Category: NSW State League

Final Wrap Season 14/15 FNSW State League

The 14/15 NSW State League Futsal season has now ended and it is timely to review the season that was: a season that comprised 12 matches and a bye for each of the nine age groups, and entailed five away games to various locations across Sydney as well as a Saturday trip to Gosford.

Of the nine Boomerangs teams that competed there were three that finished in the top four and made the finals (15 girls, Youth Men and Open Women), and a further three that were a mere one win – 3 points – from featuring in finals playoffs (12 boys, 14 boys and 17 girls). The other three teams have some work to do to get back nearer the top of the table for season 15/16.

12 Boys

Finished: 6th

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
7	4	1	76	42	34	22

A solid season from this talented bunch of boys, who missed out on playing finals futsal by a solitary win. In many other age groups, and in other years, a seven win four loss record would have been enough to make the top four, but alas, this year not so. The team played some excellent futsal throughout the season, starting with a couple of very convincing wins against Sutherland and IFS – but a couple of surprise losses in the middle of the season damaged the finals aspirations.

All field players managed to score during the season, with the two top scorers for the season – Zac Barbatano (24) and Luca Gagliardi (22) featuring in fourth and fifth spot on the top goal scorers table for the age group.With the few younger players staying in this age group next season, and the addition to some terrific younger talent waiting for the opportunity, this team should again push for finals next season.

13 Girls

Finished: 8th

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
4	7	1	33	47	-14	13

In terms of mere results, this looks on paper as a poor season for this team, however the youngest Boomerangs girls improved out of sight throughout the year with most of their wins coming in the back end of the season. The girls showed some terrific individual skills and importantly, a real grasp of the teamwork required to make a great futsal team. Where they lacked was some incisive punch up front (a go-for-goal scorer) and early on with some of their lax defence (however this improved markedly in the second half of the season).

The girls improved dramatically though through the season and will be much better performers next season. Goal scoring was very evenly spread across the whole team.

14 Boys

Finished: 6th

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
6	5	1	57	44	13	19

For these boys, just one more win…. (Round 2 against IFS, or the Round 10 loss to Botany Bay Pirates perhaps) would have had them in the top four and with a shot at Grand Final glory. But all in all a good season for the lads, with terrific performances right across the team – all players contributing significantly to their good play throughout the season.

Those who ‘graduate’ to 16 boys next year will notice the step up required, but the 13 year olds who stay at this age group to link up with the graduating 12’s next season should provide a very competitive team capable of mixing it with the best.

Goal scoring was spread fairly evenly across the team (Ben Obst leading the way with 11), but notable was the seven goal haul by Zac Barbatano to go with the 24 he scored in the 12s (and one on the 16 boys!). Not a bad effort!

15 Girls

Finished: 3rd

Semi-Finalists

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
9	3	0	62	17	45	27

The 15 girls were a solid unit that enjoyed playing together and built a wonderful sense of ‘team’ throughout the competition. It was common to see a maximum depth bench for these girls at all matches – both at home and away – and the girls revelled in the good performances of their team mates as much as their own.

The girls started the season with a couple of wins and finished the regular season on a roll, winning seven in a row after a minor slump of three losses on the trot. The final match saw an 18-0 demolition of Western Wolves to give them some momentum going into the finals…

A third place finish sent the girls to the elimination semi-final against Mt Druitt Town Rangers – a team that finished fourth on the table just one point behind the Boomers girls. Alas, the Mt Druitt girls handled the semi-finals conditions better than the Boomers and knocked our girls out with a solitary-goal closely fought battle (the Town Rangers themselves were knocked out the following week by the Raiders who finished second and who ultimately lost to the Taipans in the Grand Final).

Goals galore for the season were spread across the team with the highlight being Alicia ‘Lefty’ Meuronen bagging 13.

16 Boys

Finished: 10th

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
3	8	1	34	63	-29	10

The 16 boys have been a ‘problem’ age group for the club for a couple of years now. The lack of consistency, the age profile – more 15 year olds (and 14s playing up) than 16 year olds – and too many conflicting schedules, which limited many of the lads ability to fully commit to away games, meant the team was always behind the eight ball.

Additionally, this age group always seem to offer up players in the Sydney teams that are bigger, stronger and more aggressive and more determined to win. In that context then, the three wins and a draw weren’t too bad a result, with the highlight the win against the Taipans who finished 4th (the other wins came against Mt Druitt 11th and Sydney Futsal 12th and the draw against IFS 13th).

Eight losses for a season though will not gain a finals spot, so much work needs to be done with this group – and perhaps some better recruiting – to ensure this team is competitive in season 15/16.

17 Girls

Finished: 5th

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
7	1	4	56	16	40	25

The fact that the 17 girls lost only ONE GAME all season and still didn’t qualify for the finals is almost criminal. The four draws needed to be converted to a few more wins, or the single one goal loss to Mt Druitt needed to be won to get these girls into the finals. They certainly had the quality to be there, if not the numbers.

The core team of seven players were often supported by several of the 15s who played up each week – and indeed almost all of the 17 girls played up in the Open Women’s age group regularly. This experience is invaluable and will pay off next year and beyond. As the record shows, they were almost an unbeatable side with the only loss a 3-2 downing by Mt Druitt in Round 6.

Had they made finals, the games likely would have gone to extra time and perhaps penalties given the propensity for these girls to play out draws!!! A terrific season for a talented bunch of girls even though they were most unfortunate not to have made finals.

Alex Martens topped goal scorers for the season with 14.

Youth Men

Finished: 2nd

Grand Finalists and Champions

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
10	1	1	73	19	54	31

The Youth men had a stellar season. Aside from the solitary loss in the regular season (to the undefeated Sutherland in Round 1) and an unlucky draw to Sydney City in Round 3, the lads won every other match (10) ensuring they finished in second position on the ladder behind the strong Sutherland team.The Youth finals series was most dramatic – especially the major semi final which saw 1 v 2 in a belter of a match at Penrith. Down 5-2 with just six minutes to go. the Boomerangs lads went fly keeper and scored three unanswered via unrelenting pressure. 5-5 at full time was followed by 6-6 at the end of extra time — again coming from behind with fifth man play to level it up. However the lads could not convert this effort and urgency in the penalty shoot out that followed going down 3-2, and having to progress to the Preliminary final against Mt Druitt – which they comfortably won (on the floor, if not on the scoreboard).

The Grand Final saw a rematch with the Boomerangs Youth on a huge momentum roll again taking on a Sutherland team looking to protect their unbeaten season. The Boomers lads played out of their skins with some of the highest quality futsal to be seen anywhere in Australia (especially the 15 minutes after half-time). And a Championship is won reasonably comfortably (again, on the floor, if not on the scoreboard).

It must be noted though, that for a number of seasons now, this team has almost perfected the fifth man, ‘fly-keeper’ play. Both regular keepers (Sorenson and van Aalst) play this role beautifully and the team knows how to play with the keeper up over half way. They have mastered this play over a few seasons in the FNSW Premier League, State League and for a few years at Nationals.

Huge credit must go the coaching staff (Grant Davoren, Kristian Collins and Sam Smith) for working with these lads to produce a stellar combination of individually skilled players. The results have shown, not only with this State League title, but with the Nationals title, and previously with the FNSW Premier League title at 16s (and earlier with Grand Final wins in both 14s and 16s Super League).

Thomas Zeitlhofer topped all scorers for the team for the season with 19 with Nick Rathjen not far behind on 16.

Open Women

Finished: 1st

Premiers, Grand Finalists and Champions

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
11	1	0	71	19	52	33

The Open women blitzed the competition this season with wins over all comers bar Sutherland in Round 1 back in October 2014. They also had the best attacking record by a long way (71 goals scored – next best 53) and the best defensive record with only 19 goals conceded.

The core squad of Aurousseau, Buckingham, Spinapolice, Day, Gurney and Collins were ably supported by the regular appearances by 17s Rolfe (GK), Whittall and Martens and occasional appearances from Corbett, Barbero and Kravis and the 15 yo Basser-Silk.

The top placed finished had the girls in the major semi against Sutherland, who after scoring three goals in the first five dominant minutes, were put well and truly back in their box over the next 35 minutes. Down 3-2 at half-time, the Boomers women scored 3 goals to one in the second half to take out the match. This win saw them head directly into the Grand Final.

Sutherland on the other hand, had to front up in the Preliminary final and take care of business with the Taipans – which after 0-0 at full time and 0-0 at extra time produced an amazing penalty shoot out contest which the Sutho ladies won — eventually, 9-8. A game that no doubt sapped the Sutherland girls energy.

So a Grand Final rematch of the major semi-final and of Round 1 with results for the season evenly split. A much tighter and intense game than the semi-final two weeks earlier, saw the Sutherland team take a one nil lead into the break, and double that to 2-0 in the 25th minute. The next ten-minute period saw the Boomerangs ladies lift their intensity and throw all they had at Sutherland, and they scored a magnificent three goals (Whittall, Gurney and Spinapolice) to rip the game away from their rivals.

So a tremendous season for this group of players, topped off by a satisfying Grand Final win to go with their Premiership. And given the significant numbers of great players still running around on courts in Canberra, Women’s futsal in the ACT has never been stronger.

Top goalscorers for the season included Bucko on 14 followed by Gurney on 12. And adding to their goals in the 17s, Martens scored a further eight and Whittall a further seven in the Women’s division.And finally a mention of the award to Sophie Rolfe of Goalkeeper of the Year for her performances in this women’s team. A fantastic effort by Sophie – given that she is still only 16 years old.

Open Men

Finished: 7th

Win	Loss	Draw	GF	GA	GD	Pts
6	6	0	56	36	20	18

The Open men’s team disappointed this season – and not just because of the results, but for the lack of availability of many of the players throughout the season. Many of the away games saw a core contingent of men’s players including just Kristian Collins, Jason O’Dwyer and Grant Davoren. Others, including Cal Smith, Daniel Fulton, Daniel Bennett and Ash Collins contributed strongly when they were available – but the lack of a consistent team across all 12 games made the results nowhere near as good as they should have been. The two wins only from the six away games killed the season for this team.

For many of the Youth men, this provided an opportunity to play up in the men’s competition, which they did highly competently. However, they had usually contributed to a quite physical and intense game not 45 minutes earlier, so could not always contribute 100% in the men’s game.

Several other factors also contributed to an ordinary season for the men, including an often quite small court to play on… These players most often play on fuller sized courts (in ACT Premier League and F-League) and the tight spaces of a small court limits play options. Also, State League games tend to be more physical than Premier League or F-League, and the constant physical attention from some teams made playing good futsal often a challenge.

Regardless, this team should have produced better results, and perhaps next season there will need to be a re look at how the team is structured for this competition, to ensure greater consistency both home and away – given that a few of the Youth Men will ‘graduate’ to this level having turned 20.

Top goals scorers for the season were Cal Smith (12) and Jason O’Dwyer (9).

And aside from all the players who contributed this season, a massive thanks to all the team coaching staff and managers who put in many (many) hours of time to make sure they get the best out of their teams, and to the raft of Boomerangs volunteers, from the Directors to the BBQ sausage cooks! Without the volunteers none of this season could have happened.

And thanks to the parents and family members who keenly travel to Sydney every second weekend to compete, so that their kids will get higher quality futsal competition (and of course thanks to the Sydney teams who trek down to Canberra with their 120 plus contingent of players, coaches and supporters).

And on a final note, the club finished sixth in the overall club championship – at the bottom end of the bunch of ‘stronger’ clubs at the top of the State League — who are equally as strong as the bottom four clubs of the Premier League (the seventh club was 21 wins further back). If the club is to challenge to re enter the Premier League it needs to perform much like the Taipans, who won on average 6.3 matches each round of the nine played – this is ONE additional match per week compared to the current season just completed by the Boomerangs. If the club can achieve this, and at the same time have another three or four teams playing finals, promotion to the Premier League will follow.

FNSW State League Grand Final REVIEWS

Photos by Loopii for Football NSW - with thanks

Saturday 14 February at Valentine Park in Sydney saw nine Grand Finals played to cap off the Football NSW State League season for 14/15.

The Boomerangs were represented by the Youth Men and the Open Women’s team – both up against teams from the strong Sutherland Club (a club that had five teams represented on Grand Final day).

Youth Men

Boomerangs 4 – 3 Sutherland

Another Grand Final appearance for the majority of this Boomerangs team, to back up their sensational win at the Futsal Nationals against Sydney Thunder in early January.

The Sutherland team went through the season on an unbeaten run of 13 matches, including a 4-3 win over the Boomers way back in Round 1 and a penalty shootout win against the same Boomers team in the semi-final two weeks ago. This gifted the Sutherland lads a trip straight to the Grand Final, while our Boomerangs Youth needed another final against Mt Druitt (3-2) to qualify.

The match was therefore a clash of the titans in this age group, and a match up worthy of a season finale.

The game commenced with the Boomers lads looking comfortable and knowing what they needed to do to win with the recent Nationals Grand Final experience still fresh in their minds. Sutherland on the other hand, looked a little tense and hesitant, but when the whistle blew, it was definitely game on. The first ten minutes were played at break neck speed, with the tempo better suiting the Sutherland style of play. And although there were several scoring opportunities at either end in this first period, it was the Boomerangs with some terrific team play, resulting in a lovely goal to Ben Basser-Silk.

Sutherland levelled it up with a minute of the first half remaining with a neat passage of passing play leaving Zac Sorenson with little chance to stop the shot on goal.

The highlight of the game though was the 15 minutes of play after half-time. The Boomers lads played brilliantly as they lifted their intensity and pace another few notches – the passes were harder, more precise and the running off the ball was intense. Three goals in fairly rapid succession in the 24th (Ciminelli), 29th (Rinaudo) and 33rd (Zeitlhofer) minutes of the match all came from beautiful futsal where the passing was sublime and the finishes sweet. During this period the Sutherland lads were made to fruitlessly chase the ball around the court. The third goal particularly damaging in the context of the match as the Sutherland team had only just resorted to a fifth man play with seven and a half minutes remaining in order to make up the two goal shortfall – however the Zeitlhofer goal from a steal made them pay dearly.

However, this tough and talented Sutherland team are not quitters and they threw everything at the Boomers in the final five minutes, with resultant goals in the 39th and 40th minutes. Too little too late though, and the Sutherland unbeaten run had come to an end when the final whistle blew, and the Boomerangs Youth Men picking themselves up two major trophies in the space of five weeks.

An excellent effort by this talented bunch of lads, who were terrifically coached all season by Grant Davoren assisted by Sam Smith.

For this team though, the last time they play together as a unit, as several of them will ‘graduate’ to the men’s competition next season (even though many have played men’s this current season, and previous F-League seasons). The team though, will remain strong next year with a few quality players coming up from 16s to fill the gaps.

Congratulations to the lads on the day…. Ben Basser-Silk, Jonathan Ciminelli, Nick Rathjen, Michael Rinaudo, Chris Smith, Jake Wilsener, Thomas Zeitlhofer, Zac Sorenson (GK) Nicholas van Aalst (GK) and 15 year old sub for the match David O’Gorman. Thanks also to the others who filled in and played minutes during the season including Tully Keegan, David Fabrizio, Harry Williams and Sean O’Neill.

10998873_795729237142778_8070046178301128793_o — Boomerangs Youth Men – Grand Final Champions 2014/2015 FNSW State League

Open Women

Boomerangs 3 – 2 Sutherland

This Women’s Grand Final match up had some eerily similar comparisons to the Youth Men’s match up which preceded it…

Two weeks prior to this Grand Final, these two teams met in the major semi-final as 1 v 2 (as per the Youth). The team that finished on top of the regular season table won that encounter (as per the Youth).

The Boomerangs Women had lost only one match all season – their first in Round 1 against Sutherland (3-1) – again, as per the Youth. However the Sutherland ladies did lose two other games during the season (Rnd 4 to Hakoah and Rnd 12 against West City Crusaders) unlike their Youth club mates.

Two weeks earlier in the semi-final, the Sutherland ladies stunned the Boomerangs scoring three goals in a powerful five minute opening stanza. Boomerangs Women’s coach Kristian Collins immediately called a time out to re group and the message was clear — lift defensive intensity, allow no more goals, and work your way back into this match. And that they did, scoring two themselves before half time whilst not conceding any further, then taking out the second half 3-1, to win the match 5-4. A terrifically executed ‘come-from-behind’ victory which would put them in a positive frame of mind for this match, and clearly gave the Sutherland ladies some nervous thoughts even though they managed to lead the Grand Final by two.

An even first half saw equal opportunity with little conversion from both sides. The goalkeepers did well to keep out some powerful shots and the woodwork was hit on more than one occasion. Sutherland broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with a nicely worked counter attack after a period of Boomers dominance, and held on to the slenderest of leads at the half-time break.

The second half again saw end to end quality futsal with Sutherland slotting home their second on the 25th minute mark to take the lead out to two. The Boomerangs though, knew they could match it with this opponent and lifted their intensity a notch or two, with Gurney looking threatening on a number of front-third drives after some terrific build up work by Aurousseau and Buckingham.

The 29th minute saw the turn around with a moment of sheer determination by a young Maddy Whittall who won the ball at half way, beat a couple of Sutherland tackles and slotted home a powerful shot off the left upright. A definitive response that was very soon followed up by yet another jinking run by Olivia Gurney finished off with a powerful shot from outside the ‘D’ easily beating the keeper. All tied up with ten minutes to play, with the Boomerangs seizing the momentum with those two goal scoring opportunities converted.

The Boomers continued to dominate until a delay in the match with a nasty fall and injury to the Boomers Rebecca Collins. Immediately after this delay, the Boomers were pressing once again and a sustained period of pressure and shot on goal allowed Sabrina Spinapolice to slot home from a ‘keeper parry. 3-2 up with five to play.

History shows that the Boomers ladies saw out that pressurised final five minutes and held off the Sutherland attempts to level it back up again. The final one goal victory an accurate reflection of the match.

Grand Final Winners, Premiers, and to top it off, young Sophie Rolfe awarded the Golden Glove for Open Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. A tremendous result.

This was a sensational set of results for this team, ably led by Kristian Collins, with assistance from Sam Smith. The team was a mixture of experience and youth, and the older team members did brilliantly in leading and mentoring the young guns – most of whom are still only 16 or 17 years old.

Congratulations to the players on the day…. Michelle Aurousseau (C), Hayley Buckingham, Sabrina Spinapolice, Rebecca Collins, Olivia Gurney, Maddy Whittall, Sophie Rolfe (GK), Alex Martens and Rachel Corbett – and Mikaela Day (who couldn’t travel to Sydney due to work commitments) and Lorena Barbaro who was injured and couldn’t play.

10916309_795729540476081_5790812341253493274_o — Grand Final Champions and Premiers, Boomerangs Open Women – FNSW State League 2014/2015

The match report extracts below are from Football NSW… (they may or may not be factually correct, but they are very close…)

The Futsal State League championship day delivered everything it promised with nine outstanding trophy matches held at a packed Valentine Sports Park, featuring several come-from-behind wins, some stunning upsets and plenty of outstanding play.

Sutherland came away with little despite fielding five grand final sides and it was left to club champions South Coast to clean up with three Taipans victories (17 Girls, 15 Girls & 14 Boys) matching the feats of Eastern Suburbs Hakoah (Open Men, 13 Girls & 12 Boys). Boomerangs won the Open Women and Youth Men divisions.

Open Women – Boomerangs break Sutherland

Sutherland Shire were excellent value in a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to premiers Boomerangs in a riveting Open Women grand final at Valentine Sports Park.

The Territorians hadn’t lost since a 3-1 opening round defeat to Sutherland but they were faced with a tough Shire challenge from the outset.

A cagey opening saw Boomerangs with the only half-chances, Madelyn Whittall’s shot clipping the post on the way out and Alex Martens shooting just over the bar, and then (as it often does) Sutherland turned the tables with a Melissah Parlato goal against the run of play making it 1-0 to Shire.

Montana Bolzan had a good chance to double the lead five minutes out from halftime but Boomerangs custodian Sophie Rolfe was up to the task with a fine block, her Sutherland counterpart Amy Woodhouse also contributing with a couple of great saves at the opposite end to maintain Shire’s slight edge at the interval.

Sutherland’s Emma Noro was presented a good opportunity seconds into the second term with Rolfe pulling off a great block, but they didn’t have to wait much longer to find a breakthrough with Megan Embleton capitalising on some good lead-up play from Parlato to double the Shire lead.

Their joy was shortlived however as Whittall went on a canter upcourt and finished off superbly and then Olivia Gurney pounced with a 12-metre dazzler that brought Boomerangs right back into the contest at 2-2 with 10 minutes to play.

Gurney added to her heroics with a second goal with five minutes to play and Boomerangs held on for a nailbiting 3-2 victory, much to the delight of stalwart coach Kristian Collins.

“We were behind 3-0 in the semi-final and came back and we were down again today. Traditionally we’re not good coming from behind but the girls put in another great effort,” he said.

“We’ve got some good young girls coming through learning off the experienced older girls and that’s made a good balance in the team… hopefully it’s the sort of progress that will help get the club back into premier league very soon.”

Boomerangs FS: Rebecca Collins, Rebecca Watts, Michelle Aurousseau, Michaela Day, Sabrina Spinapolice, Madelyn Whittall, Olivia Gurney, Sophie Rolfe, Hayley Buckingham, Alex Martens, Ruth Kravis, Ragel Corbett, Coach Kristian Collins & Sam Smith & Michelle Aurosseau, Manager Jennifer Rolfe

Sutherland Shire: Amy Woodhouse, Raegan Deeley, Megan Embleton, Emma Noro, Willow Shorrocks, Alisha Dudman, Melissah Parlato, Montana Bolzan, Allegra Vickas, Mikayla Cecere, Coach Glenn Woodhouse & Glenn Errington, Manager Tania Black

Referees: Cameron Lee, Kaine Mannell, Matthew McOrist

Youth Men – Boomerangs bring down Sutherland

Boomerangs played out of their skins to bring down previously unbeaten Youth Men premiers Sutherland Shire 4-3 in an exciting trophy match at Valentine Sports Park.

The result was sweet revenge for two heartbreaking defeats during the season – 4-3 in the opening round and a penalty shootout loss in the major semi-final – and underlined the Australian capital’s deep Futsal talent

Boomerangs fired the first shot across the bow when Thomas Zeitlhofer showed dexterity in beating three Shire players, including Sutherland keeper Brad Peryman, only to see his shot into an open goal denied by some brilliant scrambling defence.

Shire fired straight back when James Markovic fed Jack Lombo across goal and his shot was well blocked by Boomerangs glovesman Zachary Sorenson.

The game was well and truly alive as Jake Wilsener found Boomers team-mate Ben Basser-Silk on the right and his strike cannoned off the upright with the contest flowing from one end to the other.

Boomerangs eventually hit the front with a terrific team goal when Jonathan Ciminelli lured Peryman out and laid across for Basser-Silk to push home into an open net and the Territorians led 1-0.

Nicholas Rathjen almost doubled the advantage with a cheeky backheel in front of goal that was nervously nudged clear by the Sutherland defence.

At the other end Lombo had a great chance to square it up for Shire after Boomerangs lost it in defence and Sorenson was heroic in his dive to knock it clear, but he couldn’t do anything to stop Nathan Spinola’s cutback for Rodney Lewin to smash home and tie it up at 1-1 just before the break.

The Boomers nudged in front again when Basser-Silk passed to Ciminelli away from goal and no-one closed him out so he blasted away from range into the top corner to make it 2-1.

An amazing reflex save from Peryman stopped Basser-Silk’s low poke but Chris Smith’s neat pass for Michael Rinaudo to finish off extended the Boomerangs break to 3-1, and Zeitlhofer’s fastbreak goal against a Shire fifth-man press seconds later gave Boomerangs a healthy three-goal cushion.

Sutherland never stopped trying and their tenacity paid off when Spinola’s hopeful shot ricocheted off team-mate Steven Kalantzis into goal to halve the deficit with minutes remaining and they grabbed another through Samuel Gulisano seconds later, but it was too late as Boomerangs pulled off a stunning 4-3 victory.

Sutherland Shire: James Markovic, Rodney Lewin, Brandon Groom, Jack Lombo, Nathan Spinola, Steven Kalantzis, Samuel Gulisano, Bradley Peryman, Scott Armstrong, Thomas Papa, Samuel Kelly, Coach Babak Menati, Managers Frances Groom & Leanne Peryman

Boomerangs FS: Benjamin Basser Silk, Thomas Zeitlhofer, Jonathan Ciminelli, Jake Wilsener, Nicholas Van Aalst, Nicholas Rathjen, Michael Rinaudo, Christopher Smith, Zachary Sorenson, David O’Gorman, Coach Grant Davoren & Sam Smith & Daniel Fulton, Manager Leah Zeitlhofer

Referees: Salma Aly, Matthew McOrist, Jordan Lake

FNSW State League Prelim-Final Wrap

February 7 and the Youth Men players, families and supporters once again headed up the Hume Highway for the regular three and a half hour drive to get to their futsal match. During the season, these drives can become tedious, but not in February when the finals’ series comes alive and teams are playing for a spot in the ultimate match of the season – the Grand Final.

The Boomerangs headed into the FNSW State League finals with three teams represented. Week One saw the 15 Girls eliminated in a closely fought one goal nail-biter and the Open Women qualify directly to the Grand Final with a single goal win over Sutherland.

The Youth Men – on that first finals weekend – went down in a penalty shootout after regular and extra time could not separate the two teams. This then meant the Youth Men needed to qualify via the longer path, and had the match up with Mt Druitt as part of that journey.

Youth Men

Boomerangs FS 3 – Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2

After last week’s nail-biter which went to extra time and then penalties, the Boomers Youth were looking for a much easier, and hopefully less stressful match this Preliminary Final. Mt Druitt had qualified by defeating Sydney City Eagles – also via a penalty shootout after the two teams were locked at 2-2 at full-time and 4-4 at the end of extra time.

Mt Druitt ended the regular season in fourth place with an 8 win 4 loss record and the worst defensive record in the top half of the competition – although they scored the third most goals of all teams. The Boomers on the other hand conceded the least goals of all teams in the competition and had the second best attacking record.

The aim therefore was to defend resolutely hoping to nullify the Mt Druitt strength, and to run the regular offense which has proven to be so successful this season.

The first half went according to plan with the Boomer boys working quite comfortably – defending well – and managing to score two neat goals, although many opportunities in front of the goals were not converted.

The second half was also going to script – but with more wastefulness in front of goal. At around the six minute to play mark, the Mt Druitt boys scored a well set up goal which lifted their energy and intensity levels. A two goal buffer is comfortable, but a single goal – not so. The Boomerangs lads also lifted in intensity and managed to net again soon after bringing back the two-goal buffer (3-1). However, with a few minutes left to play, the Town Rangers scored a soft goal and it was ‘game on’ again at 3-2.

The Boomerangs Youth though showed experience and maturity in the final few minutes to hold out their resurgent opposition, and as the final whistle blew, the lads had booked their place in the Grand Final.

Nicholas Rathjen (1), Chris Smith (1) and Michael Rinaudo (1).

NEXT WEEK sees the Grand Finals of the competition with the Boomerangs represented by the Youth Men and the Open Women. Both teams, coincidentally, up against the same club – Sutherland – and the same team they played in the first round of the finals series.

Can the Women continue their 12-game unbeaten streak? Can they overcome the Sutherland Women who took it to them hard last week? All will be revealed from 4pm Saturday 14 February.

And the Youth Men – Another match up against Sutherland Youth (3pm next Saturday) – a team that they have yet to defeat in two encounters this season (a one goal loss in Rnd 1, and the penalty decided semi-final).

FNSW State League Semi-Finals Wrap

January 31 saw three Boomerangs teams travel to Penrith to compete in semi-finals of the 14/15 FNSW State League competition.

The 15 Girls played in an elimination semi-final having finished third on the table after the regular season. The Youth Men played in a qualifying semi having finished second, and the Open Women, who finished as Minor Premiers atop the table, also played in a qualifying semi-final.

15 Girls

Boomerangs FS 1 – Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2

The Boomerangs 15 girls finished the regular season in third position with an nine win, three loss record and the best defensive record of the league. The Town Rangers finished in fourth with eight wins, two draws and two losses. During the regular season (in November), the Boomer girls comfortably defeated the Town Rangers 4-0 at mPowerdome.

A tense and even goalless first half saw both teams defend stoically with neither team being able to put together sustained periods of offensive momentum at any stage.

Both half-time talks must have focussed on the ‘offensive’ as the second half saw the Town Ranger girls score within two minutes of the restart and the Boomer girls respond within another ninety seconds (Ivana Galic). The rest of the second half was a tense end-to-end battle where it seemed that either team could break the 1-1 deadlock. But the defence from both teams was solid and both ‘keepers were doing a terrific job under pressure.

Just as the match seemed to be heading towards extra time (as the match before had done), the Town Rangers scored from a perfectly directed shot that was angled just wide of the Boomers keeper’s outstretched arm, kissing the inside of the upright before going in for their second. The next 90 seconds were frantic as the Boomers threw caution to the wind in an endeavour to again balance the ledger. Alas it was all to no avail and they fell short by the narrowest of margins 1-2.

A disappointing end to the season for this group who looked destined to make it through to the Grand Final — but a great effort to make it to the finals, and of course, there’s always next year for this team chock full of emerging talent.

Youth Men

Boomerangs FS 5 – Sutherland 5 (at FT) 6-6 (after ET) 2-3 (after penalties)

These lads seem to be able to consistently deliver cracker games. Although a win would have been better…

When they met in Round One of the regular season, Sutherland edged out a 4-3 win over the Boomerangs Youth. The Boomers drew their match against Sydney City Eagles (R3) but won all others, whereas Sutherland continued their winning streak for the 12 regular season rounds. This final then was a match up of the competition heavy-weights.

Both teams were light a key man going into the match with Jake Wilsener for the Boomers out serving a one-match ban for too many regular season yellow cards, and similarly for Sutherland, they were missing Jordan Guerrero.

The match got off to the worst possible start for the Boomerangs when Sutherland scored within the first minute. After a frenetic and intense first five minutes, Zeitlhofer pounced on a defensive lapse by Sutherland to power home from close range. 1-1 it remained until the final minute of the first half when again Sutherland penetrated the usually solid Boomerangs defence to go into the half-time break up 2-1.

Sutherland had the best of the opening of the second half and started to dictate proceedings, building a lead of 5-2 when the Boomers coach called a time-out with a shade over six minutes to go. As one team who excel at fly keeper play, the Boomerangs Youth returned to the court with the keeper playing in the front court as fifth man. In what can only be described as a frenetic, fast-paced and intense battle, the Boomerangs Youth lads put three past the Sutherland keeper in the final six minutes of regular time to tie the match up at 5-5.

Finals require results, so the match headed into extra time – two periods of five minutes. The first period saw end-to-end futsal with a number of opportunities at each end. Sutherland again scored first and went into the extra time break a goal to the good. Reverting to the now tried-and-true method of coming from behind, the Boomer lads again went into fifth-man mode for the second period of extra time and once again managed to put another past the Sutherland keeper without conceding themselves (with for the most an unattended goal).

A sensational effort by all the team to get them this far, especially by Zac Sorensen and Nick van Aalst who as regular keepers both excel at fifth man play (as do the rest of the team).

So all tied up at the end of extra time sees the match head to penalties. Three each. Nick Rathjen slams the first attempt goal-ward, but it’s saved by the Sutherland keeper. Nick van Aalst and Tom Zeitlhofer both slot their’s home, but the game is lost as all three Sutherland shots hit the back of the Boomerang goal’s netting.

A thriller of a game, almost matching the excitement of the Grand Final at Nationals only a few weeks earlier.

So the Youth Men must return next week to the Preliminary Final against Mt Druitt Town Rangers (who defeated Sydney City Eagles – also on penalties) in order to take the longer path to the Grand Final and a rematch with Sutherland (who have a week off to rest up).

Nicholas Rathjen (3), Thomas Zeitlhofer (1), Chris Smith (1) and Zac Sorenson (1).

Open Women

Boomerangs FS 5 – Sutherland 4

Much like the Youth Men, the Boomerangs Women were up against Sutherland – the only team they had lost to all season – in Round One back in October. Since then the Boomerangs ladies have gone all season defeating every team they came up against, as Sutherland lost only two over the season (to West City Crusaders and Eastern Suburbs Hakoah).

A close exciting match was expected – what wasn’t expected was for the Sutho ladies to storm out of the blocks and put three into the Boomers net in the first five minutes (including a penalty in the first minute of the match). Coach Collins called a time out earlier than he would have liked, but it did the trick — and the message of ‘working their way back into the game’ paid dividends.

By half-time the lead had been narrowed to one with the Boomers scoring twice unanswered.

The second half saw the Boomerangs defence remain rock solid with some terrific blocked shots and great saves by Sophie Rolfe in goal. Their offensive efforts also started to pay dividends as the Sutherland ladies tired.

Some quality goals were the feature of the match with top strikes from Hayley Buckingham (2) and Michelle Aurousseau (2) as well as a classic Maddy Whittall strike from narrow angle.

So, the Women get a day off next weekend and are straight to the Grand Final on February 14 against either Sutherland or Taipans.

(Thanks to Roy Meuronen for the photo)

FNSW State League Rnd 13 Review

After the bye in Round 13, and the break from the State League over the summer (where many Boomers players continued to play – during the week of Nationals), the club headed to Emerton Leisure Centre in Sydney’s west to take on league newcomers Western Wolves.

Before the round, the Wolves sat in second last position on the State League Club Championship table, with the Boomerangs in sixth – having dropped three positions in the bye round. Based on the overall club records, and individual team performances so far this season, it looked like it would be a good day out for the travelling Boomers.

12 Boys

Boomerangs FS 13 – Western Wolves 1

The 12 boys finished off their season in style with a rout of the winless Wolves boys. Every Boomer player contributed on the court, with Zac Barbatano capitalising with five goals and Luca Gagliardi netting four. Goals were also scored by Bailey Sorenson, Noah Dowling, Ollie McCarthy and Cody Ashburner.

Only one more win from their twelve games would have seen these boys play finals futsal, but alas, they fell just short and will be ruing some of the closer losses of the season. The lads will no doubt be looking forward to the next season.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 6th

13 Girls

Boomerangs FS 9 – Western Wolves 0

The youngest Boomers girls team have improved out of sight this season. At the beginning of the season it looked very much like they would be hovering around the tail end of the competition. However, the girls have responded well to their coaching and training and have improved each and every week, and this 9-0 win over Wolves topped off their season nicely.

These girls lost only one of their last five games of the season (three wins and a draw), and will no doubt be finals contenders for next season as most will still be eligible to play in this age group.

Scorers for the match included Lily Martens, Lucy D’Arcy, Maria Pachi and Emma Ilijoski with two a piece and Stella De Marco with one (and a contributing hand in many of the others)

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 8th

14 Boys

Boomerangs FS 7 – Western Wolves 2

Like the 12 Boys, the Boomerangs 14 Boys missed the finals by a solitary win this season. And for the final game of the season, they found themselves up against a tough opponent that didn’t give an inch. The hard fought win by the 14 boys was a good result and one which finished the season off nicely (although finals wins would have been better!).

An impressive four goals by Zac Barbatano, once again playing up with the 14s (as he has done most of the season) saw him net nine goals for the day – an impressive outing for the young star. Other goals came from Ben Obst (2) and David Rodriguez (1).

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 6th

15 Girls

Boomerangs FS 18 – Western Wolves 0

This group of girls just keeps performing, and have won their last seven games of the regular season. The win over the hapless Wolves team was not unexpected, but the manner in which the girls dominated and the final scoreline certainly was.

In red-hot form, these girls will be a real threat through the finals series.

Goals (the many) to: Alicia Meuronen (5), Carrissa Arlott and Hayley McLachlan hatricks (3 each), Sonia Pasquariello, Isobella D’Amico and Grace Basser-Silk doubles (2 each) and one to Ivana Galic.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 3rd

16 Boys

Boomerangs FS 12 – Western Wolves 4

The sixteen boys have struggled all season with a lack of players – especially for away games – and this game was no different. And whilst giving many of the 14s a good opportunity to play up a level, on many occasions this has been a bit too much to ask the younger players.

Indeed this game was no different, against the stronger of the Wolves junior teams. The boys worked hard to be level at 3-3 at half-time, but a few early second half goals, and a bit of experimentation with a fly keeper by the Boomers for most of the second half, saw the scoreline blow out to 12-4.

Goal scorers included Harry Williams, David O’Gorman, Ben Obst and Connnor Bill.

This age group will definitely need some additional attention next season, as a few of the 16 year olds will be graduating to Youth, and the remaining 15s will need some additional players to put together a competitive team.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 10th

17 Girls

Boomerangs FS 4 – Western Wolves 2

The 17 girls have been a strong unit all season with many of them also regularly benching (or indeed starting) for the Women’s team. Indeed so strong have they been that they have lost only one game all season — but the four draws have held back their finals hopes.

So like both the 12 and 14 Boys teams, these girls were only three competition points from playing finals futsal.

This game though – against the eighth placed Wolves – required them to work hard for the win; and they proved what a quality outfit they are. The goals were evenly spread to Alex Martens, Maddy Whittall, Rachel Corbett and Ruth Kravis.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 5th

Youth Men

Boomerangs FS 8 – Western Wolves 4

The Youth Men had to work hard in the second half after the Wolves Youth pushed them all the way in the first period to be leading 3-2. The lads struggled a little in adapting to the very small court at the Emerton Leisure Centre (after a week at Nationals on international size courts), but worked hard through a second half they dominated scoring six goals to one, finishing up victors 8-4.

The lads have now won nine games in a row and are on a hot streak going into finals (and on the back of most of them winning Nationals Youth). A solitary loss in the first round to Sutherland 3-2 and a 2-2 draw in Round 3 to Sydney Eagles are the only blemishes on this season’s record.

Hat-tricks to Thomas Zeitlhofer and Chris Smith (3), and singles to Nicholas Rathjen and Jake Wilsener.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 2nd

Open Women

Boomerangs FS 9 – Western Wolves 3

Another dominant performance by the Boomers team of the season in the State League. This win saw the ladies remain on top of the competition ladder having lost only a solitary match all season – and importantly, working hard to convert potential draws into wins to secure the three competition points.

Like the Youth Men, the Women’s team lost to Sutherland in Round 1, but since them have brushed away all other opponents. This should see them hit the finals as favourites.

Goal scorers included a hat-trick to Hayley Buckingham, a double to Alex Martens, and singles to Michaela Day, Sabrina Spinapolice, Michelle Aurousseau and Maddy Whittall.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 1st

Open Men

Boomerangs FS 0 – Western Wolves 2

The Open Men suffered – much like the 16 Boys – from a lack of a regular players each week – especially those available to travel for the away games. With the vast majority of the Youth Men backing up again this week – after a tough game of their own – the challenge on the small court at Emerton was a tad too tough this week.

The strong Wolves team played well on their home court and were hoping for a finals berth, however results in other games ensured they missed out on goal difference. A disappointing game to finish the season for the Boomer’s men’s team, who with a full roster could have – and should have – dominated in this competition. A huge thanks to the men’s players that turned up consistently to play week in week out and to the Youth who filled in every week.

Final ladder position for season 14/15: 7th

Seven wins and two losses an excellent day out and a good way to end the season.

Finals commence next week and will see:

15 Girls playing in the elimination semi (3rd v 4th) against Mt Druitt Town Ranges.

Youth Men playing in a qualifying semi (1st v 2nd) against Sutherland.

Open Women playing in a qualifying semi (1st v 2nd) also against Sutherland.

FNSW State League Final Round

The FNSW State League competition recommences this Saturday 17 January – however, the Boomerangs have a BYE. Therefore the next matches for the 14/15 State League will be on Saturday 24 January v the Western Wolves at the Emerton Leisure Centre (with the 12 Boys kicking off at 1.00pm).

There will be NO training this week for the State League teams, however this will resume next week, starting 19 January. There are some changes to times and training venue as follows.

All Trainings W/C 19 January will be at Stromlo

Mon 19

15G: 6.30-7.30pm

16B/Youth/Men: 7.30-8.30pm

Tue 20

17G/Women: 6.30-8.30pm

Wed 21

13G: 6.00-7.00pm

Thu 22

12B 6.30-8.00pm

14B 8.00-9.00pm

For teams that do not make finals, this will be the final training for the season, for those that do, coaches will be in contact to advise of training days and times.

Enjoy the week off this week!

FNSW State League Rnd 11 Review

Round Eleven of the Football NSW State League Futsal competition saw the Boomerangs travel to Alexandria to play a round against Eastern Suburbs Hakoah under the Sydney Airport flight path!

The day produced four wins and five losses, and likely put an end to the finals aspirations of several age groups including the 12 and 14 boys, and possibly the Open Men (who now need to win their final match and hope for other results to go their way). The 13 girls and 16 boys had been out of contention for finals for some time. The Open age Women and Youth men are locked in finalists, with both the 15s and 17s girls looking to win their last game on January 24 and (especially the 15s) hoping some results go their way on that weekend and the Boomerangs bye weekend of January 17.

12 Boys – loss

Boomerangs FS 3 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 5

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 5th

13 Girls – loss

Boomerangs FS 1 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 5

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 9th

14 Boys – loss

Boomerangs FS 2 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 3

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 6th

15 Girls – win

Boomerangs FS 3 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 2

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 3rd

16 Boys – loss

Boomerangs FS 3 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 6

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 10th

17 Girls – win

Boomerangs FS 4 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 1

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 5th

Youth Men – win

Boomerangs FS 3 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 0

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 2nd

Open Women – win

Boomerangs FS 7 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 1

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 1st

Open Men – loss

Boomerangs FS 0 – Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 6

Current ladder position after 11 rounds: 4th

The next few weeks will see the club turn its attention to the FFA Futsal Nationals in Sydney, before returning for a final ‘regular’ round on January 24 against Western Wolves.

FNSW State League Rnd 10 Review

Round Ten of the Football NSW State League Futsal competition saw the Botany Bay Pirates club bring their nine teams down to mPowerdome to take on the Boomerangs.

Before the round, the Pirates sat in ninth position on the State League Club Championship table (with the Boomerangs in third). It also looked like there would be favourable match ups in most age groups. However, the Pirates played above their ladder position, and took three wins and two draws back up the highway with them at the end of the day, leaving behind just four wins and a share of the two draws for the Boomerangs club.

12 Boys

Boomerangs FS 5 – Botany Bay Pirates 3

The 12 boys had to work hard for this win. The Pirates were tough and disciplined, and were leading the youngest Boomerangs boys by a goal (0-1) at the half-time break. The boys took the initiative in the second period, and the introduction of an injured Barbatano at two key times in the second half lifted the boys and opened up scoring opportunities. When the final whistle blew, the Boomers took the points 5-3 after a goal scoring frenzy in the second period. Goals to Barbatano (2) and Gagliardi (2)

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 4th

13 Girls

Boomerangs FS 1 – Botany Bay Pirates 1

Before this round the Boomerangs youngest girls were in ninth place and the Pirates in 10th. It was anticipated that this would be a close game, and it was. The Pirates opened the scoring early in the first half, and from there it was a close tussle. Indeed it looked like the match would end a one goal loss to the Boomerangs, but with remarkable determination, young Stella De Marco willed in a goal with only seconds left on the game clock. A good effort all round by the team against a closely matched opposition.

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 9th

14 Boys

Boomerangs FS 0 – Botany Bay Pirates 4

Before the round Boomerangs were in fourth place and Pirates in ninth and the boys were expecting that hard work and some grit and determination would bring them the points. However evenly balanced the game was in the first half, the goals just would not come for the Boomers boys. Two nil down at half-time with the work to do in the second half. The Pirates though had other thoughts and came out more strongly in the opening period of the second half, knocking in another two goals before the half was seven minutes down. The Boomers coach responded by experimenting with a fifth man play for the most of the remainder of the match to try and force a goal with sheer weight of numbers up the court. Unfortunately the goal drought continued and the match ended with the Pirates up 4-0. A great effort by Rodriguez who played as fly-keeper and then backed up to start in the 16 boys match.

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 5th

15 Girls

Boomerangs FS 6 – Botany Bay Pirates 1

This group of girls just keeps performing, and have now won five games in a row after a mid-season slump of three consecutive losses. The girls play extremely well as a team, and any player coming in off the bench, contributes positively to the team. Hard work in the first half saw them in at the break with a small lead, 2-1. However all the hard work they did in the first half started to pay dividends when the game opened up in the second. A comfortable victory for the girls and if they continue to perform, will remain in finals contention.

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 4th

16 Boys

Boomerangs FS 1 – Botany Bay Pirates 5

Before this round the Boomerangs 16 boys were in 10th place and the Pirates in 9th and another close game was expected. Down 3-1 at half-time, the boys needed to lift intensity in the second half and seize the momentum. They tried; however, with the lack of success in front of goal, it made it difficult to stage a resurgence to get back into the game. The final score of 1-5 probably not a good indication of how close the game was.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 10th

17 Girls

Boomerangs FS 1 – Botany Bay Pirates 1

Before the round the Boomerangs 17 girls were in fourth place and the Pirates in 11th, so another win was hoped for. However the Pirates displayed a level of skill and determination that belied their ladder position. The match though will be remembered for the number of shots by the Boomerangs players that hit the uprights, hit the cross-bar, were saved by the keepers leg or arms, or were blocked by the Pirate’s defenders. Nothing the girls could do could get the ball into the back of the net after it was tied up at 1-1 at the half-time break. This result did not help the team’s aspirations of playing finals futsal, and they will need to win both their final two games to be in with a shot of fourth place.

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 5th

Youth Men

Boomerangs FS 5 – Botany Bay Pirates 2

The Youth Men have hit their full stride in the second half of this season, and they remain unbeaten since the first game of the season (a narrow 3-4 loss to table topping Sutherland). At 4-1 up at half-time it looked as though the lads would power away in the second term. The Pirates though had other ideas and came out to perform strongly in the second half to match it with the Boomerangs youth — the final scoreline of 5-2 a good reflection of the game. The highlight was a three goal haul from the returning Sean O’Neill.

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 2nd

Open Women

Boomerangs FS 5 – Botany Bay Pirates 0

Another great match by the women (and the 17s that played up) that helps them retain top spot on the competition ladder. The ladies started the first half slowly with the Pirates putting up some stiff opposition. The half-time score of 1-0 was increased to 5-0 by the close with the Boomers women hitting their stride late in the match. And much like the Youth Men, this team has had some stunning form since a Round 1 glitch as they have won their subsequent nine matches in the season which sits them neatly atop the table above Sutherland (on goal difference).

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 1st

Open Men

Boomerangs FS 1 – Botany Bay Pirates 2

Before the round Boomerangs Open Men were in second place and the Pirates in 10th with only two wins to their name. However, a lack of regular men’s players for the home team (due primarily to early pre-season outdoor competition) meant that the bench (and a starter) positions were filled with Youth lads who had already had a tough match not 50 minutes earlier. In addition, an injury to Daniel Fulton limited his participation in the game, leaving the men’s roster slim (with Collins in goal, O’Dwyer and Davoren). However, the guys have been in this situation before and have managed to scrape through wins, but this time (much like last week) the men had difficulty finding the back of the net. After O’Dwyer scored the first goal early, it looked like a win was on the cards. However, with the Pirates hitting back quickly the 2-1 half-time score would be the end result with no further goals scored in the second half, even with a last few minutes of fifth-man play.

And with the last three weeks’ results seeing the team slip from 1st, to 2nd and then 3rd, there is a chance that they will miss the finals if they do not win their final two matches and overcome this late season slump.

Current ladder position after ten rounds: 3rd

Four wins, two draws and three losses,

The finals hopes of several age groups now depends on winning both remaining games and hoping for positive results in other matches. With a bye in the second last round, this limits opportunities to chalk up more competition points from the three remaining rounds. It would appear that the only definites for finals futsal at present would be the Open Women and the Youth Men.

The Club Championship after this round sees the club in fourth place in a congested ladder that is ‘messy’ at the top with several clubs having ‘make up games’ in hand as well as Hakoah, Taipans and possibly the Raiders with games in hand, having already had their bye weekend. A key measure is the number of losses, and the Boomerangs club is not well positioned having already lost 29 games this season (the most of the top six). With one relatively difficult round to go (Eastern Suburbs Hakoah) and one relatively easier (Western Wolves) it is likely the club will finish 4th-6th at season end.

FNSW State League Rnd 9 Review

Round Nine of the Football NSW State League Futsal competition saw the nine Boomerangs teams head to Penrith to play against the West City Crusaders.

On a day where portions of two games were lost due to the severe Sydney storms (via a leaky roof), a return of six wins and just three losses was creditable; but there is a sense that a couple of opportunities were missed for more points for the club and to increase the chances of some of the teams to make finals this season. With only three rounds left to play, it is crucial that all possible wins are converted.

12 Boys

Boomerangs FS 2 – West City Crusaders 9

The 12 boys were without a number of their regular starters for this match. The team that fronted though, performed admirably and tried their hardest throughout the match, however after matching their opposition for most of the first half (down 2-4 at the break), they faded somewhat in the second half. It was a draining humid day (before and after the storms), and played on a smaller court than the boys were used to. Credit to the Crusaders though, who had, before this match, won only one of the first eight round matches.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 4th

13 Girls

Boomerangs FS 2 – West City Crusaders 0

If the opening game was somewhat of a disappointment, the 13 girls once again showed their development and skill levels were improving rapidly. Two wins in a row now sees the youngest Boomers girls on a roll, with the strong possibility of more wins in the final few rounds of the season.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 9th

14 Boys

Boomerangs FS 7 – West City Crusaders 4

The 14 boys looked comfortable against their West Sydney opposition for most of this game. A 3-1 lead at half-time, can sometimes be a narrow lead, but the sense was that the boys would deliver. And they continued in a positive fashion throughout the second half, taking a 6-1 lead before the West City Crusaders lads got serious with about ten minutes to play. They lifted their intensity and managed to score three in a row in a short space of time, bringing the match back to 6-4 and threatening to bring it back to 6-5 and then 6-6 before the game was over. This was not to be as the Boomers settled and managed to take control (to a degree) of the ball and of possession, with Connor Falusi’s third goal of the match sealing it for them at 7-4.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 4th

15 Girls

Boomerangs FS 2 – West City Crusaders 1

It’s not every day that an indoor game, like futsal, is interrupted by rain delays. However this is what happened in the 15s girls match. A solid first half saw the girls take control with their steady, steely determined style. 2-1 at the break was looking to build to perhaps a 3-1 or 4-1 win. However, before five minutes of the second half was up, the skies rumbled and the storm threw down more rain than the stadium roof could handle. Several drips (not large, but enough to make the floor slippery in several spots), persisted while the storm was at its most intense, meaning that play could not continue. The clock continued to count down and the girls finally shook hands on the referees whistle.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 5th

16 Boys

Boomerangs FS 5 – West City Crusaders 7

The 16 boys took to the court with around 15 minutes left on the first half clock once the referees had determined the court safe for play (with the wet spots dried and the dripping having stopped). The first half was intense and fast paced, and a kind of ‘offense-first’ match where attack trumped defence as a play style. The Boomer boys took a 3-2 lead into the break. The second half continued in much the same fashion, with the Boomerangs 16 boys unable to stop the fast frenetic flow of the match to grasp and maintain some kind of disciplined play style. The smaller size of the court didn’t suit the possession style game, and the lads from both teams were keen to fire off shots at the earliest opportunity in possession, In this shoot-out style of game, the Boomerangs were out done by the WC Crusaders who managed to slot home 5 second half goals to the Boomerangs 2.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 10th

17 Girls

Boomerangs FS 8 – West City Crusaders 0

The 17 girls were determined to build on their recent success and put to the sword a team that had only had one win to date this season so far. The girls were dominant from the outset with all players getting into the action – but none more than Alex Martens who managed to slot home five of the eight goals scored in the match. A 5-0 comfortable lead at half-time was converted to a solid 8-0 lead with the final ten minutes of the match allowing time for the 15 girls (playing up) to have more of a run, and a few minutes at the end practising a fifth man play. More solid and comfortable wins like this will ensure a finals berth for this team.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 4th

Youth Men

Boomerangs FS 4 – West City Crusaders 1

The youth men possibly went into this game thinking it would be an easy win from the outset given that the WC Crusaders youth had won a single game only so far this season. However, the lads were not about to replicate the victory of the previous round and had to work the entire 40 minutes to get on top of this solid Crusaders unit. A 3-1 lead at the break converted to a 4-1 victory was comfortable enough, but didn’t reflect the effort the boys had to put in. The WC team played to their strengths, and again, the smaller court probably nullified some of the Boomerang’s advantage, in being able to control the ball and spread the offence.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 2nd

Open Women

Boomerangs FS 4 – West City Crusaders 1

The same scoreline (at half-time and at full-time) as the youth men, but an entirely different game. The Boomers women were in complete control of the match and dominated across the court. The 3-1 half-time score looked set to be converted to 6 or 7 goal win by the end, but the Crusaders ladies lifted their game in the second half, especially their intensity and physicality. This stopped the flow of the game, and flow of goals for the Boomers women, but did not impact on their defence that held firm to not concede a second half goal.

Another great match by the ladies (and the 17s and 15s that played up) and helps them retain top spot on the competition ladder.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 1st

Open Men

Boomerangs FS 5 – West City Crusaders 7

For the second time this match day, a Boomers male team took a lead into the half-time break, but could not convert this to a victory. The WC Crusaders team (with prior to this game only 2 wins in the season) deserves a great deal of credit, taking it to the table topping Boomers men. The men won the first half 4-3, but lost the second 1-4, and saw the men, and youth players who all played up, hobble away from the stadium with a raft of injuries, from ankles to groins knees.

And again, it was likely that playing on a smaller court contributed to the loss, and the fact that only four of the regular men’s team could make the trip to Penrith. As a result the men slip off the top of the table back into second position.

Current ladder position after nine rounds: 2nd

Six wins and three losses, builds on the the recent few weeks of positive results for the club. What was most pleasing was the wins by all four of the female teams this round, the first time this has been done this season.

The challenge remains to build on the current momentum and maintain the accrual of Club Championship points through the final rounds of the 14/15 competition (including a bye in January), as well as ensuring that as many teams as possible are in contention for finals (still in contention, 12, 14 boys and youth and open men; and the 15, 17 and Open women).

The Club Championship after this round sees the club climb to equal third place in a congested ladder.

FNSW State League Rnd 8 Review

Round Eight of the Football NSW State League Futsal competition saw the Sydney Futsal Club venture south for their major Saturday road trip for the season.

The return trip up the highway was probably not so well enjoyed by players, families and supporters as the Sydney club went home with only a single competition point from the day – a draw in the 12 boys.

The round saw some exceptional performances – both individual and team – to ensure positive results in all games. However, the highlight was a seven goal haul from young Ben Basser-Silk in the Youth Men — scoring seven goals (out of 17 put into the SFC net during the 40 minutes). As to the team performances, it would be hard to ‘pick a winner’ as every single Boomerangs team that took the court played exceptionally well as a team, and this teamwork, and playing to a futsal plan, was the primary difference between the clubs on the day.

12 Boys

Boomerangs FS 2 – Sydney Futsal Club 2

Prior to this match, the record of these two teams was similar – won 5, lost 2, with the only real difference being that the Boomers youngest boys had scored more freely in the seven games played so far this season. So it was shaping up as a close match – and that’s indeed the way it panned out.

The first half of the match was a highly structured and disciplined affair with the teams scoring a goal each off the back of some individual brilliance. It was hard to see the teams maintaining the discipline throughout the second half, and indeed as it unfolded, the intensity lifted a few notches and the game opened up somewhat. It was only some terrific goalkeeping by both keepers that kept the scorer less busy than they could have been.

A second goal a piece, saw the intense and fast pace second half come to a close, with (unusually for 12 boys), four yellow cards issued and many infringements made and called. Probably not a good result for either team, but it does keep them both in the race for a finals berth.

The quest for the competition’s golden boot is hotting up with Zac Barbatano scoring the two goals on the day to take him to 16 overall and in third place. Luca Gagliardi remains on 15 goals and fourth spot overall.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 4th

13 Girls

Boomerangs FS 8 – Sydney Futsal Club 1

The 13 girls were very keen heading into this game knowing that the Sydney club had only had a single draw in the season to date (with 6 losses and 0 wins).

The youngest Boomerangs girls entered the game very energetically and played their hearts out recording just their second victory for the season – and not only did they win, but they won convincingly, converting many of the opportunities that presented themselves. Up five nil at half-time, the girls never let up and finished out the game with an 8-1 victory.

Also pleasing was the spread of goals across the team with De Marco scoring twice and singles to Martens, Youill, Ilijoski, D’Arcy, Di Fronzo and Pachi.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 10th

14 Boys

Boomerangs FS 5 – Sydney Futsal Club 4

The 14 boys looked the goods in this match from the get-go, and persistent and disciplined play in the first half, helped them take a 3-1 lead into the break. After the break though, the Sydney team hit the court with renewed vigour and energy and quickly wiped out the first half deficit to tie it up at 3-3. And soon after, they rattled the back of the net again to hit the lead 4-3. This presented a test of character for the Boomerangs 14s and one, which earlier in the season, they probably would have faltered on. However, they dug deep and levelled it back up, and not long after, hit the lead to take out a tremendous game of futsal by the narrowest of margins.

Goal scorers included Obst (2) and Brankovic, Gagliardi, and Rodriguez. Savan Brankovic’s goal sees him in 6th spot (with 9 goals) on the competition goal scoring ladder.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 5th

15 Girls

Boomerangs FS 1 – Sydney Futsal Club 0

Yet another tough, close and skilful match featuring the 15 girls. The scores remained deadlocked at half-time, and it was only the slenderest of touches at the near post by Basser-Silk from a corner kick in the second half that saw the Boomers 15 girls come away with the victory. These girls are making a habit of winning these close and low scoring encounters. The important thing was the three competition points secured! And this now brings the team to 120 minutes played without conceding a solitary goal.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 5th

16 Boys

Boomerangs FS 4 – Sydney Futsal Club 3

The 16 boys once again engaged confidently with their tough and physical opposition and managed to secure a 2-0 half-time lead. The second half though, saw the match turn around, with the Sydney team keen to wrestle back the momentum – which they did – by levelling it up, first at 2-2, then at 3-3. The coaching staff then threw caution to the wind by putting on a strong offensive grouping for the last couple of minutes resulting in a fantastic ‘at the death’ goal scored by David Rodriguez (playing up from the 14s).

For the third boys game in a row, a close and intense tussle between these two clubs. Goals also to Keegan, O’Gorman and Ong.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 9th

17 Girls

Boomerangs FS 5 – Sydney Futsal Club 1

The 17 girls approached this game with the same level of intensity and discipline as they have for the recent few games. A solid first half saw them take a 3-1 lead into the break. The second half saw improved effort from the opposition, but the Boomer ladies were strong enough to hold out the constant pressure from the Sydney girls. A solid 5-1 result ensued with goals spread evenly between Voigt, Martens, Glover and Kravis (and an own goal to round it out).

In the race for the Golden boot, Rachel Corbett did not add to her nine goals and sits in sixth position, however Alex Martens has moved up into 7th position with 7 goals.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 4th

Youth Men

Boomerangs FS 17 – Sydney Futsal Club 0

Ben Basser-Silk. 7 goals. What an effort.

But of course, for the lads to score 17 goals the game was more than just about Basser-Silk... the whole team worked hard, ran fast, and displayed a high quality and level of futsal rarely seen at the youth level. And it’s no surprise with many of these lads having now had regular F-League exposure for a season or two.

The team played beautifully at times and strung together 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 one-touch passes to end up with a back post tap in (often by Basser Silk!)

In addition to the Basser-Silk goal-fest there were also three goals to Zeitlhofer, doubles to Chris Smith, David O’Gorman and Michael Rinaudo and a single to Wilsener. And Basser Silk is now level with Zeitlhofer in equal third place in the race for the Golden Boot.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 2nd

Open Women

Boomerangs FS 6 – Sydney Futsal Club 0

Unfortunately the Sydney Futsal Club could not rattle up enough interest amongst their playing group to make the trek down the highway to suit up against the strong Boomerangs Women’s team. A resultant forfeit and a gifted 6-0 win sees the Boomerangs women retain their top spot on the table (on goal difference) over Sutherland.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 1st

Open Men

Boomerangs FS 6 – Sydney Futsal Club 1

The Men’s game was, as expected, a fair bit tougher than the youth men, and the Sydney Futsal Club really put our lads to the test in the first half. A 3-1 half-time lead saw the Boomerangs men head into the break knowing they needed to lift their intensity and work rate in the second period.

And that they did, piling on a deal of pressure on to the Sydney team and breaking down their earlier solid defence. A further three goals scored in the second half, and a clean sheet to keeper Ashley Collins in the second period secured the 6-1 victory.

Goals to Fulton and Wilsener (2 each) and singles to Chris Smith and Daniel Bennett.

Current ladder position after seven rounds: 1st

Eight wins, a draw and no losses, builds on the the recent few weeks of positive results for the club. The challenge remains to build on this momentum and maintain the accrual of Club Championship points through the final five rounds of the 14/15 competition (including a bye in January), as well as ensuring that as many teams as possible are in contention for finals.

The Club Championship after this round sees the club climb to fifth place in a congested ladder with now only 7 points (less than three wins) separating the top five clubs.