Round 2 - Ashburton

Warner Reserve was the venue for today's Round 2 match against Ashburton. An earlier start than normal with a 10am kick-off, however with the Sun shining and not a cloud in the sky it was perfect conditions for a game of football.

Today we had Michael and Jordan missing, so we only had 1 substitute. The game got off to a good start with Ashburton applying pressure to our defence. Before the match Ashburton agreed to play a modified version of the Off-Side rule. However it was evident early in the game that this would not happen, with 2 Ashburton players setting up camp in the 18 yard box. Eventually the young Box Hill Kangaroos cranked up through the gears and started to play their usual passing game.

Ashburton were persistent, but only until the first goal went sailing past their Keeper, courtesy of a free kick by Aaron S. This was perfect motivation for our lads and we continued to push hard into Ashburton's defence. The oppositions Keeper was doing a great job and pulled of some fantastic saves, but we still managed to get 4 past him by half time.

Supercoach Clifton Dragon told the boys during the half time break to continue to create space and look for passing options. A few players were holding on to the ball for too long and running into trouble. He also told the lads not to worry about the Ashburton players who were off-side and to focus on keeping possession and letting the ball do the work.

We had the benefit of a slight breeze and the Sun at our backs during the 2nd half, an advantage that Ashburton squandered during the first half. Once again we continued to control the majority of play, using the wide corridors to push the ball forward. Ashburton did manage a few shots from long range, however Marcel was never really challenged and he cleared the ball effectively.

Another 6 goals went past the Ashburton Keeper in the 2nd half and he probably saved as many chances again. A highlight was Declan's run through the entire Ashburton midfield and defence to score a brilliant solo goal. Another moment of amusement was the multiple shots on goal from inside the 6 yard box, the ball hitting the post 4 times before being cleared by Ashburton.

Apart from the disappointing effort from Ashburton, we did use the occasion to practice some of the things we have been doing at training. Some nice switches of play through the midfield and some great work along the wings with Charlie and Aaron D starting to show us what we all know they can do. Special mention to Hamish who hassled and harassed the Ashburton players in the midfield...well done !

Next week we are at home against Bulleen...hopefully more of a challenge than today.

Round 1 - Whitehorse

Today was Round 1 in the 2007 Season and we were up against our old foes, Whitehorse. Last year Whitehorse caught us napping in our first encounter and we had to wait until late in the season to even the ledger. The U10 Kangaroos were not going to give Whitehorse any easy breaks today however.

Light rain was falling at Wembley Park for the first half of the match, hence the ball was skidding and difficult to control. Box Hill took early control of the game through the midfield and we were very unlucky not to have scored in the first 5 minutes of the game. Jesse took a free kick from just outside the box and sent the ball high and towards the top corner. It looked like it was going to hit the back of the net, but the WH GK pulled off a fantastic leaping save just at the last moment.

Box Hill continued to pressure WH and a series of corner kicks were delivered viciously into the goal mouth, however Box Hill failed to convert the opportunities. The best chance came when Nick managed to head the ball just over the bar. Halftime came and WH could count themselves lucky not to be 2 or 3 goals down.

Supercoach Clifton Dragon asked the boys to use the space around them and not crowd the ball. We also needed to release the ball earlier and pressure the WH defenders. The 2nd half started with Box Hill once again dominating possession and winning most of the contested balls. WH managed a couple of counter attacks along the right wing, however some long range shots were easily handled by the safe hands of Marcel.

About halfway through the 2nd half we managed to push deep into the WH defence and a nice series of passes resulted in Nick having a cracking shot from just outside the box. The ball moved like a cruise missile and slammed into the back of the net. WH seemed shocked and their heads dropped, not the best sign to give a team like Box Hill. It wasn't long before another forward assault resulted in a free kick just outside the penalty box. Jesse hit the ball with power and it bounced off a WH defender and straight into the path of Nick who took no time to knock it past the WH GK.

2 nil is how the game ended and a very deserved win for the talented Kangaroos. Some great performances around the ground today: Jordan working hard in defence with Aaron, Matty and Declan. Hamish, Charlie, Dylan and Aaron (D) all adding value through the midfield. While Carlo, Michael and Kosi managed to frustrate the WH Defenders all day.

A great start to the season for the lads and some really nice passages of play. Next week sees us away at Ashburton for Round 2.

Bulleen May 12th

Today we played Bulleen in our final practice match before the season commences. Conditions were perfect for a great game of football on Wembley Park. The lads got off to a good start and controlled the flow of the game. Bulleen were physical, but Box Hill were able to win the crucial 50/50 balls and maintain the majority of possession.

The first half saw Box Hill enter the box on many occasions, however our shots on goal were adequately dealt with by the Bulleen keeper. In contrast, Bulleen found it difficult to penetrate our defence, hence Marcel only touched the ball once during the first 25 minutes.

The 2nd half continued similarly to the first with Box Hill controlling the majority of play. Although we were managing to get the ball into danger areas, we were unable to convert. Clifton told the boys at half time to have low shots on the Bulleen keeper as he was too good with high balls. Aaron D must have listened as his low fast shot went straight between the Bulleen Keepers legs to give Box Hill a 1 nil lead.

Scores remained the same until the final whistle, however if it had not been for some brilliant efforts from the Bulleen keeper, it could easily have blown out to a 5 or 6 goal drubbing.

Good signs for the young Kangaroos with good movement and passing. We still need to get a bit louder and release the ball a bit earlier. Remember to keep moving once you have passed the ball so that you can get it back again !

Beaumaris May 5th 2007

Today we played Beaumaris in a practice game at FFV headquarters. It was perfect conditions at Darebin and both teams really enjoyed playing on the synthetic pitch. Box Hill got off to a great start with a conversion within the first few minutes of the match. Some clever play along the wing resulted in a great ball into the box, which found the back of the net with ease.

Our second goal came from a visciously whipped in corner, which a defender stuck out a desperate leg to and scored an own goal. 2 nil and the lads had their tails up, however Beaumaris managed a well put together goal late in the half to go to the break 1 goal down.

The 2nd half was as intense as the 1st and both teams worked hard in the midfield. Some good chances for Box Hill during the term with some well planned forays into the box, but Beaumaris defended well and managed to clear the ball. At the other end of the ground Beaumaris had a couple of good chances with some corners, but failed to convert.

All up an enjoyable game for both sides with Box Hill walking away with a 2 / 1 victory. Thanks to Dave Stack for refereeing the match and to Steve T for finally working out how to put the drink bottle holder together !