Deniliquin District Soccer Club’s round one competition games kicked off in fantastic fashion on Saturday.
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There were plenty of goals, with teamwork, determination and smiling faces lighting up Rotary Park despite the chilly conditions.
Across all grades, players showed outstanding sportsmanship, developing skills and exciting glimpses of what promises to be a brilliant season ahead.
A-grade
A-grade produced some entertaining clashes, with Team 1 defeating Team 2, 4-1, while Team 4 claimed a hard-fought 5-3 win over Team 3.
All four teams moved the ball around the field well and showed great passing ability. As players continue learning each other’s playing styles and communication improves, the competition is expected to become even stronger.
Team 3’s Chris Dixon was outstanding in defence throughout the match, while captain Riccis ‘Red’ Ricon stood tall in goals against some powerful adult strikes.
The Open team, made up of mums and dads, may have needed plenty of substitutions and a few extra breaths on the sidelines, but they dominated the field and certainly reminded the younger players they still had plenty to offer.
Jezz McMahon was on fire, scoring two goals for his side, while Tom Druitt entertained spectators with his impressive ‘flipping’ - or was it slipping - talents around the ground.
B-grade
B-grade also brought plenty of excitement, with Team 2 edging out Team 1 in a close 4-3 encounter, while Team 4 delivered a dominant 9-1 victory over Team 3.
All teams displayed fantastic positivity and teamwork, with players confidently trying new positions across the field.
The all-girls team brought an incredible energy and spirit to the competition, while Nash Offered impressed with several brilliant saves as goalkeeper.
Raphael Olabampe also stepped up admirably, volunteering for the opening stint in goals when no-one else was eager to take the gloves.
Team 4 proved unstoppable on Saturday, with Levi Robson, Donald Ison and Luca Sztejman all finding the back of the net multiple times.
Luca delivered an outstanding performance, smashing home four goals, while Levi’s beautifully curved goal was a standout moment of the morning.
Jasper Dellwo and Gus McGrillen were rock solid in goalkeeping duties, while Harvey Pyle and Jasper worked tirelessly in defence.
Ari Blake created numerous attacking opportunities for teammates, and Pedro Ogodo showcased strong skills right across the field.
C-grade
C-grade games featured excellent teamwork, determination and some thrilling passages of play.
Team 1 defeated Team 2, 5-1, while Team 4 secured a strong 4-1 victory over Team 3.
A chilly breeze swept across the pitch, but it did nothing to cool the intensity between Team 1 and Team 2 as they battled it out in round one.
The contest began tightly, with both sides testing each other early, before Team 1 gradually found their rhythm and tightened their teamwork.
Team 2 never stopped fighting and showed tremendous determination from start to finish, however goals from Ted Pisasale, Campbell Shields, Freddie Fitzgerald and Theo Beal proved the difference.
Campbell Shields was also recognised by teammates as Sportsperson of the Match for his outstanding effort, attitude and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Team 4 worked exceptionally well together, showing strong defence and attack while following instructions brilliantly.
Despite the scoreboard, the result was more a reflection of a team that had quickly gelled together rather than a lack of talent from Team 3.
Team 3 displayed excellent ball skills and several standout players, with plenty of potential to become one of the competition’s strongest teams as combinations continue to develop.
Maxi Robson also capped off the game beautifully, finishing an excellent team goal.
D-grade
D-grade featured plenty of goals and dramatic moments, with Team 2 defeating Team 1, 9 to 2, while Team 3 narrowly edged out Team 4 in a thrilling 4 to 3 clash.
Tom Callanan starred for Team 2, scoring four impressive goals during the match.
Despite missing several players, Team 1 continued to work hard together, and with a full side expected back next week, they’ll be eager to showcase their full potential.
Team 4 struggled early but produced a brilliant second-half comeback, led by three strong goals from Riva Clarke.
The side showed significant improvement by spreading out and using effective passing to teammates.
However, Team 3 held on for victory thanks to a dramatic final moment, with Bridie Hooke saving the game in the last 30 seconds through a fantastic deflection off her shin guards.
Both teams should be proud of the way they worked together throughout the match.
Kangas and Joeys
The club’s youngest players in Kangas and Joeys continue to impress each week as they build their soccer skills through fun activities and games.
From controlled kicking and trapping the ball to practising goal kicks, the future of DDSC is looking incredibly bright. Most importantly, it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying themselves on the field.
The match day schedule for round two this Saturday is as follows:
9.30am: A-grade: Team 1 vs Team 3, B-grade: Team 1 vs Team 3, B-grade: Team 2 vs Team 4, Kangas and Joeys.
10.30am: A-grade: Team 2 vs Team 4, C-grade: Team 1 vs Team 3, C-grade: Team 2 vs Team 4, D-grade: Team 1 vs Team 3, D-grade: Team 2 vs Team 4.