Year 7 Boys Soccer Team Progresses to State Finals

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA: LODDON MALLEE REGIONAL FINALS

SOCCER

Year 7 Boys

Thursday 25 July saw the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) Year 7 Boys Team travel to Moama to face off in the Loddon Mallee Regional Finals.  It was a cold and wet day, however the boys enthusiasm was red hot.

Game 1: CMCB vs St Joseph’s College, Mildura

Game 1 saw CMCB dominate the play, however they struggled to put away their chances until a counter attack midway through the first half saw Jacob Kendal kick the opening goal. The second half was not too dissimilar to the first, with CMCB creating heaps of chances, however none were able to make their way into the net.  The entertaining match finished as a 1-0 win to CMCB.

• Goal Scorer: Jacob Kendal (1)

Game 2: CMCB vs Bendigo South East Secondary College (BSE)

Game 2 was against the cross-town rival BSE. Having played out a classic in the first stage, the sequel was much anticipated. The game started with BSE converting a penalty shot which put the CMCB boys on the back foot early. However, this was all the motivation they needed to kick themselves into gear as Jacob Kendal got on the end of a lovely cross to head home the equaliser. Jimi Read then added two goals before half time during a dominant 10-minute midfield performance. The second half started with two remarkable goals to BSE; one coming straight from a corner kick hitting the back post and going in, while the equaliser for BSE was a well-directed free kick which took a ridiculous bobble and was unable to be cleared. The score line read three all with just five minutes to go. CMCB then dominated that last five minutes of play and as a result Simon Bu got on the end of a terrific through ball and finished off superbly, sending the ball into the top far corner to win the game for CMCB.  It was a great match by both teams.

• Goal Scorers: Jimi Read (2), Jacob Kendal (1), Simon Bu (1)

Game 3: CMCB vs St Joseph’s College, Echuca 

Due to other results, all that was required was a draw against Echuca for the CMCB team to progress through to the next stage. Once the game started however, it was clear that Echuca had come to play and went 2-0 up very quickly thanks to their very quick striker, who had pace to burn. By the end of the first half the CMCB team was rattled, but the break provided them with a much-needed rest and time to re-group.  Heading into the second half, the team knew that they had a lot of work to do to wrestle back the game. An inspirational start to the second half saw skipper Jimi Read rewarded for his brilliant game play with two quick goals to draw the scores level and give CMCB the momentum. In the final ten minutes the two sides battled it out before a ball was sent out to Jack Rees on the wing. He belted the ball between the keeper and the near post, to give CMCB the lead. However, Jack was not done and soon found himself with another opportunity to shoot on goal. He struck the ball sweetly and, with the power generated, the ball burst straight through the Echuca keeper’s gloves and into the back of the net. A 4-0 victory resulted for the team who had shown great tenaciousness and courage, with a never-give-up attitude.

• Goal Scorers: Jimi Read (2), Jack Rees (2)

All three games were played in great spirits; the referees credited the boys not only for their skills and determination, but also for their respect and sportsmanship. The team will face off in the State Finals to be played in Melbourne on Friday 6 September.

YEAR 7 BOYS SOCCER TEAM: Xavier Douglass (Helper), Memphis Slattery, Kohan Uren, Coen Kendal, Jacob Kendal, Sonny Kennedy, Fletcher Stevenson, Christian Martin, Harry Canny (Helper), Simon Bu, Angelo Cuadra, Jack Rees, Jimi Read, Tadhg O’Keefe, Levi Bugeja, River Schilling