GAME #8
vs KARIONG 1
May 27, 2017

This was possibly the toughest encounter the boys have had this season with the opposition very resilient in defence. The Tiger Whales went down a goal early but defended well and worked hard to be 1-1 at half time. The boys gave each other great passing options to push back up the field and finished too strongly for Kariong.

Hugo and Marshall each scored a goal, prior to that, both getting back in defence from fast-attacking positions to help clear out dangerous opposition efforts. After a number of positive attacks from the team, Max scored the Whales 3rd goal. Trying to give crosses a central option, after receiving this cross he struck high and hard and the Keeper was unable to keep control of his attempted save.

Ethan and Will were very strong in defence, cutting off promising attacks on several occasions.

Jack and Zac found lots of room moving up the sidelines, with Jack coming up with a few great crosses which the boys were very unlucky not to score off, either with the Keeper coming up with the early save or the following shot not quite hitting its target.

Manaia and Trey both got themselves in open advanced positions on numerous occasions working hard to give teammates an option in the middle with both boys having good opportunities saved by a very good opposition Keeper.

Player of the match went to Cooper. His great work in goals kept Kariong to only 1 goal after several early shots including a few 1 on 1 saves and deflections.

(Words: Andrew Purkis)

GAME #6
vs AVOCA 2
May 13, 2017

The Tiger Whales had another tough game in round 6. Cooper and Manaia had their opportunity to play keeper this week. Both boys came up with some great saves. Manaia cleared the ball out early before they could take shoot multiple times and in the first half Cooper had pulled off some fantastic reflex saves and even saved a very oddly awarded penalty.

In a game that was played in for large periods in our own half, the boys desperation in defence was outstanding. At times all players getting back to pick up players and shots being cleared and deflected away from goal.

Ethan and Zac were very solid in defence, stopping attacking runs on numerous occasions.

Trey and Hugo were again getting themselves into space going forward in attack.

Marshall, Max and Jack tried their best to find the right pass to their teammates when playing out from the back or pushing up in attack.

After an even first half, The boys took a lot of their opportunities in attack. That was the reward for the great work they did in defence as they were able to finish stronger than their opponents on the day.

Max, Jack and Marshall all found the back of the net.

Player of the match this week went to Hugo. He was regularly near or on the ball or positioned well to receive a pass, and he managed to put 3 goals away too.

(Words: Andrew Purkis; Photos: Edwina Arps)

GAME #5
vs KINCUMBER 2
May 6, 2017

The Tiger Whales had a dominant performance this week. Great early passes from midfield across the width of the field along with some very eager supporting runs allowed for consistent opportunities on goal.

Will and Jack had there first turn at keeper, both keeping clean sheets for their halves in goal. The boys retreated together quickly when the ball was turned over and teammates got themselves positioned to move forward well when the ball was one. The boys are ever improving with player marking on throw ins and goal kicks.

A great whole team effort by a bunch of boys really enjoying playing together.

Ethan and Will were again everywhere in defence, Manaia and Cooper played strongly whether in defence or in attack. Max, Zac and Jack strongly ran, tackled and passed out off midfield. Hugo and Trey found positions going forward for many passes to target which led directly to opportunities on goal.

Jack, Cooper and Manaia all scored, and Hugo managed to find the net 5 times.

Max was awarded player of the match this week with 3 goals and some great passes and runs out of the middle.

(Words: Andrew Purkis; Photos: Melissa Melvin & Edwina Arps)

GAME #4
vs OURIMBAH 1
April 29, 2017

The Tiger Whales had a hard fought match at Ourimbah last weekend. Our boys showed great effort from beginning to end fighting for every contest.

It was close with both teams trading goals in the first half. With our teamwork continuing to improve we got the upper hand in the second half with encouraging passing and supporting runs helping to score a further 3 goals. Max and Ethan performed well in their first turns in goal and Hugo, Cooper, Jack, Trey and Zac all found the back of the net, while Will and Manaia cut off several attacking runs with some strong defence.

Zac was rewarded for his effort with the player of the match award.

(Words: Andrew Purkis; Photos: Melissa Melvin)