Swift Parrots Flying High

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Under 10

No inch was given in a pulsating U10s match between the Castlemaine Swift Parrots and the Strathdale Tiger Sharks on the weekend.

Twice the Parrots hit the front, with a thumping goal from Louis in the first half and again via Silas at close range in the second. But the Sharks were always menacing, and again and again the Parrots’ second-half goalie, Aidan, had the home crowd slapping their knees after somehow seeing off yet another assault on goal.

Eventually, though, the visitors squeezed through an equaliser, and by the time the game ended a few nervous minutes later, both sides seemed equally relieved to have come away with a draw: 2-2. Afterwards, the referee was moved to say it was the best U10s game he’d handled so far this year. (Okay, it was only round 4, but still.)

Among the Parrots’ many fine performers, Jack Nuttall (pictured), Ciaran Gardner and Louis McCrostie shone throughout.

 

U12A

The luxury of an almost full squad to choose from made a huge difference for the Castlemaine U12A cause this week. Cohesion and shape was kept for a large chunk of the match. Chances came and were taken, communication between players was good. Half-time saw Castlemaine 2-1 down, though not through a lack of effort or commitment.
Midway through the second half scores were locked at 4-4. Castlemaine pressed hard and went ahead, but stretched a that little bit too far looking for another.
Final score was 5-6 to Spring Gully White.
Best match of the season by far. An evenly balanced match that even the opposition coach said was an absolute treat to watch.
Goals A.Elkhazzari (2) J.Taig (2) G. McCoy (1)

Under 12B

Castlemaine encountered Colts United again at Chewton to kick off the season’s championship competition.  Both sides struggled initially to free the ball from a forest of legs in midfield with the Maine getting the better of this battle in the first half.

Himal Gautam found space and the net early and his goal was complemented by a very neat finish by Daniel Hall.

The second half was a much more open affair with both players and spectators enjoying the end-to-end action.  Hugh O’Connor made several terrific saves on the way to his clean sheet and his quick distribution provided the dribbling combination of Fionn Kennedy and Mischa Thackray with golden opportunities to test the Colts’ defence.

Obie Adam, Remy Sartori and Sam Butterworth-Moss switched comfortably from defence to midfield, Rosie MacLaurin, Peggy Ross and Kane Bassett maintained pressure on Colts’ attack and Angus Ware repeatedly demonstrated his tackling prowess. Jack Neilson-Bridgfoot swept masterfully, clearing the ball to Maine’s advantage at will.

Castlemaine defeated Colts United 4-0.   Goalscorers were Himal Gautam, Daniel Hall, Fionn Kennedy and Mischa Thackray.

 

Castlemaine U14A

Castlemaine traveled to Eaglehawk on a cold, wet Saturday morning to start the first round of their championship campaign. Castlemaine started well, playing some great football across the park and started to look comfortable in most areas. Harry Chester converted 2 chances to put the away team ahead. Eaglehawk managed to snatch 2 goals from a string of set pieces before Cohen Saunders put Castlemaine ahead once more.

The physical Eaglehawk side gave a strong account of themselves early in the second half, however the patient and well-positioned Castlemaine team found the net again through Dorian Schaerf-Trauner. A 3rd goal arrived for Eaglehawk as a reward for staying in the game. As they tired, however, Castemaine pushed high and found space to generate a second from Cohen Saunders which saw the result beyond doubt, Castlemaine prevailing 5-3.
Goals Scorers: Harry Chester(2) Cohen Saunders(2) Dorian Schaerf-Trauner
Noteable performances from Harry Chester, Callum MacKinnon & Otis Wilson

Under 14B

Castlemaine kicked of the “official” first game of their season (following 3 Grading Games) against Strathdale Roar.  The team came out strong offensively, scoring 6 goals in the first half.  They continued the assault in the 2nd half, with the final score of 13-1, Castlemaine’s way.
A great offensive and defensive result.
Best Players on field were:  Harrison Adams,  Eli Saunders, Will Burton