Under 9 Derby Clash

Under 11 Blue

Westside Strikers 3 - Kensington Blue 1

You must all be exhausted tonight. Today's game was a hard fought match, which required everyone to work all game against a well-drilled opposition. There was consistent contesting of the ball and few easy possessions for any player on either side. It was a tight match all game, right up until the final moments. We need to play just as hard in the last five minutes as we do in the first five minutes!

Tarni played a great, solid game in defence, well supported by great clearing kicks from Grace; Mia ran hard all day long (and there was a lot of running to do) and put in a huge team effort; Hazel showed her great run with the ball as she skillfully dribbled the ball straight up the middle numerous times. Congratulations to our captain, Abi, who scored a great goal. Thanks to our goalies, Zoe and Abi, who were kept busy and made many solid saves. We welcome Shanelle who slotted easily into the team and showed some nice ball skills!

Westside’s coach politely told me that we were the best team they have played. Keep going girls, the second half of the year will provide a lot of different results as we settle in as the Blue Team and begin to play even more as a team.

Andrew

Under 11 Gold

Bulleen are probably the best team in the league - very well-drilled and disciplined. In the first half, we were unlucky to concede two goals early on, but I was proud of how the team bounced back and put the pressure on with lots of action around Bulleen's goalmouth. Andrew, who watched the first hafl, commented that the scoreline at half time did not do justice to Kensington's performance.

In the second half, we continued to play well, but I could see tiredness beginning to creep in, which was a factor in one of the second half goals. The 0-5 scoreline was about Bulleen playing well, rather than Kensington playing poorly.

The main difference between Kensington and Bulleen, as Lily observed at half time, is that they consistently passed the ball, rather than just kicking it. 

Strong performances from everybody today. You can hold your heads high. Special mention to Amelie, playing her first match in goal and Mackenzie, making her debut with Gold  - her powerful kick was very useful in defence. Thanks to referee Mike and linesmen David C and David L.

Cheers Susan

Under 12 Joeys

Forfeit this week from Westage but the girls had a great game with some of the parents - trip to Gisborne for a 10am kick off next week stay tuned for details.  

Under 12 Kangaroos

Congratulations girls another really strong performance - 4-1 against Darebin Falcons who have come up from the Joeys.  Elwen was everywhere covering the backline for us with georgia out with a sprained wrist - please make a speedy recovery we can't afford so many people out.

Great to see everyone trying to make space and pass to team players and not just kick the ball especially when it goes to the opposition.  Ishi made a number of strong runs forward after some great through balls from our midfielders - the speed at the ball really makes a difference and to be able to finish off with 4 goals is a wonderful effort. One thing everyone needs to think about a bit more is to try and keep your positions as long as you can - I know it can be hard when we are moving around with substitutions but when you are out of position it just makes it easier for the opposition to create space.  Thanks to Cate, Erika and Hafsa for stepping up from Joeys.

Thanks to Tom for running the lines and to all the Team Kensington supporters on the sidelines today.  Congratulations again everyone.  

Under 14 Cs

Barnstoneworth United 4 : Kensington 0

As coach I am proud of the girls when they turn up and give their all and lose.  I'm trying to find some positives from the weekends game. After last weeks committed performance the Jekyll and Hyde consistency turned up against Barnstoneworth United. Our captain for the day won the toss and decided to kick with a strong breeze behind our backs. The coin toss was the only win we had in the first half. I can not recall many forays forward. It was not that the opposition was any better then us but the traits we displayed last week went missing. Towards the end of the half there was a mix up in defense when Kristine and Serena bumped into each other and the ball kindly bobbled to their striker who gleefully accepted the gift and put the ball into the net. 2 nil down at half time.

At half time the girls were challenged to show some heart and be first to the ball. To start running and begin working for each other. To start tackling and putting pressure on the opposition. To their credit they lifted and began chasing the game. As they pushed forward unfortunately they were twice caught out on the quick counter attack. In the second half Caitlin and Eloise lifted. Genevieve in her wing back roll again put in a resilient performance not allowing anyone to pass her. Credit also to Emma who made some good saves in goal.

In the second half Eloise, Caitlin and Isabella all came very close to scoring goals. It was good to see the girls feeling the loss. I hope they bottle that feeling and try to never experience it again. It ended 4 nil. A lesson learnt. More hard work is required for the entire game. It’s difficult and tiring to chase a game.

As I told all the girls at the end of the game it’s not the end of the world if we lose. It’s not the end of the world if we make mistakes. If you’re not making mistakes your are not living and learning.

Under 18s

The U18 unfortunately has had a loss against Baxter SC, 6-0.   After 3 weeks without a game, we finally had one but our team had only one substitute, as many Kensington players could not play making our fitness stretched to the limit.

It must be noted that our u18 has encountered a very strong and well organized Baxter SC team, who have really scored some wonderful goals, which our defence and goal keeper could do absolutely nothing. It has been an excellent game and nice to watch as the coach of the  Baxter’s team told me, after the game, congratulating our girls for the way they tried to “fight” back.

Both teams have displayed an excellent soccer, with nice actions, and I am sure all parents  present at game were pleased in the way our girls were  playing, even if we were losing. The u18 is a very young team and they will only improve game after game.