Our Association Youth League (Boys) travelled to Bathurst over the weekend to take on teams from across various parts of the state.

The 13 boys started their tournament with a narrow 1-2 loss to Kemps Creek. It was a game of two halves where we looked to be in control and leading 1-0 at the break before our opponents disrupted our flow and got the better of us as we conceded two unanswered second half goals to go down.

We took on Woden Western in our second game and although the boys looked a little flat in that game, we managed to get the points in an unconvincing 2-0 win.

We needed to win our last match against Wagga City Wanderers and hope for some results to go our way to make the playoffs. The boys settled quickly and raced out to a handy lead which they turned into a solid 4-1 win. It was a good team performance and the result justified that. Our tournament ended there.

The 14 Boys were perhaps a little unlucky over the weekend. In game one, the lads went down to NPL team Blacktown Spartans 1-2 in a game that could have gone either way. We were arguably the better team but our inability to convert our chances gave our opponents the edge.

Up next was Woden Western who also edged us out 1-2. The game proved a challenge as we had to deal with some very direct football and we found it difficult to transition however with a bot more luck, we could have got something out of that game. 

The boys were determined to finish the tournament with a good result against Wagga City Wanderers. It was a little scrappy as the temperature dropped but we got the job done with a 3-1 win.

Our 15 Boys were crowned Bathurst Cup Champions in a terrific weekend for the young lads. The weekend started well with a sound 2-0 over Dubbo as the boys started to find their feet. Game two saw the boys trounce Wagga City Wanderers 8-1 in a game where the boys were ruthless in front of goal. The next game we were brought back to earth with a 0-5 drubbing to NPL Blacktown Spartans. The boys bounced back with a nail-biting 1-0 win over Macarthur FA thus qualifying for the semis.

The semi final saw the boys battle it out and record a 2-0 win over Mt Pritchard before going on and beating Bankstown FC 2-0 in the final.

Overall, the boys played entertaining and disciplined football that was backed up by great character and determination which was expected from the players. A total of six games over two days and with only 14 fit players, every player gave it their absolute all until the final whistle in what will be a memorable start to our this season's campaign.

The 16 Boys got off to a flying start with a sound 3-0 win over Woden Western. The second game of the day proved difficult against Prospect. Our opponents made life difficult for us with hard pressing and fighting for every ball. We managed to eventually overcome them 2-0.

The last group game saw us take on joint group leaders Riverina and their direct football saw us pegged back a bit however to be fair, we gave as good as we got in a cagey game that saw no goals with both goalkeepers doing a great job for their respective teams. The draw was good enough to see the boys qualify for the semi finals without conceding any goals.

We took on group B winners Belconnen United who were heavy favourites for this match. It was a see-sawing game with both  sides looking to find the breakthrough. No goals scored in normal time and extra time loomed. Both sides again looking to score that elusive goal. Just as the game looked destined for penalties, Belconnen scored a break away goal to effectively win the game with less than a minute to go.

Our teams did us proud and this tournament has helped shape our preseason as we look forward to the season opener on March 9.