asked if we could spare a player. Caleb and Derek very sportingly agreed to change shirts and then it was suggested that we play five a side (leaving Woodbridge with one sub). Derek and Caleb definitely provided something for the Lions and it was close for a couple of minutes. Then Noah decided a break from the pack and a couple of goals were in order to relieve the pressure. Derek was having none of that and slotted in a long-range kick to give the Lions their first score of the day.

Serafina had been playing really well in a defensive role and decided to fly the flag for the feminist cause with a solo run down the right wing, a quick inside pass to herself and finished off beautifully to score the first goal for the cause, and it was her birthday so she had provided herself with a present. Noah had been cooling his heels on the sideline (aka subbing) when Rory complained of leg soreness (it was that raking 60 metre kick that did it). The coach decided that it was time for the girls on the team to show what they can do and that is how the last 3-4 minutes were played, our four girls against five opposition players. They played really good defensive football with Amber, Ella and Ruby relishing the responsibility of keeping Woodbridge’s dream alive.

It was a really pleasing game to watch and to see how much the players have improved. At the end of the game, everybody finished off with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” for Serafina. Next week we will have an intra-club game because the scheduled team has forfeited. I won’t be there unfortunately because I have a prior commitment. I will arrange for somebody to coach/ref on Saturday.
Go the Whalers
John the coach

Game Report 8 May; Under 6

On another beautiful Saturday morning our Under 6’s prepared to take on our channel rivals Margate (it is our first year so we need to generate a bit of friendly rivalry). Once again we had enough for two teams. Ella, Noah, Rory and Ruby were in one team, with Amber, Caleb, Derek and Serafina in the other. Last week the score was gazillions to 1 (but who is keeping count of those). The game against Cygnet was forgotten. This week it was a different team, different approach and the teams had another week of match experience. I was confident that they could take their training efforts of Thursday (notwithstanding multiple breaks for drinks and rests) on to the pitch to make Woodbridge proud. We need the Under 6s to do this because unfortunately those of us in the senior men's team haven’t managed to maintain the lofty standards we had set for the first games of our season.

The game started at a furious pace (well it must have seemed furious to our teams). It was pleasing to see Ella and Ruby continuing to improve as regards getting in to get the ball. Rory is starting to understand the game more and still seems to want to play defensively. Noah found his kicking boots again and put Woodbridge 1-0 up. The Margate supporters cheered the goal as much as ours did. Everybody also cheered the Margate goal when a cheeky little back heel caught everybody by surprise, score 1-1. After a frantic 7-8 minutes, it was time to bring on fresh legs in the form of the other team.

Once again, the pace was good and I was pleased with all of the efforts from Amber, Caleb, Derek and Serafina. Serafina and Amber are continuing to become more confident in their play, and Caleb and Derek can be tenacious around the ball. The play from both Woodbridge and Margate was entertaining to watch and neither side could score. Half time was welcome and after some oranges Woodbridge decided another goal was what was required and Noah obligingly delivered. That was how the game ended with all supporters and players seeming to enjoy themselves. Once again, thank you for your assistance with substitutes, oranges etc.
See you Saturday
John the coach

Under 6 Match Report 1st May 2010

On a beautiful Saturday morning eight excited Under 6’s prepared to take on cross town rivals Cygnet Sea Dragons. On the line were bragging rights for a few weeks, so no pressure on the team.

Once again we had enough for two teams. Derek, Ella, Noah and Ruby were in one team, with Amber, Caleb, Rory and Serafina in the other. Last week the score was gazillions to nil. This week it was gazillions to 1. Therefore, as a group we must be improving. Considering we have been playing against teams that have had at least one very determined player who scores most of the goals, I believe we have done well. It was really pleasing to see our players becoming more confident to try something a little different. Rory shouldering another player off the ball looked impressive as did a particular tackle from Amber. Both these players have developed more of a desire to get the ball. Caleb ran all day and had a few chances that I think he will take as the season goes on. Serafina did some good defence behind play and appeared as if she wants to make that position hers.

It usually takes 5-6 year olds a while to learn that you don’t have to run with the swarm to get a kick. Derek was another prepared to chase all day. It was just unfortunate that Cygnet provided us with so many opportunities to chase. Ella and Ruby are starting to be prepared to mix it with the opposition and I don’t think it will be long before they are on the scorer’s sheet. Noah found one of his goal-kicking boots from our first game and scored a goal in the second half to provide a bit of respectability.

Overall I was really pleased with the team’s enthusiasm and hope they enjoy the games as much as all the adults do (well at least as much as this one). One quick note, would you all please ensure each player has something to drink. Water is preferable. See you on Saturday.

John the coach

Under 6 Match Report 24th April 2010

My apologies for not preparing a game report for our first game of the season played on 17th April 2010. Taking the field for the first time were Amber, Derek, Eliza, Ella, Noah, Rory and Ruby. After the photos were taken by very proud and nervous family members, we took the field to play St Aloysius. It was a very evenly matched game that ended 6-4 to St Aloysius with the majority of their goals scored by one boy. It took Woodbridge a while to get going, mainly caused by their politeness in not wanting to take the ball off any St Aloysius player. Noah got the hang of it and banged in a few goals and had good support from the rest of the team. Importantly, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and I would like to thank all the supporters on the sideline, who created a really good atmosphere and cheered St Aloysius goals as well as ours. That is what Woodbridge is known for, and thank you for keeping that tradition intact.

Last week’s game was also against a St Aloysius team but there the similarity ended. Noah left his scoring boots from last week somewhere else. There were some really good chances on goal from Derek and Rory but unfortunately none found the back of the net. This game was also a little different in that we substituted whole teams because we had eight players. One team had Derek , Ella, Noah and Ruby, while the other team comprised Amber, Caleb, Rory and Serafina (her first game). This made the substitutions a lot easier for parents to manage. While everybody only got 15 minutes in total, at least we could ensure that everybody got the same amount to time on the field. If we continue to get more players, we will look at forming two teams to give everyone more game time. Once again, the atmosphere was great and I think everybody had a good time. I was pleased that more of the players are starting to get what the game is about (I never forget that they are all undero7). The final score was lots to nil, but we don’t keep score in the under 7’s anyway. Next week, same time same place we have a bit of cross town rivalry when the Cygnet Sea Dragons travel over to take on the mighty whalers. Hope to see you all there.
John the coach