Panthers sharpen claws for better battles

THE New Norfolk Panthers returned to Tynwald Park last Sunday, June 28, with one clear mission: prove just how far they’ve come since their last meeting with the Dover Devils. After a tough 7–0 loss earlier in the season, the Panthers were hungry for redemption – and from the opening whistle, they showed they were ready for a very different kind of battle.

Dover came out swinging, setting a fierce tone and finding an early goal to take the lead. But, unlike their previous encounter, the Panthers didn’t flinch. They tightened their structure, held shape and dug in with a defence that refused to fold. Goalkeeper Sara Maryniak was immense between the posts, absorbing heavy hits and pulling off crucial saves that kept New Norfolk well in the fight. The Panthers responded with momentum of their own, pushing forward with conviction and carving out a near‑equaliser that had the crowd on their feet. Their intent was clear: they weren’t here to repeat history.

A few misread runs opened the door for Dover to break through again before half‑time, giving the Devils a 2-0 advantage at the break but the scoreline didn’t tell the full story. The Panthers’ improvement was obvious, their structure sharper, their communication stronger and their belief unwavering.

The second half brought even more fire. A heavy challenge sent Caitlin Roughsedge crashing to the turf, earning a free kick and igniting the Panthers’ momentum. The tempo lifted, the crowd roared, and New Norfolk surged.
Up front, Jasmine Tolputt was electric. Her pace was unmatched, her runs sliced through Dover’s back line and her shots were inches away from glory. The Devils simply couldn’t keep up with her speed. In defence, Abigail Beven showed calmness and control, clearing danger with composure.

Rebecca Lynd and Adele Johnson were brick walls, shutting down wave after wave of Dover attacks and sweeping threats straight out of the danger zone. In the defensive middle of it all, Renee Birchall delivered a standout performance – absorbing hits, winning contests, covering every blade of grass and anchoring the midfield with grit and determination. She was everywhere the Panthers needed her to be.

Despite their relentless effort, the scoreboard didn’t reflect the Panthers’ fight. Dover found two late goals to finish with a 4-0 win, but the Panthers walked off knowing they had played an excellent, disciplined and fiercely competitive match. This wasn’t the same team Dover faced last time, not even close. The Panthers held strong, played with pride and showed that next time, the ball is absolutely finding the back of the net.

The New Norfolk Women’s Panthers will take on Nelson Eastern Suburbs FC at noon this Sunday, July 5, on Nelson’s home soil.

JUNIORS – LAST WEEKEND

Under 5: The team was brave under frosty conditions with a season-best effort. Each team member contributed and showed great sportsmanship. It was great to see them encourage St Paul’s to ensure everyone had fun on the day. The Maccas award went to Daisy for her passing and commitment to the team under tough conditions.

Under 7: The team played very well on a very cold Saturday morning and put in a very strong effort, defended like champions and worked well as a team. The Maccas VIP goes to Harvey for his great work on his defence and offence skills but overall it was a really good team effort. A big thanks to the parents who helped with time clock and interchanges throughout the game much appreciated.

Under 8 Red: The took to the pitch without Clementine and Jonah, but the rest of the squad was ready to embrace the challenge. Lewis continues to grow in confidence as a goalkeeper, and his hard work and commitment are paying off. He was joined by Liam, Isabelle, Austin, Mathias, James, Edith and Mila, and together they formed a team that continued to improve both on and off the pitch. Isabelle proudly wore the captain’s armband. She led the team with enthusiasm and a consistently positive attitude, demonstrating outstanding commitment throughout the game. Her leadership and example earned her a well-deserved MVP award. It was another fantastic performance from the entire team. The most rewarding part, beyond the football itself, was seeing how connected this group has become. Each week, we hear more words of encouragement, celebrate each other’s achievements more, and watch teammates support one another after mistakes or setbacks. This team spirit is undoubtedly one of our greatest victories so far this season.

Under 8 Black had a bye.

Under 9 Red: Beautiful sunshine and a cool breeze set the scene at Weily Park as Under 9s Red played a fantastic game. The team showed real improvement across all areas of the field, with everyone putting in a great effort and continuing to develop their skills. Congratulations to our MVP Hedy for an outstanding performance and a well-deserved award. Great game, everyone – keep up the amazing work.

Under 9 Black: New Norfolk Panthers Under 9 played a competitive and strategic match against Brighton Storm. It was a joy to watch the boys put their knowledge of team work to good use while displaying seemingly endless energy and exemplary sportsmanship. We went in knowing that our competitors are a determined and well matched team and we absolutely rose to the challenge, with some amazing defence work and equal energy on the forward line, finding team mates in all the right spaces to pass to and working hard to score. A special mention to goalies from both teams who displayed quick thinking and nimble hands throughout. With such beautiful work from all of our players it was a hard decision to pick the MVP with so many great moments from each and every player, but well done to Kit Lonsdale for receiving player of the match with some great work on both the forward line and in keeping the pressure on while defending. It is heartwarming to watch a team who are continuously improving their skill set and who remain friendly, caring and respectful to their competitors, even when games are challenging.

Under 10 Red: We played an extremely well-fought game against the other Under-10 Panthers team. As always, the camaraderie between both teams is fantastic but they all still fight so hard to win. Both teams also use these games as a learning opportunity as Rowan Collins, the coach of Under-10 Black, is the fairest referee I have ever met, helping out both teams. Another great game by the team under tough conditions and congratulations to Jasper, our well deserved Maccas MVP winner.

Under 11 Red: We played Howrah white in icy conditions at Cambridge. It was a very close hard-fought contest with both teams displaying great skills and determination. Dayson and Jordan both scored nice goals. It was a great team effort from all the kids. Paige and Logan were excellent as goalies with Paige making a match saving save with only seconds left. Logan was our MVP this week it was his first time as goalie for us and was also solid in defence.

Under 12 Red had a bye.

Under 12 Black: A close game against Cambridge at Weily Park. Our defence is definitely improving but always more to work on. Our goalies, Winston and Isla, were great at stopping many balls. Talia got some nice touches to the ball in the first half. There were very classy goals by Joe and Cece, while Archie and Esther put in solid performances throughout the game. The MVP was Esther.

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