Warragul & Drouin Gazette

Quality games on offer at Drouin Dragons Den

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Phillip Island travelled to the Drouin Dragons Den on Sunday.

There were some high-quality performanc­es on display for both teams, which made for an entertaini­ng day.

Men’s seniors: Drouin Dragons lost to Phillip Island Breakers 1-2.

The Dragons were unlucky after controllin­g most of the game.

They defended well and created chances. However, they couldn’t put the ball in the net. A good team effort. Men’s senior reserves: Drouin Dragons defeated Phillip Island Breakers 2-0.

The Dragons showed why they now call Bellbird Park the Dragons Den, making it two wins from two in their opening rounds.

The first goal came in the first half. It was a well worked team goal, finished off by Lachlan Beer from the edge of the area. Beer placed the ball into the bottom corner.

The second goal, however, was a little cruel on the Phillip Island keeper who had a fantastic game to keep his team within touching distance of an equaliser.

A long ball from the in-form Drouin backline took an unfortunat­e bounce between two Phillip Island defenders. The Dragons attackers pounced to take advantage, chasing the ball down towards the Phillip Island goal. A forced error by the defending team caused an heavier than expected touch, putting the ball over their keeper’s head and into an empty net, taking the game out of their grasp. Women: Drouin lost to Phillip Island 11. As a new team still learning its strengths and weaknesses, this week's game was going to be a challengin­g one up against Philip Island.

The girls started strong, attacking right off the bat. It was a long time between kick off and the first goal that was unfortunat­ely scored by Philip Island.

Drouin continued to attack but, as the game went on, seemed to change to a more defensive side.

They had a good go at trying to figure out their strongest positions, allowing everyone to have ago in the area they are strongest in. Although the scoreboard reflects otherwise, Drouin played a very strong and challengin­g game. Best player: Rebecca Martin. Coaches award: Alison Dixon and Paris Jessett.

Encouragem­ent award: Rhiannon Williams. Under 14A: Drouin tried hard all day against a strong Phillip Island. Goals: Tyler Smith two. Awards for putting in the extra effort: Keenan O’Dowd, Cooper Spencer and Rinnan Trenton. Under 12s: Drouin won 4-3. This was a very determined performanc­e against a strong opposition.

The midfield worked hard all game and pressured Phillip Island constantly.

The players passed and positioned much better this week, with the score not reflecting their dominance. Goals: Darcy Spencer four. Best player: Harvey Mylius. Coaches award: Lucia Trenton. Encouragem­ent award: Joel Kovacs. Under 8s: This week was a tough gig coming up against Philip Island who always produce a strong team.

Drouin’s goal was to work on spreading out and calling out names. The kids all did this very well, working their way down the field calling out names and trying their best to find their own space.

Max and Isabelle gave goalkeeper ago this week and did very well.

Cal lead the team strongly, turning over the ball many times and scoring a few goals. William worked more on his attacking skills, running the ball down and having some really good shots at goal.

Jas did really well at moving the ball around the midfield to turn it over many times. Adam went hard, getting into the contest and bring the ball up from defence.

Audrey was also impressive, reading the play and getting into the huddle attacking to get the ball out into space.

Spencer was again great at making space when need be and calling out to let the others know he was available. Goal kickers: Caleb Brown. Parents award: Adam Knegt. Coaches award: Caleb Brown. Encouragem­ent award: William Martin. This Saturday will see Drouin Dragons start its Mini Roo’s program for ages four to 10.

There is still time to register. Contact junior coordinato­r Paul Carroll on ddsc.juniorcoor­rdinator@ddsc.com.

On Sunday, the club travels to Wonthaggi to take on United.

 ??  ?? Above: Paris Jessett received a coaches award for her efforts in the women’s match against Phillip Island on Sunday.
Photograph­s by Michael Robinson.
Above: Paris Jessett received a coaches award for her efforts in the women’s match against Phillip Island on Sunday. Photograph­s by Michael Robinson.
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