Rocky nets big five

July 1 2014

Shepparton News

Rocky Papalia stole the show for Goulburn Valley Suns juniors at the weekend with a spell-binding midfield display in the under-16 fixture against Richmond Soccer Club.

Papalia scored five goals during the under-16s 7-0 win and was instrumental to his team’s performance with a commanding display from the middle of the park.

Suns under-15s coach David Davkovski was delighted with his showing.

‘‘Rocky was incredible. He’s been a real shining light,’’ Davkovski said.

‘‘He had a field day on Sunday, but the whole team was great as well. They all played really well.’’

Davkovski said Papalia’s improvement this season had been produced across all of the Suns’ junior sides, who enjoyed another positive weekend at McEwen Reserve.

The Suns took three wins and a draw from the weekend’s six fixtures, and while the under-16s provided the highlights, Davkovski believed his under-15s were unlucky not to take a win from their 1-0 loss.

‘‘It was a frustrating result, because we completely outplayed them,’’ Davkovski said.

‘‘We had four great chances in the second half and just couldn’t put them away.

‘‘I said to them after the game it was a real shame because they played so well for little reward.’’

Results were better for the under-14s and under-13s, who won 2-1 and 3-1 respectively.

Willie Sauiluma and Jayden Crupi scored the goals for the under-14s, while Fraser Gosstray, Josh Masters and Louis Gorman came up with the goods for the under-13s.

The Suns’ under-12s drew 1-1 in a well contested game, with Josh Rachele on the scoresheet.

The under-18s suffered the worse result of the day losing 5-0, with a number of players stepping up to play in the under-21s in Ballarat the night before.

Davkovski said he was happy with the progress being shown by all the teams, and was keen to thank the club’s parents and volunteers for their role in aiding the coaches.

‘‘From the first round to now, we’re talking about completely different players and teams,’’ Davkovski said.

‘‘They’re enjoying their soccer and moving the ball around really well.

‘‘We have to thank the parents and volunteers, though. What they’re doing around the club is amazing.’’