Dragons fight hard at home
A return to Drouin Dragon’s home ground saw some well fought out games against a determined Wonthaggi.
Beautiful sunny winter weather was welcomed after a few past Sunday’s played in wet and cold conditions.
Senior men’s
Full-time Score: Drouin Dragons 5 Wonthaggi United 0
The game kicked off in fine and mild conditions with little wind to hamper play.
Drouin started strongly stringing together several combination passes, withholding much of the play from Wonthaggi in the opening 20 minutes of the match.
Drouin then opened the scoring securing an early well-deserved lead. Drouin continued to play a mature style of soccer involving the defensive players working in combination with the mid-fielders to feed well executed through balls to the attacking players, who were given plenty of room to press attack after attack upon Wonthaggi’s defensive line.
The first half closed out 3-0 in Drouin’s favour.
The second half started slightly less intensely than the first, however, Drouin continued to dominate play, having most of the possession throughout the second half. Two further goals were slotted into the back of the net to round out the match 5-0.
Wonthaggi United fought hard throughout the match but were outplayed by a determined, and well-oiled Drouin Dragons team.
Player awards: Best on ground: Steve Smythe, coaches award: Chris Davies with special mentions to Seb Deligt and Andy Bowmar.
Goal scorers: Aaron Kittelty 1, Chris Davies 1, Arjay Trillanes 1, Mark Rossi 1, Andy Bowmar 1.
Under 12s
Fulltime Score: Drouin 5 - Wonthaggi 1
A month off made all the difference, with Drouin out to take the opportunity to make up for a poor performance in the last outing against the same opposition more than a month ago.
In a big turn around, Drouin were switched on and full of run, scoring three goals in the first 13 minutes and dominating possession.
Drouin failed to add to their score in the latter part of the first half but still controlled most of the possession with Ace rarely called on in goals.
It was a super first game in the under 12s from Rinnan who was resolute in defence, not losing a single one on one battle all day, showing great ability to shut down and intercept attacking opposition players.
Thomas once again led well from defence and even made a few long runs straight up the middle.
Ali and Sam combined well, but unfortunately Ali had his radar off but scored a very late goal, which was a good reward for excellent play all day. He could easily have scored at least three goals.
Ethan once again ran hard all day and scored a goal after 13 minutes. There was good team play through the midfield with Tyan, Jordan and Cain setting up many forward attacks. Overall it was a great team effort. Player awards: Coaches award: Rinnan Trenton
Goal scorers: Samuel Bradford 3, Ali Rahmani 1 Ethan Bongiorno 1
Under 9s
A strong and well-drilled Wonthaggi team started well, being denied only by excellent goalkeeping from Will.
Wonthaggi’s pressure soon paid off and Drouin were behind at half time.
In football, as well as in life, it pays to make your own luck, which Wonthaggi did with a wayward cross finding the net.
Drouin responded by hitting the woodwork twice before getting on the scoreboard.
Zane made a welcome return alongside the usual strong performances from Harvey and Josh. A determined effort by Drouin in attack left the gate open in defence and Wonthaggi capitalised on this, and a late Drouin goal by Josh couldn’t bring a home win.
Player awards: best on ground: Will, for great goalkeeping in the first half; Coaches award: Erica for determination and discipline.
Under 7s
Drouin hosted Wonthaggi on a beautiful Winter’s morning.
Drouin had six players, and what a game it was to watch.
The Drouin team, consisting of James, Max, Cal, Logan, Harlan and Will, played so well and fought to the very end.
Two great goals by James saw Drouin keep up with the more experienced Wonthaggi side.
The Dragons passed the ball around well, using their voices to call to their teammates and defended many attacks.
They played so well as a team that it was really hard to choose a best on ground player.
It was one of the best games Harlan has played, his little legs didn’t stop the whole game.
Max also had a good game with some excellent defending and break away passages of play.