U16A

Castlemaine hosted Colts in lovely weather with the pitch in excellent condition.  Although missing five regular starters, Castlemaine took to the pitch in good spirits, converting an indirect free kick in the box to open the scoring.

Colts then scored some lucky goals that were hard to swallow. The stand out for Colts was their goalkeeper who blocked many well-crafted shots.

A very good effort from Tenzin, who came in to lead the line at the last minute, and a great return from injury by Raf and Casper.

Final score: Castlemaine 1, Colts 8.

 

Under 14

Castlemaine came up against a determined Golden City at Soldiers Memorial Park, Chewton, with both sides locked at 0-0 at half time after a Cohen Saunders shot hit the crossbar.

Golden City, defending well as Castlemaine dominated possession, eventually scored against the run of play.

The Maine pressed on until Cohen Saunders found the back of the net with his reliable left foot to level scores late in the game.

Despite Castlemaine’s building momentum, the game ended at 1-1.

Eli Rogers played a strong role in midfield, Yauka Lam, who kept goal in the first half before switching into a central defensive role, also played an impressive game and Cohen Saunders was always a threat in attack.

 

U12A

A Castlemaine team depleted by illness and duty journeyed to Truscott Reserve to play Eaglehawk in their first away match of the season.

Ten minutes before kick-off, 8 players of a possible 17 were available. Three turned up just before kick-off. Of that 11, one was carrying a bad knock, though still wanted to play, and 4 or 5 had got out of their sick beds having suffered a virus doing the rounds. An U10 player with a bye volunteered to be the lone substitute.

Castlemaine started earnestly, the few totally fit players running their socks off. Fifteen minutes in, the player carrying a knock was taken off to prevent further injury.

The U10 joined the fray and played his heart out for the remainder of game. Thank you, Gian. This left absolutely no subs on the bench. Players still recovering from illness played with utter commitment, courage, passion, & determination. The opposition had the advantage of five subs at a time and used it to aid their cause. At half-time we were 3 -1 down.

In the second half more block substitutions by Eaglehawk meant that they had a massive advantage over our fatigued and unwell players. Our goalkeeper made many fine saves and the rest of the team did all, and more, than was asked of them.

Courage, passion, commitment, & determination was shown by each and every player in enormous quantities! Goals: R. De Podolinsky 1.

Best on pitch: everyone! What a team!

 

Under 12B

Castlemaine were greeted by a bitter wind in Kyneton on Saturday. A larger, older opposition were soon reduced to Kicking It Long and Kicking It Out by Castlemaine’s quick forward passing, expert dribbling and neat defensive distribution, a performance belied by the nil-all score at half time.

Castlemaine’s misfortune continued in the second half. The forced re-taking of almost all their throw-ins, of which there were very many, effectively halted Castlemaine’s momentum and provided Kyneton with sorely needed breathing space.

A few defensive errors cost Castlemaine dearly as did a blatant tripping foul on their central defender. Though the ‘Maine did eventually find the net it was only consolation: Kyneton defeated Castlemaine, 4-1.

Sam Butterworth-Moss and Jack Neilson-Bridgfoot were outstanding and Fionn Kennedy scored from a delicious cross by Mischa Thackray.

 

Under 10 Green

At the crack of dawn (well, almost) on Saturday morning, the Swift Parrots swooped on the ripened fields of Strathfieldsaye to leave nary a crumb for their hosts. Indeed, the Green gorged on goals with such go-getting gumption that their coach went gonzo with alliteration.

Final score 15-0, with hat-tricks to Monte, Louis, Dimitri and Finn, and the difference split by Ciaran, Jack and an Elliot-willed own goal.

Among the Parrots’ many best players was Tom who, following a fine stint in defence, came on as goalie to make the save of the day and deny the Colts that crumb. To be fair, the Colts were stretched for numbers yet never stopped trying and proved themselves valiant sports.