Mighty effort from Olinda Ferny Creek junior footballers

Olinda Ferny Creek's U12 girls signing the song. PICTURE: Simon Gilson

Juniors

U9s

It was the 9’s first taste of home ground advantage this week as they hosted Wandin, Belgrave and Seville.

There’s nothing quite like emerging from the home rooms to a big ovation.

The energy and excitement that followed meant the Mighty 9’s were unstoppable across the ground.

This team simply gives 100 per cent every week, with another awesome display by the 9s.

U11s

A chilly Olinda morning and a rain soaked decked greeted us for Olinda Ferny Creek’s home clash against an undefeated Healesville side.

The Olinda boys were fired up from the start, kicking two goals to none in the first quarter in a display of some great wet weather footy.

The next three quarters however belonged to Healesville. They gained control of the game, with some bigger bodies around the footy, and some classy finishes around goal.

Olinda’s boys effort and endeavour didn’t stop for the whole game, but the home team were unable to match the scoring Healesville were able to apply, particularly in the last quarter.

The match was played in good spirits from both teams.

U12 Girls

The weather arrived at Olinda this weekend when the U12 Girls took on Healesville. This is the game the girls had been waiting for, taking their first win and singing the song that has eluded us through two draws. The team really understood the structure we have been working on this game. This presented a solid backline and an effective midfield with Olinda Ferny Creek winning a majority of the ruck work. This left the forward line open for scoring and they did not disappoint. As the game finished, stinging hail belted down as the teams left the oval and back to the warm rooms, reminding us winter footy has arrived.

U13 boys Whites

Topped up with a couple of the Reds players, the boys set out to challenge a tough Mt Evelyn outfit. In the end, though they couldn’t overcome the conditions and size and strength of their opposition. The boys played well and we saw some great passages of play that they can use to build their season.

U13 boys Reds

The hail storm at start of the Under 13 game didn’t phase Olinda Ferny Creek one little bit as they started the game very well winning centre clearance after centre clearance in what was an impressive display.

Once again, the team work was very good and it was especially pleasing to see the boys “lowering their eyes” and bringing their team mates into the game.

Jesse Deste was dominant across centre half forward and centre half back, Benny Gowan was dangerous up forward kicking his first goal of the season as was Edward Pattison. Connor Lourey

also had his best game of the season.

The final score was Olinda 14.13.97, def Healesville 0.0.0

U14 Girls

Despite being low on numbers, competing against the Chestnut Festival and a bit of illness, the mighty U14 girls, with the support of pocket rocket Hazel Garrett, braved the icy conditions to take on a strong Healesville outfit. The first quarter saw some even contests around the ground with some great contested marking and chains of kicking. Healesville, though, were more effective with their movement, getting players in the forward line to capitalise on the scoreboard. We saw the girls rewarded for being first at the footy and this was the emphasis on the playing group at quarter time. The game continued in much the same vein through the next two quarters with Healesville being too strong in the middle to move the ball into their foward line to create scoring opportunities.

In the final quarter though, the girls rallied and were able to generate multiple forward entries which lead to scores and the girls finished finished strongly. It was a great effort by the girls, undermanned against a bigger Healesville team. Reagan Seamer continues her good form with solid marking around the ground and Mae Barry was great in the ruck all game.

U15 boys

Round four saw Olinda move up to the top division to take on Upwey at Talaskia Reserve.

Early wayward shots at goal from Olinda allowed Upwey to gain ascendancy with a three goal to one first quarter. The second quarter was a seesawing, goaless affair but Upwey’s workrate lifted in the third, kicking five goals to nil.

The final quarter saw Olinda’s midfield take control and with forward River Bellemo kicking two goals, we managed four goals to one to show that Olinda well and truly belongs.

Very happy with Olinda’s backline who held up well under immense pressure with special mentions to Lachie Tonkin for his hardness at the ball and Liam Jennings for remaining composed under pressure in only his third game of football.

Final scores

Upwey 9.6.60 d

Olinda 5.8.38

U17 boys

An exciting game for the U17 boys on Sunday with a five point win over Healesville. The game was decided in the last few minutes as the boys lifted to take the lead and hold on until the final siren.