Under 5: The team playe at home against Holy Rosary in freezing conditions. The players did a great job of calling for the ball, passing and encouraging each other. Kip was MVP this week as he has shown incredible improvement since the beginning of the season. Keep it up Kippy!
Under 6 Red: A fantastic game, showing great teamwork and enthusiasm. They did an excellent job running up the field from defence to get into attacking positions, and their kicking out of defence into safe areas helped prevent goals and keep the pressure up. Well done to everyone for another great team effort.
Under 6 Black: Despite only having four Panthers players available, the team showed great determination and sportsmanship. Holy Rosary generously loaned us two players, allowing the game to be played as a 6-a-side match. Francis easily dropped back into defence and worked hard throughout the game, supported by teammates who tracked back well to help protect the goal. Ruby and Rosie both had some excellent kicks from the sidelines and weren’t afraid to get into the packs, working hard to help Xavier win possession. The Holy Rosary players who joined our team also contributed well and supported Xavier in getting the ball clear. Xavier had an outstanding game, finishing with three goals thanks to the teamwork and encouragement of everyone on the field. Most importantly, both teams displayed fantastic sportsmanship, worked together, and everyone had a great time.
Under 7 Red: The team played at home in an exciting game against Holy Rosary. It was a true Panther effort with players from our team stepping into support Holy Rosary in an example of true sportsmanship. For such young players, they adapt and support each other well. Both teams applied themselves greatly with communication and great footwork and control of the ball. The MVP went to a (temporary) Holy Rosary player – well done Ellie. She put her hand up to go across to help out Holy Rosary as they only had four players. They all played a full game and she stopped many of our attacks with some great defensive pressure acts and plays that we have been working on all season. This has become a hallmark of our games.
Under 8 Red: It’s round 10 of the season and the team is growing with confidence. As the season has continued the most rewarding part, beyond the football itself, has been seeing our players build confidence, support one another and relish every opportunity to learn and improve. Lewis was this week’s captain and he led brilliantly from goal, demonstrating a consistently positive attitude and enthusiasm throughout the match. His leadership on and off the pitch earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match (MVP) award. He was joined by Mila, Austin, James, Edith, Mathias, Liam, Isabelle, Jonah and Clementine, and together they form a team that grows closer each week. We would also like to thank the opposing team’s coach for kindly taking on the role of referee. Throughout the game, he paused play when necessary to explain key moments and help the children understand different situations on the field. This serves as a great reminder that junior football is at its best when every match is also an opportunity to teach and learn.
Under 8 Black: The team braved the freezing conditions on Saturday morning against Brighton. With only one substitute they all knew they had to play hard and that they did. Oscar Mcinnes was our goalie in the first half and did a great job not letting any through. There were some great runs and shots from Brilyn Jacobson and Carson McMaster, who were unlucky not to meet the back of the net. After half time both teams came out really wanting a goal. Our first came just minutes in as Aubree Taylor returned from a short sub, not long after Sophia Stott made her way around the Brighton goalie. Izzy Paton was goalie in the second half and gave it her all as always. Great game.
Under 9 Red: What a fantastic home game from team! Despite the cold conditions, every player put in a great effort and the improvement across the whole squad was noticed by everyone watching. It’s fantastic to see all the hard work shining through on game day. Congratulations to this week’s MVP, Hedy, for an outstanding performance. Great job, team. Keep up the amazing work.
Under 9 Black: no report.
Under 10 Red: A fantastic game with excellent passing between players. Excellent goals were taken by Jasper (2), Sid and Lincoln. Tess and Sasha made some outstanding saves while in goals throughout the game. A big thank you to Sid and Tulloch for filling in. Harriet had a fantastic game and received the MVP award.
Under 10 Black had a bye.
Under 11 Red: The team took on lindisfarne at home on Saturday in what was a tremendous contest with nothing separating the teams all day and finishing in a nail-biting draw. Jordan, Dayson and Leo all scored nice goals and gave their all. It was a great team effort with defenders and goalies stopping many attacks coming in. This week’s MVP was Matilda who fills in for us regularly and played her best game for us attacking the ball with no fear either in defence or attack.
Under 11 Black: This team played at home this week in an exciting game against Cambridge. It was a true Panther effort with players from both of the Under-11 and Under-12 Panther teams contributing to the roster. It was the first time many of them had played together and the team maintained good communication, moving the ball with confidence and using space to create exciting scoring opportunities. MVP honors went to Miley Rowbottom who kept a clean sheet in goals in the first half and had several strong attacking chances in the second half.
Under 12 Red: The team played an experienced Stingrays outfit on Saturday at Tynwald Park. The game started with both teams doing a lot of attacking, with shots going wide. Jack had some great saves as goalkeeper. The New Norfolk defence worked hard, with Molly and Xavier getting a lot of clearances, but unfortunately the Stingrays scored twice, just before half time. The second half started similiarly to the first, with lots of shots on goal from both teams. The Stingrays scored again and then then New Norfolk scored with a brilliant rebound from defence with Zach running up the middle and slotting it into the back of the net. The game ended with the Stingrays winning, four goals to one. Molly was the Maccas player of the match with her solid clearance work from defence.
Under 12 Black: no report.
See more Derwent Valley and Central Highlands news online and read our print edition every second Friday. Subscribe to our free daily news email here.
