Umina United Eagles win U10A’s Grand Final 2011 – 10 September 2011

Well, what can I say but “You little beauty” a deserved victory to a team that has been the bench mark over the past few years and winning this Grand Final was the ultimate accolade it could have received. After a mixed season of 8 wins, 6 draws & 1 loss and 2^nd placing in the regular competition I knew my boys would raise to the occasion come Finals time. The team consists of Darcy Coleman, Marcus Cowan, Leon Dransfield, Jack Driscoll, Isaak Giunta, Lachlan Grant, Tyree Harmer, Ethan Johnson, Jordan Kenny, Thomas Marsh (GK), Dylan Pardey, Christopher Robinson &  Aidan Schultz.

After a dominant display against Terrigal in the Major semi Final a change in tactic and formation worked a treat and we came away with a deserved 1 nil victory after one of our star players Leon Dransfield scored a trademark individual goal slotting the ball past the outstretch keeper from outside the box. This put us through to the Grand Final in our first year of competition.
As I had predicted, East Gosford defeated Terrigal in the Final and should be congratulated on reaching the Grand Final, which was a precursor to the match between two of the best sides in the U10A’s competition this season. 

So Grand Final day was upon us and the boys were upbeat as we knew that we were playing a team that has never defeated us. Our pre-game talk was about playing to our potential and having composure on the ball in front of goal.

Isaak Giunta was our Captain today and led his team onto Pluim Park 1. Our boys started well and I thought we had the better of play in the first half. With continued pressure our first goal eventually came via Darcy Coleman who caused havoc on the left hand side from the start and on this occasion he out passed and dribbled past the East Gosford defence to slot the ball past the keeper with a neat right foot shot into the back of the net, which gave us a deserved lead midway through the first half. Half time score was 1 nil. In the 2^nd half a change in tactics from East Gosford saw them playing the Long ball forward and chase, more so than what they were doing in the first half. This allowed them to bypass our indestructible midfield for a little while and eventually created the chance they were looking for where our defence failed to clear the ball only for the East Gosford No. 12 to score a great individual goal to level the score at 1 all.

Our defence continued to soak up what East Gosford was throwing at them with their long ball tactics and with two minutes to go the ball was played out from the back to our midfield on the right hand side and with a switch of play to the middle of the park the ball came to Darcy who controlled the ball dribbled towards the left hand side of the box and with a wonderful left foot strike he beat the keeper and won the Grand Final for his Umina team with one minute remaining.

I would like to thank all my players for a great season and for playing a great Grand Final. Each of you played your part today and contributed to the win, which will remain with us forever. Thanks to all the parents and supporters who have supported us all season and particularly on Grand Final day. It was great to see some senior players and members of our club there to support the team, which just go to show that we are “The Central Coast’s Premier Soccer Club”.

Thank you to our Managers Tegan Johnson and Lisa Marsh who have contributed greatly to this team with their continued support and finally to my good friend Chris Dransfield, who between us over the past few seasons we have created a strong team of talented football players. Team Photo’s in Umina Photo Album.

Ciao

Jack – Coach

Umina 10A participate in Kanga Cup Tournament 2011

The Kanga Cup Tournament commenced with an Opening Ceremony on Sunday 10 July 2011 in which all teams were named, welcomed and introduced into the AIS Arena where family, friends and spectators were cheering on their teams. This was a great experience for our boys.

Our first game was against Bonnyrigg F.C. and although the game ended nil all it was to be replayed on Tuesday due to a discrepancy of the rules. The game was replayed on Tuesday afternoon and we won that game 2-1. Goal scorers were Jack and Leon.

Our second game was against Maccabi. This was an action packed game with both sides playing some great football and scoring some great goals. We eventually won the game 5-3 and our goal scorers were Leon 1, Darcy 2, Jordan 1 and Tyree 1. Darcy’s two goals came from corner kicks, where he curled the ball straight into the back of the net. Jack’s goal was similar where he too curled the ball into the back of the net from the corner spot leaving spectators amazed at what they witnessed.

Our third game was against Monaro Panthers and we won that game 3 nil. Goal scorers were Lachlan 1, Dylan 1and Jack 1. Our boys played a great game and were growing in confidence as the tournament progressed.

As a result we topped our group and qualified for the semi’s.

Our first semi against Northbridge was rescheduled to be played after our second semi. Our second semi was against Belmore Hercules and was an entertaining game to watch. Our boys played some good football passing and controlling the ball, which created numerous scoring opportunities. Fortunately for us we capitalised on two occasions and won the game 2 nil. Goal scorers were Christopher 1, who scored a great goal from outside the box. The ball came out after a corner kick and Christopher fired home a thunderous low shot into the back of the net. Darcy scored our second with his typical through ball runs where he out passed the defence to slot the ball past the keeper with a neat shot into the back of the net. Due to the rescheduling of this Northbridge game the back to back games were too much for our boys who could not hold onto our early 1 nil lead and were beaten 2-1. Our goal scorer was Jack who scored after 20 seconds having received a great pass from Dylan from the kick-off.

So overall standing was 3^rd in the tournament, which is a great result for our team and the Club. Well done boys you should be very proud of yourselves.

I would firstly like to thank our two managers, Tegan Johnson and Lisa Marsh, who put in a lot of time and effort in organising and preparing the team with our Kanga Cup gear, researching and arranging the events that we all attended whilst in Canberra, and for their efforts in the fund raising before the tournament.

A special mention to all our sponsors for their great support of this team. which was greatly appreciated. Our sponsors were namely, PHIL’S CAR REPAIRS, Peninsula Car Repairs P/L, SCOTT’S Pest Solutions, Were’s Sports wear, COLEMAN & CO TAX AGENTS, EVENFLOW COMPOSITES, GLOBAL BRICKLAYING (NSW) Pty Ltd, FIRECOAUSTRALIA, & Telstra.

I would also like to thank our Umina United Soccer Club for supporting us in this event and all the families and supporters who made the commitment to attend the tournament in Canberra. Your continued support and cheering on of the boys was greatly appreciated.

Lastly, on behalf of the players and myself I would personally like to thank Chris Dransfield our assistant coach, for his continued support and assistance (during the year) particularly in Canberra, which is greatly appreciated and has contributed to the success of this team.

So close but yet so far. Team photo’s in the Umina Album tab.

Ciao, Jack - Coach

U9 Gala Day Match Report, 31^st July 2011

Our under 9A team participated in the Gosford FC Gala Day at Gavenlock Oval on Sunday on what was supposed to be a wet Sunday. Luckily the weather gods were on our side, and it was an absolutely spectacular sunny day, if a bit chilly at 730am !!

The ground was split into four pitches, corresponding to four divisions of teams. We were on field 2 for the whole day, and had 6 matches throughout the day. Each match consisted of two 10 minute halves, and about 90 minutes between each match. 18 Teams were involved in the day.

Our first match kicked off at 8am vs Doyalson A, and our team were just on fire with an opening goal from Thomas, followed shortly after with an own goal by Doylo from a corner. Doyalson got one back soon after, and then a cracking goal from Kyle Dufficy gave us a fantastic 3-1 win.

The second match vs East Gosford was a lot more tactical, and very close, with Kyal Bowers tucking one away late in the first half to make it a 1-0 win. We have always struggled against this team in the normal Saturday matches, and we drew on our experience, and just knew how to beat them this time.

Our third match against Terrigal B was a draw of 1-1, with Kyal Bowers adding another great shot one to his tally for the day.

The fourth match vs our neighbours, Woy Woy B, was a blinder, winning 4-0 with an early goal from Thomas and a hat trick from Kyal Bowers. We were very pleased to win this one J

Gosford B were our fifth match contenders, and our players were still on a high from all the sugary sweets they had been consuming. We changed tact in this match, and played Defender Kelley up front, hoping to score his first goal of the season, and he did not let us down, scoring an awesome goal on the edge of the 6 yard mud line. Not happy with that one, he slid another one in right on the whistle at full time. Great work Kelley !!

The sixth and final match of the day at 420pm was against Budgewoi, and I could not ask for more. The team for just amazing, adrenalin now at peak velocity, with Max, Charlie and Kyle Dufficy scoring goals. Sam and James came up front for the final half of the day, hoping to glean a final crack at the target. The Budgies also played very well, and put one away. Score 3-1.

All in all, a cracking day, very well organised by Gosford FC, and each player was awarded a medal at the end of the day as a memento.

A huge thankyou to all the parents and their families for supporting the team, and our Manager, Belinda who also saved the day by bringing the marque with provided us with some much needed shade, as well as here super zoom camera so that we can take away some memories of the day !! Most of all I congratulate the players for providing some excellent entertainment for the day, listened and acted to what I was saying, and show some true grit and determination through the day. Even those who did not score, played superbly, and contributed to the team’s success through the day. I am very proud of the team, and know they enjoyed their day; and just boosted their confidence out of sight. Looking forward to next Saturday when we take on Terrigal A’s

The players for the day were:-

Kyle Dufficy

Kyal Bowers

Thomas Wilson

Kelley Kimber

Charlie Polson

Max Lucini

Samuel Lemay

James Walker.

Regards,

Mark Wilson

(U9A Coach)