Match Reports - Feb/March 2010

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18/04/10: Metro League 12s - Northern Tigers Vs Nepean:
- 28 March 2010

After quick detective work found that Parklands oval was still under the spell of the cricket season, a change of venue saw us playing up at Nepean's home ground at Bensons Lane. Nepean has always been a physically tough team, and to play them at their home ground was not going to be an easy task. The trials saw them run over the Tigers. Was today going to be any different?

The game commenced with no surprises to either side. It was a battle of the gladiators with no prisoners being taken, and General Maximus Decimus Meridius, better known as Claudio, yelling encouragement and battle instructions from the Tiger's bench.

First blood however came from the Nepean team after about 5 or so minutes. However, the Tigers didn't say die. Continued pressure saw AP brought down in the box, and Luke B calmly pumping the penalty shot into the goal to bring up the equalizer. Game On!! Plenty of chances on either side resulted in no further change to the score at half time. However, after a short break, the fireworks began.

Tigers forged ahead with a goal from a well placed corner finding a waiting and eager Sam ready to put the ball in the net. 2-1 to the Tigers. But shortly after, Nepean belted one back to go 2 all. At this stage, the ref had heard enough from one of the Nepean coaching staff and sent one of them from the field. This clearly incensed Nepean as they pressed forward and put another goal away to go ahead 3-2.

With gloves off from both sides, a player from both sides was red carded making it a 10 against 10 game. But, with a couple of minutes to go, a through ball saw Gangster bolt away and smack in an equalizer into the bottom left corner. By this stage, players, refs and coaching staff were completely spent, and the final whistle drew a memorable contest to a close at 3 all. Two great teams who, under tough conditions, did themselves proud.

Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 12 Metro's

18/04/10: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Nepean:
- 28 March 2010

CONGRATULATIONS – TWO IN A ROW.

After a change in venue and what appeared the longest trip ever to get to Benson Lane Richmond, the Under 11's were again in winning form against Nepean.

On a rather warm (HOT) summer morning and with the smell of open space and the odd small aircraft flying overhead, the stage was set for another excellent game.

The Tigers were eager to make it 2 in a row and took to the field in search of first points. In a half that presented itself with many opportunities and one controlled by the Tigers, it was just a matter of time before we scored first points. The boys played perfect football with great passing and first to the ball speed. We were in control of this game! Again, the long ball kick by our opponents had us on our toes defensively but we were able to hold our own against a tough Nepean side.

The second half presented a number of opportunities just always out of reach and, except for a late break by Nepean, the team did well to control the ball game.

So that's 2 from 2. Congratulations Boys. It's great to see the confidence and team spirit building in this group of young boys who have all the ingredients to make a great season in this Metro League in their first year.

Next week we have a break and so I wish all our Metro League families a Happy and Safe Easter. See you all at the next game.

Report by: Nick Agosta, 11 Metro's

26/03/10: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Blacktown:
- 21 March 2010

CONGRATULATIONS – WELL DONE TEAM.

Well, well, well... what a game! The boys were amazing. On only our 4th season outing, in home strip colours and the enormous support of the parents, the home ground advantage was just too strong for our Blacktown opposition.

The game started with all the excitement and buzz we are beginning to see each week, that is ball and field positional possession. The team took to the field in the home strip officially for the first time and never looked back. Commencing in the usual Tigers fashion to take charge and dominate play. The positional play was excellent and the passing exact. The first half was mainly played in the opposition half and with a break against the play, Blacktown was successful in scoring first points. The Tigers quickly regained their positions and attack on the ball, and were able to even the score heading into half time.
1 – 1

The second half commenced and those words of encouragement by Matt at half time certainly did the trick. The boys took to the field as if the game was to start again. The passing, running and talking between team mates was first class. Our strong dominance in possession led to a second goal midway into the second half for a 2 -1 lead. The boys continued to play to their game plan and attack opportunities as they presented themselves, and the defenders stepped it up a notch to keep Blacktown out from equalizing with a second goal. This was going to be their game I heard from the field. Late in the second half from a through ball from midfield down the right side we were able to score a 3rd and end with a very impressive 3 -1 win against a strong Blacktown outfit.

So as I end writing this weeks report, let me again CONGRATULATE the boys on a very impressive win. Thank Matt and the coaching team on their efforts with our boys, and say to the parents, get ready for a season of our share of winning games.

This week we play Nepean at Parklands and for this parent, it's another home ground advantage, so boys over to you. Excellent result

Report by: Nick Agosta, 11 Metro's

23/03/10: Metro League 12s - Northern Tigers Vs Blacktown:
- 21 March 2010

The first home game of the season saw our boys up against Blacktown at Mills Park on a very warm Sunday morning.

Having been on the wrong side of the ledger for the first three games of the season, the boys were keen to turn their fortunes around.

The game started fairly evenly, however, the seasoned spectators of the 12 Metro team could sense that the boys today were more committed, hungrier, and playing with determination. At the fourth minute, a free kick was given outside the Blacktown box. Luke B. stepped up and with the accuracy of a marksman, piloted the ball beautifully between the outstretched hand of the goalie and the crossbar giving first blood to the Tigers.

Following this were a number of enterprising runs and, at the 16th minute, the ball was crossed by AP's left boot towards a sprinting Ben who deflected the incoming ball magically into the back of the net. Half time saw a two nil led for the boys as they recharged themselves in the dressing shed.

The second half again started a little tentatively, however, the defence from the Tigers today was more than up to the task, with James, Sam, Pat, Fisher and TVK all working well together and sending the ball back to the waiting Tiger's midfield and attackers.

Three minutes into the second half saw a colossal punt from goalie Jono drop near the half way line, which was expertly flicked forward to a running AP. A quick summary of the situation saw AP chip the ball over the advancing goalie's head to open up the second half's scoring.

A hard battle occurred after this where both teams were giving their all. As part of this push and shove, another free kick was given to Tigers to the right of the Blacktown box. Could Luke B. do his voodoo again? Answer, absolutely, as yet again he pumped another shot, this time at a more acute angle, which found the Blacktown net in the 43rd minute.

Not to be outdone, a couple of minutes later saw Ditch bolt through the defending Blacktown players and expertly threaded the ball between the goalie and the post, which had a clearance of about one metre, to bring the final score to 5 nil.

The boys really needed that win to lift their spirits for the upcoming season, and all the boys really put in a fantastic team effort which saw the results on the score board. After the game, the new players in the squad for 2010 were initiated with the singing (bellowing) of the team song in the dressing room.

Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 12 Metro's

20/03/10: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Granville:
- 14 March 2010

Our Under 11 Boys played their 3rd Game of the season against Granville at Melita Stadium.

As new members of the Northern Tigers Metro League, it seems the games are getting more and more exciting each week and the boys are certainly leading this momentum.

The boys all arrived excited and with the determination to have a good game. The team spirit was evidently very clear with talk about Goal Keeping duties and boys willingness to take on this challenge and take the field.

The first half began as in the past few weeks, with a very clear lead from our boys, and some great attacking opportunities resulted. We certainly dominated the play with possession in the first half and were unlucky not to get a goal on Granville in the first 20mins. A late break by Granville against the play late in the first half resulted in a goal to Granville and we headed into half time 1-0 down.

The boys certainly took to the field with the same determination as they started in the second half, perhaps even more determined to get a goal back to even the score. The opportunities presented themselves and the support and encouragement they gave each other in this half shows just what a great team this group of boys will make this season for the Northern Tigers.

Unfortunately a late second goal by Granville ended the game 2-0.

The strength and determination they showed for the full 50mins tells me we are ever so close to our first win. Good luck to the boys this weekend, and with the home ground advantage, it may be the week.

Report by: Nick Agosta, 11 Metro's

15/03/10: Metro League 12s - Northern Tigers Vs Granville:
- 14 March 2010

Our boys were up against Granville at Melita Stadium today, which is always a difficult task. Dressed in their purples, our boys took the field knowing that the Granville boys were a tough, no nonsense type of team, and were ready for the challenge.

The first 20 minutes of the game was all Tigers. The passing, the running, the intensity and the commitment was nothing like we had witnessed in previous games. A little bit more luck and we could have been a couple of goals up as the Granville team was continually stretched to contain the marauding Tiger hordes. It is at times like this however, that this game can be cruel, and one of the first runs by Granville into our half, which resulted in a corner, saw the ball bounce around like a pinball, and sneak into our goal. A minute or so from half time, saw a well placed long shot from Granville fly through that area between the goalie's hand and the underside of the crossbar to bring the score to two nil at the break. T

he second half started again with a lot of intensity, however, the hot day and the sunny conditions were starting to wear down our team, with the defence now being called in for more work. Although still strong and competitive throughout the game, Granville slotted in two further goals this half through broken play, which saw a score line of 4 nil to Granville as the final whistle blew. This score was not reflective of the commitment and effort the Tigers boys put in today, and with plenty of games left in the season, today's effort and insight into what they can do, certainly gave them optimism for the games ahead.

Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 12 Metro's

14/03/10: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Manly: Game 2

Welcome to the first MATCH REPORT for the UNDER 11's Tiger's season.

Despite having had a few games and a somewhat shaky start to the season, I am thrilled to be asked to write about the last game against a very hot Manly side.

It was an interesting game with 8 goals, some ripper ball work and a game that was definitely played in 2 halves.

The Tiger boys are to be congratulated as it would have been very easy for them to run out for the second half with a "we're gone attitude." This definitely was not the case and the crowd was excited by 2 super goals and some fine defending and keeping in the second stanza. Congrats to Pius and Jordan who opened the goal scoring account for the season.

There are good foundations in the Tigers squad with heaps of heart and even more commitment. They have a can-do attitude and will continue to get stronger and stronger as the season progresses.

A special mention also goes to Matthieu & Pete as they stepped up when the pressure was on. For the others, I see great team mates prepared to support and encourage. I feel a big win is only a few more heart beats away. Stand tall fellas.

Good luck next week

Report by: Miranda Di Ciano

09/03/10: Metro League 12s - Northern Tigers Vs Manly
- 7 March 2010

Our second game for the season was at Cromer Park with our clash against Manly.

During the pre-season trial game, our boys were in good form against this team being comfortable winners. Whilst there may have been a number of factors influencing this game today, it didn't appear to be the same Tigers team out there that won a few weeks ago.

This was the first run with our away strip, having handed out the socks to the boys just prior to the game. The boys looked resplendent in their purple strip, however, this may have been too much of a distraction for them. Two players being away also brought the team number down to 14, which didn't help on such a hot morning.

The game started with its normal flurry, and some good runs by both teams. Whilst there were a couple of breaks by the Tigers boys, as well as the odd show of brilliance, it was the Manly side who had obviously learned from their trial game and were very unlucky with their attacking charges down the pitch. The result of Nil All at the break was fortunate for the Tigers team.

The second half started but again, the Tiger's hearts didn't appear to be into the game. At 4 minutes into the second half, a free kick by Manly was floated over the heads of the boys and went into the back of the net between the cross bar and the diving hand of Josh who did everything except for growing wings to try and keep it out. This was followed up by another goal in about the 13th minute from broken play. The simple things of passing, marking and controlling the ball was missing today, and the final score of Manly 2, Tigers Nil, was only flattered by a number of excellent saves that Josh was called upon to undertake today.

Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 12 Metro's

02/03/10: Metro League 12s - Northern Tigers Vs Gladesville-Hornsby
- 28 February 2010

Well before the rest of the Northern Tiger's teams have started their games in 2010, the Metro teams commenced this year's season today with their match against Gladesville-Hornsby at Christie Park.

Gladesville-Hornsby were runners up in the grand final for the Metro 11's last year and our boys knew that they would be a tough outfit to play against. The boys were issued with their playing shirt and shorts in the changing shed that morning, which was both a distraction to their focus, but a great image boost for them too.

The game started off in regular fashion with both teams sizing up each other with respect. Both the attack and defence on each side were called upon to do their stuff, and whilst there were a few opportunities, it was a case of 'first game of the season' nerves that was evident. The midfield was called upon to work tirelessly, with the ball being played constantly from side to side and end to end.

By about the 15th minute, the ball was bouncing high and Pat was lucky not to collect an accidental boot in the head by a Gladesville-Hornsby player, which resulted in a free kick within our own half. Sam stood up to take the kick and the Gladesville-Hornsby defence underestimated the strength of Sam's boot, which saw the ball clear a number of defenders and catch a flying A.P. up the left hand side. A.P. left no doubt that his left boot had not softened from last year and he planted it into the net to draw first blood.

But Gladesville-Hornsby is not a team you can take for granted, and some 8 or so minutes later, an equalizer from broken play saw the half time score being locked together at 1 all.

The second half started, however, the Tigers passing game was not what it should have been. Their fitness too was letting them down a little and this led to Gladesville-Hornsby getting two good unanswered goals in the second half; one from a corner and another from broken play.

Whilst the Tigers tried to rally in the latter part of the half, the referee brought a halt to proceedings with the final score of 1-3 to Gladesville-Hornsby.

Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 12 Metro's