Under 8 Black

(L to R): Jarrod Round, Nicholas Vialle, Rogan Dean, Matthew Kowaluk, Renee Trojan (kneeling), Chris Walker, David Memish, Joel Cairney, Timothy Bates, Kate Memish Season's report Under 8 Black equipped themselves very well this year. Every member of the team contributed to what was a thoroughly enjoyable year. They can all be pleased that their skills improved as the season wound on. While they probably lost more games than they won, they fought out every game well and the margins were always close. Every member of the team played with exemplary sportsmanship. The strength of our team lay in its backline. The players kept to their positions and were able to clear the ball effectively. It was a joy to watch Chris Walker and Joel Cairney marshal the backs from the center. Both players showed that they could think about the game. They were always where they should be when an opposition attack was mounted and made the goalie's job easier. Matthew Kowaluk's clearing runs on the right hand side prevented opposition sides from getting close to the goal time and time again. His strength was appreciated and a couple of late season goals were a just reward. Both Rogan Dean and Jarrod Round proved to be tenacious when attacking the ball. Both deceived the opposition with their quiet manner. When the ball came their way, however, they tackled hard and then cleared well. Their opponents soon learned not to tangle with the quiet achievers of the side. While the forwards found goals difficult to come by early in the year a 12 - nil score line in August showed them what they could do. There was no stopping them from that point. David Memish led the forward line really well. His tenacity when the ball was between him and the goal was a joy to watch. David showed that he is a striker with a great deal of promise and was our top scorer. He received manful support from Nicholas Vialle. Nick has excellent ball handling skills. It was lovely to watch him dribble the ball past his opponents and head towards the goals. When he was needed Nick was happy to move to the midfield and support his backs. We were lucky to have a number of players who were equally at home on the backline and the forward line. Kate Memish was her usual reliable self. Dependable in the backline and skillful up forward I hear that her contract with the Matildas is in the bag. Her good friend Renee Trojan played only her first year of soccer, but very quickly proved to be the bane of most boys who dared to approach her. Two strong goals were a just reward for some good play over the season. It could easily have been more. Timothy Bates performed as a true all-rounder. A dependable goalie, a solid forward and a dependable back man. His kicking impressed as did his approach to the game. He did for Under 8 Black what Ang Christou does for Carlton in the AFL. As the coach of the team I wish to congratulate a group of thoroughly nice kids. It was a pleasure to watch them each Saturday and to know that whatever the result they would try just as hard and do their best the following week. I would also like to thank Peter Walker for his assistance with training, and Anthony Vialle and Kurt Memish for their help with reserves on Saturdays. Lastly I would like to thank the parents of Under 8 Black for bringing their children along to training and supporting the team in a positive way each Saturday. Andy Kowaluk