It s Hensley Time Again!!

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Ezra Hunt
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In this week s edition, the Feds First Grade battle out a double header, with the Youths also competing in two games in quick succession.

! This Sunday 19 th June 2011, the entire Hakoah Feds club will be playing back-toback at Hensley Athletic Field, Corner Corish Circuit an Wentworth Avenue, Pagewood.

A win will get the side s title hopes back on track. So get down to Hensley this Sunday, bring the family, and come create the unique atmosphere that only Hakoah fans can make!

1 In this week s edition, the Feds First Grade battle out a double header, with the Youths also competing in two games in quick succession. We also have a look at some interesting statistics to come out of the season thus far. It s Hensley Time Again!! This Sunday 19 th June 2011, the entire Hakoah Feds club will be playing back-toback at Hensley Athletic Field, Corner Corish Circuit an Wentworth Avenue, Pagewood. The First Grade will be playing Springwood a team that mustered a 2-2 draw against our boys earlier in the season. We want everyone there to support the First Grade in this crucial match. A win will get the side s title hopes back on track. So get down to Hensley this Sunday, bring the family, and come create the unique atmosphere that only Hakoah fans can make!! YOUR FIRST GRADE NEEDS YOU!!! Sunday, Hensley Athletic Field, 7pm Kick Off. Great Football but the Results Don t Come Report submitted by Hakoah Feds Committee This week, the Feds First Grade were up against both Hawkesbury City midweek, before travelling to Luddenham United in a top of the table clash that could prove paramount to the eventual title winner. On Tuesday night, the boys travelled to the Hawkesbury in icy conditions. In a tough outing, Hakoah were the dominant side, creating multiple opportunities across the full 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the back of the net remained elusive, with only a Neil Jablonski penalty breaking the deadlock. Midway through the second half, Hawkesbury found an equaliser. Despite piling on the pressure, whilst playing some fantastic football, the side couldn t break the 1-1 score line. With that draw in mind, the Luddenham match-up was of monumental importance. Luddenham are top of the table, suffering their only major loss to Hakoah in the second week of the season, with the boys winning 6-1.

2 However, much has changed since then, and both sides knew how important this match was. Coach Mark Robertson sent his side out in their new attacking formation as follows: David Helfenbaum Marc Kacen (c) Pat Darvill Simon Weiss Greg Moss Michael Randall Nathan Kosmina Deklan Gilmartin Jon Pillemer Neil Jablonski Rani Rimmer Bench: Adam Joseph, Jamie Marcuson, Ricki Friede, GilPollak. Playing on what can only be described as a paddock, Hakoah were the only team playing football, passing the ball around with vigour, patiently waiting to cut open the Luddenham defence. Luddenham, to their credit, held firm. On a rare break in the first period, Luddenham found the back of the net from an innocuous play that left the Hakoah side deflated. However, the side regained their composure and pushed on, pressing Luddenham into the second half. After a few chances went begging from Hakoah, they were punished when a short corner found its way into the back of the net. Despite continuing to dominant the play, Hakoah were unable to finish off their chances, going down 0-2. The side will be looking forward to playing the majority of their remaining matches at Hensley, where they can still make a play for the title. It now, however, rests in the hands of the other sides to drop points. Reserves Continue The Winning Streak Report submitted by Richard Port

3 Hakoah Reserves demolished Hawkesbury City 3-0 in the mid-week catch up game.the Reserves who were in 13th position after round 6 have now rocketed up to 7th on the ladder. Hawkesbury currently in 4th place would have jumped to 2nd with a win. The Reserves could only field 10 regular players, and the team was bolstered by 2 players from the U 18's, Dylan Blumberg and Erez Levy, and 2 from the U16's, Sam Wrublewski and Robbie Ezekiel. All 4 played admirably although a special mention to Dylan who put in a full shift plus more ( more on this later). Hakoah led 3-0 at half time after a 50 minute first half with no subs or injuries. Haim Ayalon was first to score followed by a 30-metre pile-driver into the top corner by Ricki Friede. Everyone enjoyed this moment of excellence except coach Alex Robertson who was fined $20 for previously forbidding Friede to shoot from outside the box. Steve Filler completed the scoring. Hawkesbury responded by bringing on three first grade players in key field positions at the start of the second half. Not only did Hakoah hold the scoreline but also created the most clear cut chances, including one which Jamie Marcuson botched late in the game. To further embarrass captain Jamie I will repeat the words of the opposition coach at end of the 101 minute epic, " that blonde haired fellow in the middle of the park is the best player in the league". The way the boys' conducted themselves in a game where the opposition called the ref by his first name, where a vicious late tackle by a Hawkesbury player who was previously booked was not yellow carded, where 2 definite penalties were denied to Hakoah and where kicks in the leg were play on, was an absolute credit to the team and an example to the whole club about on-field behaviour when playing away from home. Again well done boys. The side backed up this with another victory on Sunday against Luddenham. Going down 0-1 early, the boys never doubted their abilities and ended up coming away with a 2-1 victory, courtesy of goals to Robbie Ezekiel and Daniel Rabinowitz. The Youth are on Fire With the Queens Birthday Long Weekend comes another double-header for the Feds Youths. Up against physical Clubs in Hurstville Minotaurs on Saturday and Southern Branch on Monday, this would be a real test for the depth of the Youth sides. As recent history has also shown, this particular double header tends to set the layouts for the finals, as teams drop points, sustain injuries or come out intact and ready for September football.

4 In past years, Hakoah has struggled at this key moment of the season. This year, however, the Youth boys showed their metal, across all age groups. Under 13s Reports submitted by Jeff Akres (stand in reporter for Rob Friedland). Photos by Kevin Koton. The Under 13s began their double header against Hurstville with their defeat last week still in the boy s minds. A scrappy first half was quickly turned around in the second, with Hakoah dominating the entirety of the pitch. A Jordan Koton hat-trick, as well as a Brad Paikin finish, contributed to the 4-0 end score line. Jordan Koton (centre) on the ball, with Harry Buch (right) and Alfie Jones (left) making runs against Hurstville Minotaurs. With that win under their belt, the boys were up at home against Southern Branch, a side that beat Hakoah 1-7 in the first half of the season. With revenge clearly in the minds and hearts of the boys, Hakoah came out firing, quickly opening the scoring through Jordi Swibel. The first half ended on a knifes edge. The second half showcased the talents of this side, as they tore Southern Branch apart, dominating possession in a classy performance. A well struck free kick by Jordan Koton made it 2-0, before a Mark Friedland assist found Alfie Jones just inside the box, who made no mistake. A late consolation for Southern Branch was the only blight on a fantastic performance. The side now sits in 2 nd on the table.

Brad Paikin (left) and Harry Buch (right) challenge for the ball against Southern Branch. Under 14s Report submitted by Jeff Engleman. Photos by Kevin Berkowitz.

5 Brad Paikin (left) and Harry Buch (right) challenge for the ball against Southern Branch. Under 14s Report submitted by Jeff Engleman. Photos by Kevin Berkowitz. The Under 14s were out to secure their top five position in the wake of their loss last week. It was a tale of two halves, as the boy s exploded out of the blocks, controlling the game with quick passing moves, whilst the defence stopped any potential threats at will. Jonathan Solomon opened the scoring with a rocket of a finish to a swift passing move. Huw Cox quickly made it 2-0 shortly after this. However, the boys were stunned when Hurtsville grabbed one back straight after the break, before they found an equaliser midway through the half. Despite fighting for the winner, Hakoah were unable to find it, ending the game 2-2.

6 The Under 14s celebrate a goal against Hurstville. The first time the Under 14s met Southern Branch, the match was a thriller that set the ball rolling for a form streak that has continued to the present round. With that in mind, Hakoah came out to post another vital win. Dean Gruskin set the tone in stunning fashion, netting with a clinical bicycle kick off a corner. However, the momentum swung after this, with Hakoah falling 1-2 behind. With the game edging towards a Southern Branch victory, keeper David Booth pulled out a world class save to keep the side in it, with Mikey McCarthy clearing off the line from Booth s save. This seemed to kick the boys into gear, as some swift passing and counter-attacking football led to a Mark Filler brace, before Jonathan Solomon wrapped up the scoring to make it a 4-2 victory. The boys now sit in 4 th on the ladder.

Under 14 Captain Dean Gruskin lands after his bicycle kick that opened the scoring against Southern Branch. Under 15s Reports submitted by Brian Bernard.

7 Under 14 Captain Dean Gruskin lands after his bicycle kick that opened the scoring against Southern Branch. Under 15s Reports submitted by Brian Bernard. The Under 15s went to battle against Hurstville with the hopes of finals football growing more realistic every week. On the 10 th minute, Gilad Hersch opened the scoring with a 35-metre thunderbolt that stunned the Hurstville keeper and sent the Hakoah fans into raptures. Consistent attacks and a well-organised, strong defence gave Hurstville no real chances, with the 1-0 score line flattering the Minotaurs. Kieren Montague was phenomenal in midfield, unselfishly creating many opportunities and working tirelessly for the entire match. Unfortunately, the side couldn t back this win up on the Monday, going down 1-5. There were positives to be taken from the match, such as the strong showing in the first half where the side held their own. Jason Cohen scored the only goal from a Dan Nash free kick. The boys will be looking to get straight back on the winner s list next weekend. The side now sits in 6 th on the ladder. Under 16s

Holding onto the top spot in the league with glee, the Under 16s came out against Hurstville to wipe clean the memory of their shock loss when the sides first met earlier this season.

8 Holding onto the top spot in the league with glee, the Under 16s came out against Hurstville to wipe clean the memory of their shock loss when the sides first met earlier this season. On the 25 th minute, a long clearance from keeper Harry Rosen found Robbie Ezekiel on the left, who glided into the box, keeping his composure to open the scoring. On the stroke of half time, a Luke Aston challenge saw the referee give him a straight red card, to the shock of the entire Hakoah players, coaches and fans. Hakoah kept their shape, but in the end, the task of playing with ten men became too great, as Hurstville found a free man in the box to head past Rosen. The match ended 1-1, with Hakoah furious as the referee went up to Coaching Director Barry Walker after the game to explain he pulled out the wrong card in sending off Aston, and refused to retract it. Robbie Ezekiel (right) on his way to scoring the opener against Hurstville. Desperate now to pick up maximum points, Hakoah stormed to a thrilling 5-0 victory over Southern Branch. The side was never really troubled, teaching Southern Branch a footballing lesson. Sam Wrublewski grabbed a brace, with Gareth Milner, Josh Shubitz and Toby Shabtay netting the rest. The boys remain 1 st on the ladder.

Sam Wrublewski (right) celebrates his opening goal with his dad, Harry, on Harry s birthday. Under 18s The Under 18s were up for a typically physical battle against Hurstville.

9 Sam Wrublewski (right) celebrates his opening goal with his dad, Harry, on Harry s birthday. Under 18s The Under 18s were up for a typically physical battle against Hurstville. Hakoah dominated possession in the first half, but were unable to convert, going into the break 0-0. The second half was a thriller, with Hurstville opening the scoring early in the half. The boys replied quickly, with a Dylan Blumberg header from a Max Kanikevich corner. Another defensive lapse gave Hurstville the lead again, however Hakoah were not to be denied a point at worst from this game, equalising through Jack Watts. Two missed chances in the final minutes, with Max Fisher hitting the post and Watts failing to head into an empty net, left the match locked at the final whistle 2-2. It was a true testament to the character of the side to come back from behind twice and almost win the match in the dying moments. The Monday match-up was a much simpler exercise as Hakoah proved their 8-1 victory over Southern Branch in the first half of the season was no fluke. A dominant, and at times frightening, display by the side saw Southern Branch flogged 7-0. The side still could have put away many more chances, despite the

10 high score line. Jack Watts, Judd Krok and Rami Tal all grabbed a brace, with Erez Levy adding the other. The side now sits in 8 th on the ladder. The Tale of the Tape With the Youth teams completing 16 games of the regular season, and the Opens finished 15, we thought it would be a good idea to have a look at some of the interesting statistics across the Club as a whole. Finding the net: Josh Shubitz (U16) and Jordan Koton (U13) have made it a habit of finding the back of the net this season. They both have netted 18 times for their respective teams. This means that both Josh and Jordan are finding the back of the net times a game. This gets more interesting when you add Under 16 Gareth Milner to the equation. Gareth has put away 14 goals this season. This makes the Under 16 forward line of Milner and Shubitz racking up a total of 32 goals. Interestingly, this is only one goal LESS than 6 th placed St. George have scored AS A TEAM!!!! Not a bad effort boys. Keeping it out: The Golden Glove Award has been showcasing the talents of the Club s keepers, with Harry Rosen (U16) winning at the moment with an average of goals a game. That s a pretty good statistic. Reserve Grade keepers Gil Pollak and David Helfenabum have also been keeping a tight net, together holding an average of only goals a game. This is the 3 rd best defensive record in their division. First Grade Flair: The First Grade are touted as the best football side in the league. And based on the stats, that is not an idol statement. The side has scored 39 goals this season, and comfortably hold the best goal difference in the league. In fact, their loss to Luddenham on Sunday was the first time ALL SEASON that they have failed to find the net. The Race for the Golden Boot and Golden Glove Awards Some big movements this week has added some new tensions to the Golden Boot and Golden Glove Awards. Here are the rules for both awards:

11 The player who scores the most goals across ALL seven Hakoah Feds teams is the winner. The goalkeeper who concedes the least amount of goals in the season, across ALL seven Hakoah Feds teams, based on the number of games played, is the winner. The Feds Committee reserves the right to adjust the criteria once they receive all the feedback from the coaches. The winners will receive $500 worth of sports equipment thanks to Victor Sports. Here are the current tables for both awards. The Victor Sports Golden Boot Award: Rank Team Name Goals 1 U16 Josh Shubitz 18 2 U13 Jordan Koton 18 3 U16 Gareth Milner 14 4 Firsts Neil Jablonski 14 5 U18 Jack Watts 7 6 U13 Sam Massis-Wolf 7 7 U13 Brad Paikin 7 8 U16 Sam Wrublewski 6 9 U16 Robbie Ezekiel 6 10 U14 Simon Rouse 6 The Victor Sports Golden Glove Award: Team Name Goals Conceded Games Played U16 Harry Rosen Reserves Gil Pollak& David Helfenbaum (GP =10, DH =6) U13 Brad Sarif U15 Max Nightingale Firsts Adam Sonnabend & David Helfenbaum (AS =20, DH =3) U18 Liam Jeffreys U14 David Booth Please note that the Victor Sports Golden Glove Award is organised by team. Hence, if two goalkeepers play in one team, they will share the prize if they win. Did You Know???

12 Did you know that the Hakoah Feds coaching staff have known each other for much longer than simply crossing paths at Hensley. For example, Coaching Director and Under 13 Coach, Barry Walker, has known Under 18 Coach, Dennis Hoggart, for many, many years. In fact, Walker was still playing for Parramatta Melita when Hoggart was appointed coach. After the first training session, Hoggart went up to Walker, and effectively cut him on the spot, ending what was once a glorious career for Walker. With Walker now Hoggart s boss, you would have to say the Karma gods are laughing! Awards of the Week Player of the Week: In a week that saw some fantastic performances across the board, from all sides of the pitch, one player stood out among the masses. After putting in weeks of sterling performances, Sam Wrublewski stepped up this week to new heights. Wrublewski made the trip up to help the Reserves out in their midweek outing against Hawkesbury on Thursday night, where he came on from the bench with immediate effect. After a solid performance, he made his way out with his Under 16s on Saturday, putting in another strong performance in their 1-1 draw with Hurstville. Not fed up with football just yet, Wrublewski came out in the starting line up for the Reserves on Sunday, playing an instrumental role in the side s 2-1 come from behind win over Luddenham. And then, just when the Long Weekend was nearing to a close, Wrublewski netted a double for the Under 16s on Monday against Southern Branch. After a week of consistently spectacular performances, Wrublewski is the deserved winner of this week s Player of the Week Award.

13 Under 16 Sam Wrublewski (right) put in another big week to win this week s Player of the Week Award. Blunder of the Week: Well there were a few good Blunders sent in this week, but we actually have had to settle on a tie for this week s Blunder. The first is a classic tale, known worldwide, as The Stupid Referee. With the Under 16s match delicately poised, the game was crying out for an individual to take home and dictate the result. Enter the referee. After a Luke Aston challenge, the referee marched over and pulled out the red card from his top pocket, to widespread disbelief. Despite the protestations of Aston and Captain Harry Rosen, the referee remained firm on his decision. That was until half time, when he approached Coaching Director Barry Walker, to say something along the lines of the following: I went to pull out a yellow card, but accidently pulled out the red and I couldn t take it back. I m sorry. Although Aston was not suspended due to this mishap, the game was significantly changed, with the Under 16s dropping two valuable points. A sad day for referees everywhere that brings back memories of Graham Poll s infamous third yellow card in the Australia vs Croatia world cup match in 2006.

Under 16 Luke Aston is given his marching orders in bizarre circumstances, winning the referee the joint Blunder of the Week. Now onto the second Blunder, and this is really a classic.

14 Under 16 Luke Aston is given his marching orders in bizarre circumstances, winning the referee the joint Blunder of the Week. Now onto the second Blunder, and this is really a classic. With the First Grade s title challenge on the line, the side made their way to Luddenham in the top of the table battle. However, there was a notable absentee. Moshe Wakil, the 16 year old superstar that has been playing regular First Team football all season, was nowhere to be seen in the desolate surroundings of Luddenham. It turns out that Wakil chose to attend a wedding, rather than take part in the most important match of his team s season.

Regardless of parental pressure or extreme circumstances, Wakil chose love over football, something any married man will tell you is sacrilege.

15 Regardless of parental pressure or extreme circumstances, Wakil chose love over football, something any married man will tell you is sacrilege. As a result, he wins the joint Blunder of the Week Award. First Grader Moshe Wakil is the joint winner of this week s Blunder for his decision to miss the biggest game of the year for a wedding. The Upcoming Week This week, the Feds Opens are up against Springwood at Hensley Athletic Field, Corner Corish Circuit and Wentworth Avenue, Pagewood, on Sunday 19 th June Come on down and support the First Grade in their title challenge. These next few weeks are vital, so bring the kids, grab a hot dog, and let s create an atmosphere that only Hakoah fans can create!! First Grade kicks off at 7 pm. Reserves at 5 pm. The Feds Youths are up against Hills Brumbies earlier that day, also at Hensley. Game times are: Under am Under am

16 Under am Under pm Under pm That is this week s edition. For any comments, please hakoah.feds@gmail.com. To unsubscribe, please reply unsubscribe. Written by: Sarah Gill, members of the Feds Committee, and private anonymous contributors including Ricky Friede.

In this week s edition, we wrap up all the results from Round 1 as well as looking at the lighter sides of a tough start to the season.

In this week s edition, we wrap up all the results from Round 1 as well as looking at the lighter sides of a tough start to the season. Editor: Mark Jamison Welcome to the Season It was a stern reminder