SAPSASA Soccer
IN the first week of July the Lower Eyre Peninsula boys and girls soccer teams, competed in the SAPSASA soccer championship in Adelaide.
These teams played at the Victoria Park racecourse against other districts in South Australia.
Students on both teams played at a high level and the encouragement and support the students gave each other was very impressive.
The boys team was successful in winning five of their games and drawing two, coming fourth overall within the third division.
Many boys were successful in scoring over the week, with Nick Jones, Reece Lindsay and Kurtis Evenden working well in the forward lines.
Sam Taylor and Brandon Filsell displayed great footwork with Joe Bawden and Harry Carslake working well as goalies, with some spectacular saving dives and constantly putting their bodies on the line.
Tom Hennell, Daniel Zimmerman and Zach Ianniello did a great job of passing the ball when setting up for goals and the team was greatly assisted with the speed and determination of Riley Hains, Kane Ingerson and Lachlan Christie.
Miles Christie was strong in mid-field, constantly intercepting the ball and backing up team-mates, and Joseph Horgan was able to put in a great effort for half a game, even though he was injured in the week before the carnival.
Although the girls were unable to win a game throughout the week, they pulled together as a team and it was amazing to see the improvements they made in relation to their use of communication and skill development.
Elona Gulino was a brilliant captain of the team, who strove to keep team spirits high and was a very determined and athletic player.
Sheridan Howell and Crystal Seaman worked very well as goalies with many skilful saves throughout the week.
Claudia Gulino worked very well to intercept the ball in defence, supported by Millie Nankivell, who played hard and ensured she was the first to the ball.
Keely Etherington, Georgia LeBrun and Kendall Howell shone in midfield, consistently moving the ball forward and sharing passes.
Shannon Evenden and Emily Graetz played their hearts out in the forward lines with many exciting shots for goal.
Kaitlin Jacobs received praise for her speed, Maggie Kavanagh contested the ball at all opportunities and made strong passes.
Joe Perone did a fantastic job in training and coaching the boys team, as did Cameron Graetz who took the girls for the first time this year.
Both coaches shared playing time equally amongst the students, who benefited greatly from their expertise.
Although the conditions were not perfect at the beginning of the week, with temperatures being low and rain turning areas of the racecourse into mud, the students received a huge amount of support from their family and friends.
Both teams are to be congratulated on their efforts over the week and the positive way they represented Lower Eyre Peninsula.
Thank you to all of the parents and friends who supported the students over the week and also assisted with the management of the team and running of games.