The Sherbrooke Gunners at the half time break.By Dale Blair
THE Under 13 Sherbrooke Gunners Soccer Club finally broke through for their first win of the season on Saturday.
Hosting Yarra Valley at Menzies Creek, the Gunners started confidently, dominating play as they have done in most of their games this year.
Jake Leenheers was troubling the Valley defence and was unlucky not to score.
Chris Howard proved too elusive for his markers and scored a fine goal to put the Gunners in the lead.
A sharp-witted Jack Shoesmith added another soon after when he tapped in from a goalmouth scramble.
Pat Schill and Jake Goodie were playing the ball skilfully out of defence while Nick Van Berkel, Grant Eaden, Michael Zanolla and Connor Reich provided a daunting physical presence to see the Gunners safely to a 2-0 lead at half-time.
In the second half, the Gunners maintained their pressure.
Emily Hulbert was her usual busy self in the left midfield and Callum Van Leeuwen was equally industrious on the right.
Early in the half Callum made a fine run out of defence and crossed a long ball for Chris to run onto and score his second with a superb strike.
Now holding a comfortable lead the Gunners were again rocked by the ‘blooper’ goal which has plagued them all season.
Buoyed by the unexpected bonus Yarra Valley suddenly grew in confidence.
Goalkeeper Matt Thomson was forced to make some fine saves before the Valley scored again to make it 3-2.
With five minutes to go the Gunners defence was under siege.
Great speed and poise from Jonathon Weatherall on a couple of occasions thwarted dangerous attacking moves down the right wing.
Finally the ref blew the whistle and the Gunners were able to celebrate a well-earned victory.
The win was a nice tonic for Sam Cathcart who missed playing due to his recent appendectomy
The Under 11s Sherbrooke Jackaroos came out for their game against Eltham with both barrels firing.
Within minutes of the opening kick-off, Peyton scored an outstanding goal to put the Jackaroos one up.
Eltham bounced back to equalise.
The Jackaroos defence worked very hard with Justin out, Lachlan W, Liam M and Liam A doing a fantastic job helping to keep it one all at half time.
Eltham proved too strong in the second half scoring three goals.
Liam B made some terrific saves in goals while the strikers, Peyton and Joshua worked well together.
Douglas, Andreas and Aiden pushed forward and Connor and Lachlan D were busy on the wings.
The Jackaroos had several shots at goals but were unlucky not to score.
The final score was a win 4-1 to Eltham, but the determination and great team effort of the Jackaroos was not reflected in the final score.
