Football West Country Week comes to a close as Geraldton teams finish strong

Geraldton junior soccer association had a successful and rewarding week down in Perth at the country week tournament. The association fielded nine teams in total, two under 11 boys’ teams, an under 12 girls team, two under 13 boys teams, an under 14 girls and two under 15 boys teams with a single under 17 boys team. The under 11a boys team remained undefeated until the last game, losing out on the gold medal to CCJSA, Archer Davies scoring the consolation goal in a 5-1 defeat. The under 12 girls team fought the ‘battle of the week’, taking silver in extra time and a penalty shootout after they and opponents CCJSA were locked at 0-0 in regulation time. Parent Rob Horstman was delighted with the event and had nothing but praise for the Geraldton coaches and staff. “Under the guidance of one of the best junior sporting coaches I have ever come across, our team played for each other rather than themselves, respected the officials and almost more importantly, respected their opposition,” he said. “The team, (under 11b boys) did have success on the pitch, losing only one game and finishing third overall, however as a parent it was what I witnessed off the pitch which was their biggest achievement. “An example of this was in our team’s one loss, a 7-0 hammering at the hands of the eventual champions. “As the goalie my son had a pretty rough day at the office and was feeling a bit flat. “What I loved was that at some point during or after that game every single one of his teammates came up and supported him, whether it was a high five, a pat on the back or a kind word they were all there for him,’’ said Mr Horstman. Praise was forthcoming from all parents, who showed gratitude towards the associations and the coaches who nurtured the great teamwork of all the players. “The teams from Geraldton played very well, displayed some great teamwork and were a joy to watch. Some of the matches were very close and contained lots of excitement,” they said. “There are some incredibly proud parents and coaches to what has been a superb week.” Another proud parent, Jeremy Accorato, gave his summary of the successful week. “It has been a tough competition this year, with such great weather all teams brought their ‘A’ game, for the cup finals, eight games went to penalty shootouts,” he said. “The boys u11 b team is made up of mostly 9-year-old boys, playing their first country week football carnival, it is a great experience for the boys and can spark a lifelong love of the beautiful game.” The u11b boys finished third on the ladder and played Leeuwin in the 3rd/4th place cup final where they played their best game scoring two great goals and held on for the final 10 minutes of the game to seal third place. Coach Cameron Todd beamed with pride at the result and the effort from the boys. The u12 girls also played this week, some of the girls have been playing country week soccer together for the past four years and they made it to the cup final against County Coastal girls. It was a tough match, Geraldton scored in the first half, then CCJSA scored in the second half tying the game. It went to extra time with no one able to convert their chances it went to penalties to decide and Country Coastal snatched the victory. “The girls had to settle for runners up this year. It was a hard-fought match that either side could have won,” said Mr Accorato. “The highlight, (for us) was Zoe Dumont winning u12 girls fairest and best and her older sister Amelie Dumont coming runner-up in the u14 girls fairest and best. “Both girls have played for La Fiamma juniors for the past five years and are moving to Perth’s John Curtin soccer program in the new year.” Deegan Bryan was runner-up fairest and best in the under 13B division for his six goals across the tournament. Final results for each GJSA team: U11 boys Cahill P9 W7 L1 D1 - 2nd U11 boys Jedinak P9 W5 L2 D2 - 3rd U12 Girls Foord P8 W6 L2 D0 - 2nd U13 Boys Milligan P9 W1 L6 D2 - 5/6 U13 Boys Mooy P9 W5 L2 D2 - 5/6 U14 Girls Kerr P9 W4 L5 D0 - 4th U15 Boys Kruse P8 W2 L1 D5 - 3/4 U15 Boys Risdon P9 W4 L2 D3 - 3rd U17 Boys Sainsbury P8 W2 L5 D1 - 3/4