First Grade Play for the Title This Sunday at Northbridge!! THIS IS THE BIGGEST GAME IN THE HISTORY OF THE CLUB!!

Transcription

1 In this week s edition, we preview the blockbuster clash for the First Grade to win the title and promotion, whilst also wrapping up the Feds Youths regular season, with a look to the final series ahead. First Grade Play for the Title This Sunday at Northbridge!! It the situation that everyone has been waiting for. THIS SUNDAY, THE FEDS FIRST GRADE PLAY FOR THE TITLE OF DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONS. Standing in their way are Northbridge FC. As the table stands, Hakoah and Northbridge are equal on points and goal difference. Northbridge sit on top of Hakoah only as a result of goals scored. THIS IS THE BIGGEST GAME IN THE HISTORY OF THE CLUB!! WE WANT EVERYONE THERE AT NORTHBRIDGE TO PUSH OUR BOYS HOME IN THIS EPIC BATTLE!!! Game details: FIRST GRADE KICK OFF AT 3 PM NORTHBRIDGE OVAL, SAILORS BAY ROAD, NORTHBRIDGE TELL YOUR FRIENDS, BRING THE FAMILY, AND COME CHEER ON YOUR FIRST GRADE SIDE INTO DIVISON 1!!!!! Chopping Up Chopin: First Grade Easily Dispose of the Rangers Report submitted by the Hakoah Feds Committee.

2 With just two games remaining, the Feds First Grade were out to dismiss of Chopin Park Rangers to ensure a blockbuster finish in the final round against Northbridge. Chopin Park had mustered a 2-2 draw against Hakoah in the first Round fixture, punishing a wasteful Hakoah side by scoring in the last play of the game. Taking no chances, Coach Mark Robertson sent out a full strength line up, which looked as follows: Terry DalBroi Marc Kacen (c) Joe Vrkic Pat Darvill Greg Moss Daan Ranshuijsen Nathan Kosmina Neil Jablonski Jon Pillemer Justin Kosmina Rani Rimmer Bench: Seamus Dowd, Adam Joseph, Moshe Wakil, David Helfenbaum. Taking no chances early, Hakoah exploded out of the blocks, launching wave after wave of attacks at the Chopin Park goal. Chopin were stranded in their half, watching on as the classy Hakoah side tore them apart. Despite these attacks, it wasn t until the 23 rd minute when Jon Pillemer finished off a Rani Rimmer cross that the deadlock was finally broken. Pillemer turned creator in the 37 th minute, when he beat his man on the right flank cold, before putting a pinpoint cross in for Justin Kosmina to flick past the keeper. Not to be left off the scoresheet, Neil Jablonski added to the score line in the 43 rd minute, heading home off a Nathan Kosmina cross. Coming into the second half, Hakoah took their foot off the pedal, conserving their energies with one eye already on the final game against Northbridge. Changes were made to ensure no suspensions could be given for five yellow cards, which allowed Chopin to come back into the game. Although they grabbed one back in the 57 th minute, Justin Kosmina closed any hopes of a dramatic

3 comeback by finishing off in the 74 th minute after some great lead up work from Moshe Wakil. The match ended 4-1, with the focus now clearly on securing the title and promotion this Sunday against Northbridge. The Hakoah Feds First Grade now sit in 2 nd place on the ladder, due to Goals Scored. The title will be decided next week at Northbridge!! First Grade Table After Round 25 POS TEAM P W L D F A GD PTS 1 Northbridge FC Hakoah Luddenham United Prospect United Roosters FC Hawkesbury City SC Springwood Fairfield Wanderers FC Chopin Park Rams FC Hurstville City Minotaurs Nepean FC Bathurst Belmore Hercules Gazy Lansvale The Reserves were up against Chopin Park in a massive game for both sides. A win would be crucial to securing finals football for both teams. Chopin stacked their side with First Graders, with the intention to blow Hakoah away. However, the Hakoah boys stepped up to the challenge in a fiercely contested affair that saw some great football, albeit without many clear-cut chances. The match descended into a physical contest in the second half, of which no side was able to stamp their authority on the match to find a winner. The game ended 0-0, leaving the Reserves with a must-win clash against Northbridge on Sunday to make the finals. The Hakoah Feds Reserve Grade now sit in 5 th place on the ladder. Catching Camden: The Feds Youths Tie the Day Against the Tigers

4 In the last round of the regular season, the Feds Youths were up against the might of Camden Tigers. With three sides already confirmed to be playing finals football, it was a question of positions in the top five that were dominating debate prior to the games. Under 13 The Under 13s were already aware that they couldn t win the Minor Premiership before their kick off against Camden, with Southern Branch taking out top spot with a win earlier in the week. This may have been playing on the boys minds, as they lost 0-4 in a shock performance against the Tigers. Regardless, the side can make immediate amends, as they are up against Camden this week in the first week of the Finals. The Under 13s finished the regular season in 3 rd position on the table. Under 14 Report submitted by Jeff Engelman. Photos by Kevin Berkowitz. The Under 14s were already confirmed to be playing Camden in the first week of the Finals, and were out to score a psychological win in this clash. A tight first half arm-wrestle was devoid of many scoring chances for either side. Coming out of the sheds for the second period, Hakoah began to push the boundaries, playing a more adventurous style of football. They were soon rewarded when a keeper mistake, forced by Jonathan Solomon, saw the ball fall to an unmarked Greg Ellerine, who made no mistake. Camden grabbed an equaliser midway through the half, until Mark Filler hit a long-range shot-cross, which sailed over the Tiger s keeper s outstretched hand. The match ended with Hakoah winning 2-1. The boys now take that win into this week, with a repeat match-up against Camden in the first week of the Finals. The Under 14s finished the regular season in 4 th position on the ladder.

5 Under 14 Greg Ellerine, seen here earlier on in the season, netted the opener against Camden. Under 15 Report submitted by Brian Bernard. Photos by Rob Rosen. The Under 15s were out to finish their season on a high against Camden, and to ensure a top seven finish. The boys dominated in an impressive display, going 2-0 up through goals to Jason Cohen and James Puterflam. However, Camden managed to claw their way back, scoring twice in the late stages of the match to end the game 2-2. It was a sad end to a great team display from the side, who showed great professionalism in fighting to the very end despite playing in what was a dead-rubber. The Under 15s finished the regular season in 7 th position on the ladder.

6

7 Under 15 James Puterflam is only slightly excited after scoring against Camden. Under 16 Report submitted by Gary Binskin. Photos by Rob Rosen.

8 The Under 16s were out to secure a 2 nd place finish, after results the day before ended their Minor Premiership defence. Ever the side to rise to the occasion, the boys dominated Camden in a thrilling display of attacking flair that saw Hakoah go 3-0 up at half time. Gareth Milner, Robbie Ezekiel and Sam Wrublewski all found the net. The Camden keeper was committed to keeping the score line somewhat respectful, stopping many Hakoah attacks in the second half, including a penalty. Camden grabbed a consolation, but this was always going to be Hakoah s day. The boys now will face off against Stanmore Hawks in the first round of the Finals. The Under 16s finished the regular season in 2 nd position on the ladder. Under 16s Wes Hamburger (left) and Justin Malek (right) get up for a header against Camden.

9 Under 18 The Under 18s fell to a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Camden in a disappointing end to the season. The boys played some great football in parts, but again lacked the consistency of a full 90 minutes performance that has plagued them all year. The Under 18s finished the regular season in 8 th position on the ladder. Club Championship The Feds Youths had their most successful year in the Club s history this season, finishing in the top five of the Club Championship for the first time ever. This is a credit to the tireless efforts of the players and coaching staff. Hakoah finished in 4 th place in the Club Championship. Road to the Finals With Dino D Agrosa Each week we will be checking-in with Feds First Grade defender Dino D Agrosa for an insight into the First Grade s push to the finals from within the looking glass. Dino, known somewhat as the Loch Ness Monster, has been injured for a large part of this season. However, he has a way with words that we feel can give everyone a strong understanding of the First Grade side (largely pointing out their foibles!!). We are all looking forward to his weekly segments.

10 Twitter...not sure what it's all about and to be honest I thought it was cockney rhyming slang along the lines of "Gary Glitter..." Social Networking and it's follies have now become an integral part of the beautiful game from Joey Barton's poetic Tweets about his current employers Newcastle United and the infamous Tweet by Becky Doyle."Pissed off with my husband getting in at 4am with fossy and waking me up. Celebrate next week when your safe. Have some respect." Birmingham City goalkeeper Colin Doyle arrived home late with teammate Ben Foster and precipitated this Tweet from the wife. Birmingham were later relegated. So, with some spare time, I decided to see what our first grade players Tweeted over the last few weeks... Hey I m back in town bra where are you I need a cuddle xx? - Dek Ok I must set my alarm, kick off in t-minus 4hrs, boom!! - Terry Dell if you think I m being fined for being late you re having a laugh - Marc - somebody tell me - Greg I never touched him with my elbow ref honest - do us a favour #Northbridge please boys!? Pretty please. - Multiple First Graders Tweets that got lost somewhere near yeah you re a cat I said to just kick you..haha - Seamus absolutely no chance I m ringing, I give up I m knackered I need a holiday - JP s mobile hello mate not seen you all season - Hensley Changing Room Hey bra I ve missed you soooo much cannot wait til we head out to the Toolshed together tonight for old times sake - Mike Jablonski mate I m going to call you Neil from now on - Paddy Darvill

11 @CarlCoxDJ Sorry speakersh are bookedsh for thish weekendsh gamesh Daan Our penultimate game of the normal season against Chopping Rams in a Park went according to plan. We got out of the blocks and looked very sharp, the boys had won the game in the first half with a superb display of football. Even my bench warming buddy and part time veterinarian Vic the Vet decided it was reminiscent of his time on the terraces watching the mighty Maccabi Tel Aviv. Another hurdle out of the way! In other news the first graders welcomed back Deklan Gilmartin during the week to bolster our squad. Next up Northbridge The first graders look forward to your support on Sunday! Editors Note: AJ Adam Joseph Daan Daan Ranshuijsen Vic Feds Opens Physio Preview for the Finals: The Feds Youth Sides that Will be Challenging for the Trophy With the regular season now complete, the Hakoah Feds Youths have three teams competing in the Finals series. The Finals series comprises of the top 5 teams in each competition. The Final series works in the following way: Week 1: 2 nd vs 3 rd ; 4 th vs 5 th Week 2: (Winner 2 nd vs 3 rd ) vs 1 st ; (Loser 2 nd vs 3 rd ) vs (Winner 4 th vs 5 th ) Week 3: [Loser (Winner 2 nd vs 3 rd ) vs 1 st ] vs [Winner (Loser 2 nd vs 3 rd ) vs (Winner 4 th vs 5 th )] Week 4: Winner first game of Week 2 vs Winner Week 3 That all pretty confusing, but effectively it means that teams that have come in the top 3 get two chances in the Finals. Here is a quick preview of the road:

12 Under 13 The Under 13s finished the season off in 3 rd place on the ladder. As a result, they are up against 2 nd placed Camden Tigers. The Under 13s played Camden in Round 13 and Round 26 of this season. Round 13: Hakoah won 2-1. Round 26: Hakoah lost 0-4. The game details are: Date: Sunday 28 th August 2011 Kick Off: 8.45 am Venue: Ron Dine Reserve, Cowper Drive, Camden. Under 14 The Under 14s finished the season in 4 th position, and are also up against Camden Tigers, who finished 5 th on the ladder. The Under 14s have won and lost against Camden this season. Round 13: Hakoah lost 0-1. Round 26: Hakoah won 2-1. The game details are: Date: Saturday 27 th August 2011 Kick Off: am Venue: Bensons Lane, Richmond. Under 16 The Under 16s finished the season in 2 nd position, and are up against their longtime rivals Stanmore Hawks, who finished in 3 rd. The Under 16s have won and lost against Stanmore this season, in Round 9 and Round 22.

13 Interestingly, this is the same two sides that contested last year s Grand Final, where Stanmore prevailed. Round 9: Hakoah won 3-1. Round 22: Hakoah lost 2-3. The game details are: Date: Sunday 28 th August 2011 Kick Off: 1.15 am Venue: Ron Dine Reserve, Cowper Drive, Camden. The Race to the Golden Boot and Golden Glove With the Feds Youth sides finishing their regular season, and the Feds Opens with just one game remaining, all eyes are on the tables as the Golden Boot and Golden Glove Awards are nearing their conclusions. Here are the rules for both awards: 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 Firsts Neil Jablonski 26 2 U13 Jordan Koton 24 3 U16 Josh Shubitz 23 4 U16 Gareth Milner 21 5 U18 Jack Watts 11 6 U16 Sam Wrublewski 11 7 U14 Mikey Herman 10 8 U13 Brad Paikin 10

14 The Victor Sports Golden Glove Award: Team Name Goals Conceded Games Played Reserves Gil Pollak, David Helfenbaum U16 Harry Rosen Firsts Adam Sonnabend, Terry DalBroi U13 Brad Sarif U14 David Booth U15 Max Nightingale U18 Liam Jeffreys 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. A Quick Thank You As the Feds Youths are entering Finals, with some teams ending their season already, and with the Feds Opens about to finish the regular season, I thought it would be due time to say a quick thank you. This newsletter could not be put together without all the reports sent in every week by the respective age group journalists and photographers. I don t need to name them, but I sincerely thank you for all the help. Also, the contributors that help make this newsletter interesting and fresh are invaluable. They often ask to remain anonymous, but their help must be acknowledged. And a big thank you to everyone that reads, and gives me feedback, on the newsletter. I am always open to new ideas, and encourage everyone to send me a comment, whether positive, negative or just random to hakoah.feds@gmail.com Don t forget, this is your newsletter and we want to hear from you!! Thanks again, Sarah Awards of the Week Player of the Week: After putting in week s of stellar performances, Under 14 Mark Filler was once again the hero from the Under 14 s Final Series warmup match against Camden Tigers.

15 With the game held at 1-1, Filler put away what can only be described as a crossshot that floated into the back of the net to give his side the 2-1 edge. Known as Mr. Pinpoint for his accuracy off corners, Filler has been an instrumental part of the Under 14s success this season. For another big performance, capped off scoring the winning goal, Filler is this week s Player of the Week. Under 14 Mark Filler is this week s Player of the Week. Blunder of the Week: There must be something with the First Graders copping cheap shots to the nether regions. During the First Grade match against Chopin Park, Nathan Kosmina managed to get a clean hit, from point blank, with the ball straight to the well his crown jewels. Clearly in agony, Kosmina hobbled around the pitch for the next five minutes, to the utter amusement of the crowd. In a moment of hilarity, Kosmina was shortly afterwards given a great through ball into the box. However, as he attempted to get to the ball, he was forced to pull up short. Sources from the ground said the grimace on his face was a definite highlight of the match.

16 It was also rumoured that goalkeeper Adam Sonnabend, who is still recovering from putting Father s Day on the line, was in the stands watching with clenched fists as Kosmina went down. If anyone knows what that feels like, its Sonnabend!! For providing such entertainment, Nathan Kosmina wins this week s Blunder of the Week. For taking a football to the groin, Nathan Kosmina is this week s Blunder winner. The Upcoming Week This week is the biggest game in the history of the Feds First Grade, as they battle Northbridge for the title. WE WANT YOU ALL THERE TO HELP GET OUR BOYS HOME!! Game details are: Sunday 28 th August 2011 Northbridge Oval, Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge First Grade kicks off at 3 pm.

17 Reserves kick off at 1 pm. The Feds Youths are playing Finals football, with the Under 13s, Under 14s and Under 16s all in contention. Game Details are: Saturday 27 th August 2011 Bensons Lane, Richmond Under 14s vs Camden Tigers Kick off: am Sunday 28 th August 2011 Ron Dine Reserve, Cowper Drive, Camden Under 13s vs Camden Tigers kick off 8.45 am Under 16s vs Stanmore Hawks kick off 1.15 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.