The Mitcham Junior Football Club had two teams playing in Week 2 of the EFL Junior Final Series over the weekend. Below are the match reports from both coaches…
Under 12 – Coach Mark Ross
The U12's ventured out to Ferntree Gully Reserve to take on South Croydon with the winner to progress through to the Grand Final in two weeks time. Being such a big game, our first final and having the previous weekend off due to finishing on top of the ladder, it might have been reasonable for the boys to be nervous, but this was not the case. A good relaxed warm up saw the boys really focused and switched on.
The Tigers won the toss and kicked towards the end that was slightly aided by a strong cross breeze. We did have most of the play in the 1st quarter but unfortunately failed to kick a goal, scoring only 2 points. However the writing was on the board; we were playing in front and leading our opposition to the ball, great work boys!
The second quarter was a real arm wrestle with neither team scoring. You might think that a scoreless quarter would be boring but it was tense, hard and tough footy.
The third quarter was a good one for the Tigers with Jamie kicking a great snap goal from a boundary throw in. The last quarter was also a good one as Harry marked and kicked a long goal to wrap up the game. The most pleasing part of the performance was our tackling pressure, our second efforts and our attack on the ball. With every single boy putting in 100% it was a complete TEAM effort.
Congratulations to Wil Drake and Harry in celebrating their 50th games.
Now it’s onto the Grand Final in 2 weeks time. There will be no change to training with every session an opportunity to improve our skills and team work. Preparation for the last game of the season is vital if we are going to achieve our goal. Go Tigers!
Final Score: Mitcham 2.2.14 d South Croydon 0.1.1
Under 15 – Coach Cam Horsey
Travelling down the road to Heatherdale Reserve, this would be our opportunity to advance further into the finals. It was a must win game and as a team we believed we were in with a big chance. The weather looked like it would stay dry and one end of the ground would favour the team if they used the ball well. The boys had prepped themselves well and their focus was good. Everyone in the change rooms had been given their instructions and all they had to do was get out there and apply themselves.
The game started with Mitcham kicking with the wind and the mids worked hard to give us the first use. The only problem was we didn’t kick straight and continually kicked behinds. We had ample scoring shots in the first quarter while Blackburn had minimal chances, but they were able to convert. It ended up about 8 scoring shots to 2 but we only had a very slight lead at the quarter time break. Kevin was amazing in the middle from the start with Big Maxxy backing him up at CHB. We looked good through the first quarter but needed to convert if we were to have any chance.
The second quarter started well with JP moving into the centre were he had an instant impact with his enormous work ethic and we stayed in touch with Blackburn throughout the quarter. Maxxy and Kev continued their good games and the scores were relatively even leading into the major break. We went into the rooms full of confidence and from a coaches point of view, if we kick straight in the third and apply scoreboard pressure we could come out on top.
The coaches gave the boys a rev up over the break and the feeling was good going out for the start of the third. We came out firing and looked good, but once again our scoreboard pressure let us down again. Blackburn were able to score into the wind and kept themselves well and truly into the game. We would have to turn it on in the last or this would be the last quarter we play for 2015.
The last quarter the effort from the boys was outstanding but it wasn’t enough to hold back Blackburn who played some outstanding footy. The game got away from us and we were overrun. It was not from Mitcham giving up as we fought it out till the very end.
I am so proud of the efforts from each and every player on the list. You guys have given me an amazing year that I will never forget. Your willingness to play for each other makes me proud to be a part of this group. I thank everyone who was involved in this years campaign. I would like to thank Con for the incredible help he has given me this year as my assistant coach; Gilesy for being a fantastic support for us as well as being our voice out on the field; Hoppo for doing the team manager stuff - his is a job that doesn’t get enough credit but your work was endless and it seemed so easy for you. Glenn for being the “ board man” - for anyone wishing to coach next year, I recommend getting someone like Glenn to help, it is invaluable. Dave for being the team trainer - you are a fantastic asset for the boys with their constant aches and pains. Jamie for being our boundary man, Keith for interchange, Mick for goal umpire, John for umpire escort, Bec for the amazing photos each week, and all the waterboys who helped out during the year. Hopefully I haven’t missed anyone but I would also like to thank the parents who turn up each week to training and to support your boys. You guys are a credit to the club with the way you all carry yourselves at games. I doubt there would be a “better supported” club around. To finish I would also like to thank the Mitcham Footy club for supporting the junior teams like you do. You guys will keep junior footy alive with the way this club is run! Better luck next year Boys. Go Tiges!!!!
Final Score: Blackburn 10.7.67 d Mitcham 6.14.50
The Under 12's will play in the Grand Final on Sunday, August 16 at Ferntree Gully Reserve, Glenfern Road, Ferntree Gully (Mel. 74 B5). The game will kick off at 10.30am. Keep you eyes posted to this website next week for more details but we want a huge Tiger Army to attend the game and support Mark and his team as they attempt to win the first Premiership for the club in 2015! Dresscode will be STRICTLY YELLOW AND BLACK. GO TIGERS!
For those feeling starved of football this weekend, why not get down to Walker Park and support the Senior club. This week all teams are taking on Upper Ferntree Gully with the Under 19's kicking the day off at 9.40am, the Reserves at 11.55am and the Seniors at 2.10pm. Both the Seniors and the Reserves are on top of their respective ladders and the Under 19's are in fourth spot. Lets all get out and support the club that supports your kids!
Last Modified on 04/12/2019 12:41