WU9 Rubies v Forest Killarney Opals
Lost 2-4
Despite playing well, the Rubies found themselves in unfamiliar territory with a three goal deficit after 15 minutes. Leah managed to pull a goal back just before halftime and Olivia made it 2-3 with 5 minutes to go. The Rubies piled forward in the last few minutes but could not grab the equaliser and were punished on the break to make the score line somewhat flatter the Opals. Fran was Player of the Week with her continued great attitude to training, enthusiastically volunteering to go in goal and great all round play. Special mention to Zoe who had her first stint in goal and a tireless second half outfield.
WU10 BTH Sapphires 8-0 Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC Geckos
AL1
Avalon 0 – BTH 4
A big game beckoned for both grades as BTH made the longest trip of the season to Avalon. The lads were told to expect "young, fit aussie blokes" which seemed to get Joe Rushton rather excited...
BTH rather unusually made a good start to the game, creating a couple of early half chances and pressing well inside he Avalon half.
Things got even better pretty quickly when a long diagonal FK from Craigo caused their keeper all sorts of trouble. Man of the Match and man mountain Jack Brown beat the hapless keeper with his head and the ball rolled into the unoccupied net to make it 1-0.
Rather than sitting back which we've been guilty of before, BTH pressed even harder and soon found themselves 2-0 up. A great pass from Ben "pretty boy" Gillies found Jason Lal who had a lot to do from 40 yards out. After beating the defender, the veteran curled an absolute beauty into the far corner with his left foot. BTH then continued to control the game until the half time whistle.
Whilst Avalon came out and gave it a good go in the 2nd half, Massey was never really troubled in goal, with everybody doing their job defensively from top to bottom.
Super sub and newest hero Jav made the best impact imaginable around 70 minutes in when he beat the offside trap and lobbed the keeper from 25 yards out.
The final 20 minutes should have been easy and relaxed for BTH but it turned out to be the complete opposite. A combination of fussy refereeing, a horrendous tackle on Gillies to put Avalon down to 10 men and some classic banter from the lads on the sideline made great viewing for any spectators. BTH were cruising to chants of olé everytime we made a pass or tackle. The Avalon fans tried to get involved too but didn't get very far as BTH would keep winning possession back quickly. George's Harle wrapped up an impressive win with 5 minutes left with a textbook free kick into top bins. His conversion rate is becoming ridiculous now!
The whole team celebrated wildly on the sidelines, with Georgey giving a cheeky wave to the Avalon fans to rub it in their faces.
As the final whistle went, the Avalon faithful soon disappeared with their tails between their legs, but the whole BTH squad came together for the chants and a well-deserved post-match beer.
The atmosphere and morale in the team is at an all-time high and if we take that into the 2nd half of the season then it's hard to see who can stop us!
Next up Mosman, no doubt we will be ready!
BTH WU13-3 Emeralds
10am Sunday 4th June @ Wyatt
We always knew it was going to be a tough game against the top-of-the-table, Wakehurst. When we discovered we had lost half our team to band concerts, family events and injury, we did not fall but raised ourselves to the challenge. With seven players plus the mighty Georgie stepping in from the U11s, we stood tall ready to do battle in a David and Goliath way...
Our team motto of, 'Never give up' was never more seen in action than upon this day. Each and every one of the 8 girls, dug deep (and then some) to chase down the opposition, win the ball and were even unlikely not to send a few balls in the back of Wakehurst's net. So, while the score finished at 0-2, we were victorious in so many ways - we played as a determined, united team, we showed what a strong mind and effort can achieve and we gave our best. It was a day for champions and we walked away with heads held high, completely exhausted but knowing we had fought brilliantly.
Congrats to a super captains game from Player of the Match, Giselle. Thanks to each and every player for giving their best - Emilie, Layla, Piper, Zoe, Alex, Bronte and Georgie S! This day will long be remembered!
BTH Bears (0) 2 – Manly Allambie (5) 6
Special thanks to the Matt and Josh for helping out on the day.
Bears went into hibernation in the first half, thinking about the first touch of winter, a lazy start to the game, just trying to keep warm and cosy. In their defence we might add a couple of thorny feet and injuries did not help the cause for the day. Along comes half-time, the sun comes out, weather warms up, bears awaken and then go on their way. OK, back to soccer.
Bears came out firing after Manly had put 5 past them in the first half, only some last minute lunges, desperate defences and lazy woodwork kept the Bears at bay. After winning a midfield tussle, Lucas pushed a great killer pass out to Sarah out wide, some silky skills saw Sarah go round the Allambie hunter and put in another killer pass for Elliot to score. It was playtime for the bears, working hard on the First touch and moving into spaces, creating chances but just no luck for the day.
A last minute goal after a long period of possession, saw Thomas winning the ball after a heavy challenge and sending Sarah for a trademark tenacious run down the line, couple of quick one two’s and another excellent finish from Elliot ensured the Bears finished off strongest.
Great day out and with some good news both injured players will be back from next week, all looks good from here on for the season. It is great to see the development of this side, not only technically but also in showing good sportsmanship and camaraderie and focused on becoming better footballers over the year.
Till we meet again…. Bear Keeper!
U12/2 vs. Seaforth FC
BTH played Seaforth, who were just below us on the ladder. It was a close game, however we played an awesome team game. Everyone played well, and a massive thanks to our three extras (Carlo, Bob and Daniel) who allowed us to field a competitve side.
Seaforth were a much bigger side, however there were no individuals today, and we put in an excellent team effort to come on top 2-1. The first score came from a beautiful touch from substitute Carlo, who skilled his way past three players to send a cross into a crowded goal square and connecting with Matty’s boot for an excellent first goal. It was a cracker of half, and Seaforth had some massive and very fast strikers who made it tough for our brilliant defenders, Zane, Peter and Connor. Seaforth clawed one back ending the half 1-1. We saw one of our super substitutes, Daniel leave the field, so we were down to 10 players for the second half. Carlo and Max played well up front, but it was our midfield (Bob, Will, Connor and Benny) who ran hard and fast covering most of the field, helping Zane, Dash and Peter in Defence and Liam in goals, which was rewarded with a goal to Max to give us a much deserved win. We are now sitting nicely in 4th place on the table.