Scotch College

Match Reports - Round 11 - 2 August 2008

Seniors

1st XI

Scotch vs Carey

G Patouras

2nd XI

Scotch vs Carey

D Latimer

3rd XI

Scotch 0 - 8 Xavier

M Keks

This was a disappointing end to the season. We were forced to play with 8 players against the 11 (and 5 on the bench) of Xavier. The wide pitch made the task even more difficult, but the efforts of the boys who did turn up were exemplary. The scoreline was demoralising, but the team never gave up. We would have liked to finish the season on a more positive note, but the boys can be proud of their attitude to the game, and to the season in general. It's been a pleasure to coach the 3rds this year, and I wish all the guys the best for the future.

Best: Wilkinson, Yang, Pointon.

4th XI

Scotch vs Wesley (forfeit)

W Riedler

It was a disappointing end of the season as Wesley turned up with only 5 players and the match was abandoned. Nevertheless we arranged a “scratch match” with all the boys present and at least they got a “kick” instead of just going home. Overall this was a very productive and enjoyable season for the boys and me as a “manager coach”.

5th Red

Scotch vs Carey

J Kafkas

5th Blue

CANCELLED by Geelong College

A Vickers

5th Gold

Scotch 2 - 2 St Kevins

P Astruc

The team put in a great effort in their last match but were ridiculously unlucky in front of goals, and the end result did not really match the game. Having nine men for a lot of the game also made it tough. St Kevins took the lead early, but Andrew Young scored a good goal to peg the score back. Then with 2 minutes to go St Kevins scored again, but Chris Riley was able to make a great run to gain a penalty in the dying stages which he then converted. David Ngan also stood out with a great performance in defense until an injury unfortunately forced him from the ground.

Year 10

10A

Scotch vs Carey

E Broadbent

10B

Scotch 7 - 2 Wesley

A Ouzas

In the last fixture for 2008 the 10B soccer team were ready to show Wesley that they are a class above the rest; and they did just that. From the outset the boys took control of the game with great passing through the midfield. Nivae and Lawrence took advantage of a slow Wesley defence by threading pin-point through balls to our strikers. These paid off and Tristan got his first for the match. It wasn't long before Scotch was on the score sheet again, this time Hugo slotted one past the keeper. With Dave and Hugo dominating the wings and Simon and Jason pushing up from defence to help out, the team was playing an amazing brand of football. Wesley were able to get one back through a defensive blunder that left their striker one-on-one with Marcus. However, Scotch responded with another 3 goals. A superb finish by George in the box and another one each for Tristan and Hugo. 5-1 at half-time. With the game sealed, we decided to push Ian into midfield and Hugo up front, leaving 3 at the back. We were quick to get another goal, however, Wesley began to pressure the 3 in defence and an error saw them grab another goal. Switching back to 4-4-2 we took control again and the ball rarely left our half. Lawrence stepped up to the penalty spot (Nivae lost this privelege at training!) and easily scored. A comfortable 7-2 win to Scotch.

A great season by the boys who grew stronger each week. They truly mastered their formation and constantly worked for each-other on the pitch. I would like to thank them again for the season.

10C Red

Scotch 2 – 1 Melbourne Grammar

J Jackowski

Two great goals by James Kim saw Scotch have a comfortable lead at half time. However against the run of play, a well taken free kick saw Charlie Wang watch the ball sail over his head and in to the goal. Although Scotch tried hard, the sealer could not be found. Another win and a very successful season - well done.

Best players- James Kim, Chris Hayward and Nick Caldwell.

10C Blue

Scotch vs St Kevins

T Raynor

Year 9

9A

Scotch 2 – 2 Carey

N Konstantatos

In a pulsating final game of the year the 9As completed the season with an exciting draw away to Carey. Playing with great commitment and flair, Scotch scored first with a fine header by Hamish McNab. Dominating in the midfield with Tom Druitt, Dave Newland and Chris Olorenshaw constantly initiating attacking forays, it was the most impressive first half performance for the whole year.

The second half saw a spirited Carey side led by their superb goalkeeper come back at Scotch. Our midfield dominance was muted and the defence led superbly by Adam Fitzgerald-Quirk, Gareth Whelan, Tom Goodwin and Scott Denson was disciplined, courageous and firm in resolve. Another goal from Scotch seemed to seal the game but sadly Carey struck back in quick succession to even up the fixture.

Whilst not a successful season on paper, the team must be commended for their exemplary commitment, enthusiasm and flawless sportsmanship. Superbly captained by Wills Gheradin, the 9As were a delight to coach and I was certainly very privileged in being associated with them.

9B

Scotch 4 - 5 Carey

O Marquet

For this last game of the season, the 9B’s were eager to get a win and finish the 2008 with a positive balance of 6 victories and 5 defeats . As all the other Scotch teams playing around us were having a difficult morning, we knew that it would be a hard game. A hard game it was, but it was also the most accomplished and exciting game this year.

Mark Reily, obvious Man of the Match, proved that there was more than one Best and Fairest Award on the pitch that morning. He kicked an amazing free kick, which landed on the post but was pushed in the goals by Raymond Chen. He also scored a penalty, was asked to kick it again…and scored a second time.

At the back, Michael and especially Cameron Sexton had a great game. Cameron played the whole game and had a real impact in defence, finally finding his style and his using his strength and defensive techniques.

The final score was 5-4, we nearly came back in the last seconds, as Phil Cascone was charging on his wing, panicking the Carey defence, missing the goal by inches when his powerful kick touched the post …

This was an amazing game, as was the whole season, so thank you boys for these 12 weeks of enthusiasm, fun and great soccer!

9C Red

Scotch 3 - 1 Xavier

D Wolfe

We played our final game of the season on Saturday and defeated Xavier 3-1. Max Merrillees scored 2 outstanding individual goals and Dixon Duong put a third in the back of the net before half time. Xavier were extremely determined in the second half, but could only manage 1 goal against an equally determined Scotch defence. Alex Hong played a pivotal role in defence, dominating the game with the help of Nicholas Chan's aggressive style of play. These two players definitely justified their respective 'Best and fairest' and 'Coaches' awards that they received during the week. It was a great victory, considering the same Xavier outfit beat us 8-0 at the beginning of the season. It has been an enjoyable and successful season, and I wish the players the best of luck in future years.

9C Blue

Scotch 3 - 2 Melbourne Grammar

D James

Scotch started with a full side (but no substitutions) against a tough Melbourne Grammar opponent with 7 subs and 4 coaching staff. Although outnumbered off the pitch, on the pitch our throw-ins and clearing of the ball was dominant and with the help of an all-to-cautious referee, Adam Harris lined up a free kick from 30 metres out. He placed a powerful and high ball, which the Grammar goalie managed to get his hands to but, to our luck, went in anyway. Grammar retaliated with a quick break from the kick-off and equalised within 3 minutes.

The second half began well for Scotch; we had more of the ball, the wings were being exploited and our throw-ins kept on improving the attacks. Simon Ho, our speedy sweeper even started lending a hand to the offence (it was a small pitch to say the least) and this proved to be key in the second Scotch goal. But once again, Grammar equalised and it was 2 all, another break catching out the Scotch defence. We were awarded a penalty around the middle of the half (it was taken from outside the penalty box, this is how small the pitch was) and unfortunately was sent over the bar. But nonetheless, a brilliant run from Shane Anthony finished off by his chip over the Grammar defence and goalkeeper found its mark in the head of Ed Kiddle, who finished with a perfectly placed header into the back of the net. This last goal was perhaps the most brilliant of the entire season, it is a pity to think we won't witness any more of these for at least another 6 months. Scotch held on strongly to win the match 3-2.

This season has been spectacular, with only 2 losses and no draws: the team deserves a good rest over the off-season and I hope your future soccer seasons are filled with the same amount of fun I have had coaching you guys. Thank you for a wonderful season - I couldn't have asked for a better team.

Year 8

8A Red

Scotch 2 - 1 Haileybury

J Astruc

The day did not start well as our keeper J Barnard did not turn up. C Macfarlane stepped in goal and did an amazing and confident job. A slow start meant that at half time we were one goal down. The second half was possibly the best half the team ever played. In the end, a deserved win.

Goal scorers: J Ghaly, H Hackett

8A Blue

Scotch 4 - 3 Xavier (Kostka)

T Scott

With the blinding sun behind the goals on the north side of the pitch, each half was a very one-sided contest. Scotch was the side to start with the advantage of the sun behind their backs and gained a 3 – 0 lead by half-time. In the second half, with the sun in Scotch’s eyes, Xavier was able to score three goals of their own, with as much ease as Scotch did in the first, to bring the scores level.

In the dying minutes of the game both teams fought hard to gain that extra goal and claim victory, Scotch’s keeper Amrith Eldridge did magnificently to keep Xavier’s attempts from reaching the back of the net. The decisive goal came from a Ben Grace wonder-strike, which soared perfectly into the top-left corner, proving too much for the Xavier keeper.

Notable players: Jeremy Lee, Amrith Eldridge, Peter Massarany.

Goal Scorers: Tom Kent (2), Peter Massarany (1), Ben Grace (1).

8B Red

Scotch 0 – 5 Geelong College

J Jewitt

The team ended on a bit of a sour note with a 5-0 loss to a strong Geelong team. The team never really got going and despite the scoreline being exaggerated a little over what was deserved, Geelong deserved their win.

8B Blue

Scotch 7 - 1 Caulfield Grammar

P Roylance

The 8 B Blues were wanting to atone last weeks defeat by St Kevins with a end of season morale boosting win over a Caulfield outfit they previously beat 8-0. Nick Bernardo kept his spot after an impressive debut and was joined by Phuong and Angus Gill, three players who were playing in the C division but with extremely impressive skill levels.

Last week we had 8 players, this week injuries and illness were kind and we had a match day squad of 14. The tables had turned as Caulfield were now on the receiving end of not having a complete squad till closer to half time. Go for early goals, talk loud, pass the ball and move were the clear instructions from the get go as Scotch dominated early possession. The man advantage and width play from Scotch caused Caulfield trouble as we slotted home four goals in the first half thanks to a double from Victor Hortin and individual efforts from Fraser and Angus.

Substitutions were frequent and boys were happy to play out of position to ensure everyone got adequate game time. Tim Sladden scored another goal before Victor Hortin wrapped up his hat trick before adding another one after catching on to a delightful long ball from the back. Keeper Jamie was hardly troubled in the game and as promised I gave him some time on the field, his enthusiasm was almost rewarded with a goal. Caulfield did manage to score a goal after a deflected free kick but it was just a consolation goal as Scotch ended up winning 7-1.

The defenders this season have been marvelous as they are beginning to understand not only each other, but the ability to read the game and cover zonal areas. The midfielders worked very hard this season with numerous goals from Tim Sladden and Fraser, also special praise goes to Dinesh who works so hard every game. Victor Hortin was the leading scorer by far this season hitting well over ten goals. Special thanks goes to the players who helped us not only today but throughout the season including John, Ray, Tevez, Daniel, Toby and the three players previously mentioned at the start of the review. Although it was a mixed season where sometimes we failed to field a complete team the efforts were always there from the boys and this end of season romp shows what a force they are capable of being.

8C Red

BYE

S Ng

8C Blue

Scotch 6 – 2 Xavier (Burke Hall)

Dr Xu

The Y8C Blue had its remarkable end-of-season game against Xavier College winning 6 to 2. Every boy in the team was so pleased as it was for the first time during the whole season that we had a full team with the help of some players from Y8C Red. Everyone played well in team work and used every opportunity to get a goal. Well done every boy of the team!

Year 7

7A

Scotch vs Haileybury

S Hodges

7B Red

Scotch vs Brighton Grammar (forfeit)

S Liu

Yr 7B Red Team didn’t have the chance to play the opposition as their boys didn’t turn up at 9:40 (The original time was 10:50), but the teacher in charge of Brighten Grammar was there on time. I reckon that their boys were not informed of the time change. Anyway, I ran a domestic game with several Yr 12 boys’ help. The red side beat white side 3:1.

7B Blue

Scotch 0 - 5 Caulfield Grammar

P Lewis

The 7B Blue team played Caulfield on Scotch's McKendrick Pitch. The boys worked hard, particularly in defence, but their opponents were too strong and skilful. In the midst of a 5-0 defeat, Scotch players who did particularly well were: Luke Caligiuri, who gave his all as sweeper and prevented several goals; Max Ellery Thornley, who showed great courage in goal; Tom Paulsen, who tackled hard and kicked clear from both defence and midfield; and Will Legge, who saved several desperate situations on the left side of defence. Scotch twice came close to scoring, but just missed out.

Final score: Scotch 0, Caulfield 5. Best players: Luke Caligiuri, Max Ellery Thornley, Tom Paulsen, Will Legge

7C

Scotch vs Haileybury

R Papuga/S Francis

The 7C’s faced Haileybury for the last game of the season, with just the bare minimum of 11 players, as Coaches Award recipient Angus Robertson said “Thanks for the trophy”, and headed for the ski slopes for the weekend. This inevitably created problems with the goalkeepers position, but a timely return by James Malon from a knee dislocation some weeks earlier solved the issue. Playing on the Melville Lower West, the lads took to the field against a team that had comprehensively beaten them earlier in the season. Midfield powerhouse Joshua Vuk, and our very own superstar front man Thomas Paulson had been called up to the 7B’s, so the lads were going to have to dig deep to get a result on this occasion.

Unfortunately, HB went on the attack from the get go, and had 3 goals within the first 15 minutes. Late in the half, HB were on the offensive in our goal box, and let rip a shot on goal. The shot was going wide, but Jeremy Tan put up his arms to protect his body like he was in fight with Mike Tyson, only to have the ball ricochet off of his arms. In what will be remembered as one of the harshest decisions of the year, the man in black pointed to the penalty spot, for what was clearly a life preserving reflex by Jeremy.

James had no chance on stopping the penalty, and at the half we were down 4 -0. A half time shuffle saw Evan try his hand as goalie, which left a hole in the centre of the midfield, as one of the few Scotchies highlights in the first half was Evan’s two footed sliding challenge to win the ball.

With James playing in the outfield, opportunities were limited as HB’s superior skill began to tell through the amount of possession that they were having. Richard Lau showed on the few occasions he had the ball at his feet why he picked up the Fairest and Best trophy, but was constantly shut down by a throng of HB players whenever he drifted forward.

Conceding another two goals saw Jeremy put up his hand for a go in goals, but after another three goals and the referee blowing full time, it unfortunately didn’t stem the tide. So with a final 0-9 result against us for the last game of the season, it didn’t make for the most memorable send off, but at least the lads were consistent throughout the season.

I’d like to thank the lads who went in goals for us during the season, Angus, James, Evan and Jeremy, as they were under siege from the start of every game. For all the lads who came to play every week with the same sense of enthusiasm and eagerness, no matter how much we had been beaten the previous week, on behalf of Mr Papuga and myself, we thank you, and hope to see you all next year.