Round 4 of the 2013/2014 Football NSW Futsal Premier League was played away in Campbelltown against Quake on an unseasonally hot day for early November. The shorter commute for the Boomerangs teams was certainly appreciated, however the reduced amount of travel time did not convert to better performances on the court.
In all age groups however (barring the youngest girls team) the Boomerangs teams were all involved in tight and fairly evenly contested match ups. The frustration was not being able to convert more of these close match ups into wins by slotting the ball into the net more frequently!
12 Boys
Boomerangs 0 – 3 Quake
For the second week in a row the 12 boys felt what it was like to be on the receiving end of a stronger, more physical team. This talented team certainly has the skills and the teamwork, but they will need to learn to ‘muscle up’ on bigger, more physical opponents if they are to win more games. The boys weren’t disgraced and there were solid performances all over the court, but try as they may, they couldn’t put one in the back of the net.
12 Girls
Boomerangs 3 – 12 Quake
The 12 girls were thoroughly outclassed and outplayed by a strong Quake unit. Having few substitutes and no regular keeper has really hurt this team so far this year. There are signs that there are some wins coming, but they need to perform more consistently, especially at the defensive end.
14 Boys
Boomerangs 1 – 2 Quake
A closely fought exciting tussle between two fairly evenly matched teams. There was nothing in this match right the way through, and it was a credit to the Quake boys that they continued the pressure and teamwork right until the final whistle. Attempting more shots on goal wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Boomerangs 14s – but credit must go to the Quake defence for not allowing any easy shots. This Boomerangs boys team is building together nicely and we should expect some more positive results as the season progresses.
14 Girls
Boomerangs 2 – 4 Quake
A good effort by the Boomerangs 14 girls against a strong Quake team. And another close game where the difference may well have been the finishing ability of the Quake girls. Again, this 14 girls team will certainly improve as the season progresses and will earn their fair share of wins by season end.
16 Boys
Boomerangs 0 – 4 Quake
The Quake boys came out hard in the first half and put the Boomerangs boys to the sword with four goals in the first 20 minutes. The boys must have listened to the half-time talk though, as they certainly matched it up much better with the Quake boys in the second half. If they could have played this well in the first half, the result would certainly have been different. A learning experience for the boys, but they are showing that they will listen and put into practice the coaching staff’s wise words.
16 Girls
Boomerangs 2 – 2 Quake
A win gone begging. The 16 girls dominated this game for easily 75% of it. The Quake girls had a strong dose of self belief come their way late in the second half and started taking it to the young Boomerangs girls – who till that stage looked comfortable and had set up a nice two goal buffer. The first goal for the Quake in the second half certainly drove them on and it was probably good fortune for the Boomerang girls that it took them till the final minute to score the equaliser – so as not to give them time to score another! A missed opportunity to register a win for the 16 girls.
Youth Men
Boomerangs 2 – 1 Quake
Finally — this talented youth roster clicked and put in a massive effort. With speed, agility, team work and intensity of a quality that was often seen in the 2013 F-League, these boys worked hard to knock over a good Quake team, and to register their long awaited first win for the season. Much is expected of this squad and they will be able to take a deal of confidence from this win to kick their season along.
Open Women
Boomerangs 2 – 5 Quake
In a game that was always going to be tough for the Boomerangs women, the result probably surprised no one. Without three of their five starters in Aurouseau, Roche and Crittenden (and a couple of bench players also absent), this was always going to be an uphill battle against the form team in the women’s competition. The 16 girls that backed up for this game held their own, but the lack of experienced women really impacted on the team’s ability to score goals, and to defend their own goal. Not a pretty game to watch with much niggle and plenty of fouls. Let’s hope a full squad is available for the next time these teams match up to give a real indication of how they compare.
Open Men
Boomerangs 3 – 1 Quake
A tough, physical and intense encounter saw the Boomerangs men hold off a quality Quake unit. Goals were hard to come by and a 1-0 lead going into half time looked like it might be the final score. A second though, mid way through the second half forced the hand of Quake who then went with a ‘fifth man’ play. The Boomerangs men defended very well against this tactic and pressured well to make a couple of pass intercepts, one of which saw a long range goal with not long left on the clock.
This Boomerangs men’s team has come together really well this season and are playing consistently good futsal. At the beginning of the season, one of the dark horses for the premiership, but after four weeks and remaining unbeaten this team is quietly being talked about as genuine title contenders for 13/14.
The Football NSW review of the weekend’s men’s matches can be found HERE.
The Club Championship table after Round 4 can be found HERE.