9 GRADE NERO TH
9th Grade Premier Team Western Springs Nero take the honours at the Eastern Suburbs tournament. Images by Francine Cameron (except team photo)
It is the 9th grade premier team’s first year in the AFF and the teams are on a high learning and fast improvement curve. At the Eastern Suburbs tournament on 11 May, WS Nero proved how far they have already come by taking out the Championship Cup at the tournament. The team got off to a flying start by beating Forest Hill 7-0 in their first pool match. Maxi Beullens was on fire with a five goal haul in the first game shooting from left wing, right wing and sneaking a couple from the far post
able to break through with a skilful goal, with Onehunga only matching the goal late in the second half to tie 1-1. Finishing second in their pool play saw the team move into the Championship rounds only to face Eastern Suburbs Lilywhites in the quarter finals who had also beaten the team in their AFF round matches a couple of weeks prior. The competition was close and the team pulled out a 2-1 victory. Maxi Beullens got the team off to a flying start making a break out on the right wing and sailing a ball into the top left hand corner of the goal. Eastern Suburbs matched the goal but Joe Berman used his blistering pace to create an opportunity to score his third goal for the tournament. Our awesome defenders Toby Duff, Justin Chan, Henry Avery and Kalan Hanks-Papalli stayed strong and determined and gave their all to ensure the team hung onto their lead to make it to the semi-finals where we met Fencibles. The semi-finals were all about the defence for both teams. Kalan Hanks-Papalli lead our charge on determination as he con-
second shooter from each team it was still nil all. Joe Wallis stepped out of goal to take his penalty and slammed through a great strike to put Nero up 1-0. Fencibles then equalled with their last shooter. Our last shooter was Maxi Beullens who slotted his penalty into the bottom right hand corner to put Nero up 2-1 and into the grand final against Birkenhead Blazers. The kids were looking exhausted giving everything they had to the previous games—everyone was running out of steam but not our awesome defence of Toby Duff,
Tony Duff stealing the ball
Maxi Beullens on the sprint from great crosses from Toby Duff and Henry Avery. Joe Wallis also scored two strength goals, powering shots into goal assisted by Will Smith and Joe Berman. The team had a spring in their step but most importantly has listened well to their coach Wayne Young keeping their shape, passing well and applying great pressure. Their second pool game they tied 2-2 against Eastern Suburbs Black a well fought clash with neither team giving an inch. Joe Berman delivered two great goals from breaks up the wing and Joe Wallis scored another two strong goals assisted by Will Smith and Maxi Beullens. The game also saw very strong defence from Justin Chan and Henry Avery who never gave the opposition space. The third pool match saw the team playing Onehunga Sports who had beaten the kids in their first round AFF match 10-3. The kids kept the game tight through relentless chase and defence by Justin Chan, Leo Young and Toby Duff. Finally Will Smith was
20 June 2014 www.wsafc.org.nz
Joe Berman and Henry Avery working together on attack
tinually stopped the surging of the Fencibles attack, along with Toby Duff and Justin Chan who ran their hearts out and tackled hard. Key strength in midfield by Henry Avery and Leo Young enabled Nero to be constantly pressuring and attacking the ball. Again the boys kept their shape, gave great pressure and passed the ball well—everything their coach asked from them. Full time saw a nil all draw, so the result was to be decided by a penalty shoot out from four kids from each team on the field. It was a tight contest some close misses and some great saves by our keeper Joe Wallis. After the
Justin Chan and Kalan Hanks-Papalli who were miraculous and tenacious to the end. Adding to that the fight of Henry Avery and Leo Young in the mid field to support our gallant yet tiring attackers, Maxi Beullens, Joe Wallis, Will Smith and Joe Berman. The kids (superbly lead by their coach Wayne Young) worked as a strong team, passing, tackling, never giving up to give themselves and their fabulous coach a 2-1 victory in the grand final. Joe Wallis and Will Smith delivering the goals for the team to bring home the silverware and the best mother’s day ever! Thanks to all the coaches and players of the other Western Springs teams at the tournament who stuck around to cheer the boys on through the finals—they really appreciated the support and great club spirit!
Kate Beddoe