Apr12_GREAT EFFORT DAYBORO DEMONS
The Dayboro Demons Futsal Under 13C team completed their 2011-12 summer competition with a hard fought semi-final loss at the Brendale Sports complex on 2 March.
Having completed the season in second place, the Demons were confident that for the first time in the team’s short three year history a Grand Final appearance seemed possible. Playing against the third placed Chivalona, the Demons ended the first half two goals down (3-1). An exceptional first half defensive performance from Ben Simon in goal and Fletcher Cunningham in defence and Tyler Redfern in attack kept the Demons in good shape for a second half rally, a common feature of all their games played throughout the season.
The instructions to the boys at the halftime break was simple – better control of the ball, tighter marking in defence and a deliberate tagging of Chivalona’s highly controversial marquee player (given special exemption by the futsal competition administrators to play in C-grade). Tristan Alexander managed the role of tagger and enforcer of the Chivalona star player with an outstanding hustling performance throughout the second half. Tyler too was outstanding in goal, thwarting three genuine shots at goal from a determined Chivalona.
Superb efforts from Reece Harrison and Fletcher in the early minutes of the second half were complemented by the emergence of Tom Jones, virtually unseen in the first half. With the passing and perfect combination play from Reece, Tom and Ben and half-court coverage in defence by Tristan, the Demons commenced their second half resurgence in the early minutes of the second half. An opportunistic sneaky goal from Ben Simons close-in on the goal line set the Chivalona side into panic – with their halftime two goal advantage now reduced to one, the match was set for a stunning conclusion. Numerous counter-attacks from the Demons in the last five minutes followed with Chivalona pushing all their players back into defence in a desperate measure to maintain their meagre lead.
With a minute to go and the game seemingly gridlocked in the centre of the court, the Demon’s hope of a grand final appearance seemed to be slipping away. Enter Tom Jones! With seven seconds left on the clock, Tom took possession of the ball at the half-way line. Streaming up court with two of Chivalona’s best players in pursuit, and one defender ahead of him, Tom, from 10 metres out, on an acute angle and with three seconds left on the clock, threaded his shot at goal past both the goalkeeper and three defenders for a stunning show stopping equaliser! Tom’s goal of the year put the large crowd of Dayboro supporters into a frenzy. 3-3. Game on!!!
Golden goal extra time would determine the winner – The team to score first progresses to the grand final. Unfortunately, despite a gallant effort from all the Demon players, the opposition managed a winning goal after two minutes of extra time. Despite the loss, the Dayboro boys had played a memorable match and season overall – In every single game this year, the Demons played exceptionally and with great sportsmanship. Reaching the semi-final and playing magnificently in it was a great reward for an outstanding group of young blokes. Off the court too, the Demons had a fine cast of parents, grandparents and occasional spectators offering encouragement and support every Friday night, usually in large numbers.
The Demon players thank everyone involved this season. However, a special mention is made for the managerial role undertaken by Narelle Redfern. Narelle and husband Geoff’s support in both time and sponsorship of the Demon’s team over the last three years has been highly valued and all the families of the players would publicly like to thank them both for their generosity. Coming third was no disgrace and credit is paid individually to Ben, Tom, Tristan, Tyler, Fletcher and Reece for a season of too many highlights to mention in this short match report.
The instructions to the boys at the halftime break was simple – better control of the ball, tighter marking in defence and a deliberate tagging of Chivalona’s highly controversial marquee player (given special exemption by the futsal competition administrators to play in C-grade). Tristan Alexander managed the role of tagger and enforcer of the Chivalona star player with an outstanding hustling performance throughout the second half. Tyler too was outstanding in goal, thwarting three genuine shots at goal from a determined Chivalona.
Superb efforts from Reece Harrison and Fletcher in the early minutes of the second half were complemented by the emergence of Tom Jones, virtually unseen in the first half. With the passing and perfect combination play from Reece, Tom and Ben and half-court coverage in defence by Tristan, the Demons commenced their second half resurgence in the early minutes of the second half. An opportunistic sneaky goal from Ben Simons close-in on the goal line set the Chivalona side into panic – with their halftime two goal advantage now reduced to one, the match was set for a stunning conclusion. Numerous counter-attacks from the Demons in the last five minutes followed with Chivalona pushing all their players back into defence in a desperate measure to maintain their meagre lead.
With a minute to go and the game seemingly gridlocked in the centre of the court, the Demon’s hope of a grand final appearance seemed to be slipping away. Enter Tom Jones! With seven seconds left on the clock, Tom took possession of the ball at the half-way line. Streaming up court with two of Chivalona’s best players in pursuit, and one defender ahead of him, Tom, from 10 metres out, on an acute angle and with three seconds left on the clock, threaded his shot at goal past both the goalkeeper and three defenders for a stunning show stopping equaliser! Tom’s goal of the year put the large crowd of Dayboro supporters into a frenzy. 3-3. Game on!!!
Golden goal extra time would determine the winner – The team to score first progresses to the grand final. Unfortunately, despite a gallant effort from all the Demon players, the opposition managed a winning goal after two minutes of extra time. Despite the loss, the Dayboro boys had played a memorable match and season overall – In every single game this year, the Demons played exceptionally and with great sportsmanship. Reaching the semi-final and playing magnificently in it was a great reward for an outstanding group of young blokes. Off the court too, the Demons had a fine cast of parents, grandparents and occasional spectators offering encouragement and support every Friday night, usually in large numbers.
The Demon players thank everyone involved this season. However, a special mention is made for the managerial role undertaken by Narelle Redfern. Narelle and husband Geoff’s support in both time and sponsorship of the Demon’s team over the last three years has been highly valued and all the families of the players would publicly like to thank them both for their generosity. Coming third was no disgrace and credit is paid individually to Ben, Tom, Tristan, Tyler, Fletcher and Reece for a season of too many highlights to mention in this short match report.
