Young Dragons cause another upset

By Dale Blair
THE Sherbrooke Rangers Junior Soccer Club’s Under 13 Dragons claimed their second big scalp in as many weeks at Menzies Creek on Sunday when they hosted North Caulfield.
After a mid-season slump due mainly to players being unavailable through injury, the Dragons have been able to achieve some great results.
After a comprehensive 3-0 win last week against Bulleen, one of the top four sides, the Dragons were keen to record back-to-back wins.
Under difficult, blustery conditions, it was the Dragons who looked to be playing better soccer.
Despite having a wind advantage in the first half, North Caulfield was unable to threaten with Sherbrooke defenders Paul Moran, Emmett Williams and Scott Turley all controlling their positions.
Jacob Gazolla, Jeremy Davies and Campbell Craigie were providing plenty of drive in the midfield and keeper Dane Ebert was impassable.
Although the half time score was 0-0, the Dragons were well placed to take the honours in the second half.
Cole Mainwaring was able to inspire his teammates with some great left hand side runs.
Casey Haynes was tireless in the midfield but it was Nathan Stephens who pounced on a loose ball to post the Dragons’ first goal.
Moments later, Sherbrooke striker Chris Howard was able to link up in a chain of passes, which led to a beautifully weighted right hand cross into the penalty area.
In what was surely the most skilled play of the day, Abe Chirgwin was able to time his right foot strike into the back of the net which left the North Caulfield keeper with no chance of a save.
The result was beyond doubt and the 2-0 result enabled the Dragons to climb from eighth to fifth on the ladder and threaten for a top four spot in the next few weeks.