Soccer
17 June, 2024
Falcons under-12s secure tremendous victory
The Horsham Falcons under-12s soccer team defeated Warrnambool Rangers 3-1 at Ararat on Sunday to record their second win in the 2024 South West Victorian Football Association season.
The Rangers kicked the first goal of the game but Htoo Say Lwe Wah equaled the game for the Falcons with a great goal halfway through the first half.
Wah then scored his second late in the half to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead at half time.
In the second half, the Rangers were stronger but the Falcons repelled their attacks with Breeze Bingarape slotting a goal to give the Falcons a 3-1 lead.
The Rangers battled hard, but the Falcons held on to win 3-1.
Coach Gavin McRoberts said the boys fought hard, especially after losing their regular goalkeeper.
"Caleb Dickerson-Williams stepped up into goalkeeper and he did brilliantly, taking the job on by making some great saves which prevented the opposition from scoring," McRoberts said.
"The boys had to fight harder and they managed to repel attacks and play well which was pleasing to see, especially after being down early in the match."
Earlier, the under-14s lost to Stawell 2-6 in what was an improved performance.
In the pre-season, Stawell thrashed them, but it was a different team this time around with the Falcons improving and growing with confidence in each game they play.
It was goal-for-goal in the first half with the Falcons trailing 3-2 at half time. Kaden Thomas and Paxton Michael were the goal scorers for the Falcons.
In the second half, Stawell put up another three goals to win 6-2.
Gavin McRoberts said the boys were brilliant.
"The boys took it right up to Stawell and we could have scored a few more goals in the first half, but unfortunately couldn't put it into the back of the net," McRoberts said.
"In the second half we had plenty of the ball but couldn't capitalise on our opportunities but comparing this to the other games, there was a massive improvement across the board.
"The Stawell coach came up to me after the game and said he was impressed at how much improvement has been made in such a short time."
"The boys have been working hard and if they keep working the way they are, the results will come."
The seniors traveled to Scotts Creek to take on the Corangamite Lions, and it was another improved display from the Falcons, who only had nine players compared to the Lions' 11.
They lost 6-0 after trailing by two at half time, but captain Noah Talbot said under the circumstances, it was a very pleasing result.
"We operated well as a unit and had a tight midfield and considering we were undermanned, to bring it up to them was a great effort," Talbot said.
"We ran out of steam in the end. The Lions had 90% of the possession and we were chasing all day so we did well to hold our shape and we are improving every week.
"We are setting goals as a group and we are achieving them internally. A lot of these players hadn't played on a full-size pitch before and we are still building chemistry, so to put in that performance, was a sensational result."
"Everyone is committed and everyone wants to achieve good results and that will come."