Strong efforts by Island juniors

U10 Blue

At the Kennel this week, Captains Dash and Jonty led the Island Blue team against the Leongatha Parrots.

Early on, Reeve's superb intercept mark sent the ball forward enabling Captain Dash to put the first goal away.

The brilliant teamwork continued into the second quarter, with the team playing in front and working hard against the wind.

Sunny and Ethan proved key players in the midfield, working the ball forward.

A mark and quick goal from Eddie, and a goal to Reeve rounded out the first half.

Cooper's tenacious defence - sometimes taking on multiple Parrots - saved goals and Sunny wowed the crowd with a chasing tackle.

The final quarter brought intense play in Leongatha's forward line.

Captain Jonty was crucial in defence, and Leith and Logan's bumps and tackles were instrumental in a hard-fought battle to keep the ball away from the goals.

Awards: Oscar "Boots", Reeve, Elijah and Jonty.

U14 Red

This round, the Island U14s were off to play against Inverloch in cold and windy conditions.

They started off well with Maddi Leed winning the first clearance out of the middle, their tackling was strong throughout the first quarter (led by the big boys Bailey Parry and Callum Chambers).

Despite the Island's efforts, Inverloch are a strong side and were able to get a couple of goals in the first quarter, rendering the scores 16-0 in Inverloch's favour by the quarter time break.

Into the second quarter and it was Zane Larsson and Archer Bailey-Cox leading the way with their attack on the footy, and tackling being great which led to Dexter Goodall almost getting on the end of a goal.

Dustin Naismith and Bohdi Cooper were providing great pressure in the forward line and Maddi was reading the ball well in the backline.

The Island were unable to score though - 38-0 at half time.

The third quarter got underway with Archer and Bailey laying some big tackles to set the tone for the quarter and it was the little fellas of Jett Fawaz and Bohdi cooper providing the front half pressure.

However, Inverloch were too strong - 63-0 at three quarter time.

The final quarter began with Zane from the midfield being clean below his knees and showing off his skills to get the ball into dangerous areas, which led to Bohdi getting an opportunity which he only just missed.

However, Dexter took a massive, contested mark from a good set up kick from Jackson Allan, allowing him to kick a goal.

Despite a tough display on the scoreboard, the Island has shown consistent improvement in their efforts against a quality team.

Scores: Inverloch 10.9.69. Phillip Island 1.2.8.

Best players: Maddi Leed, Callum Chambers, Archer Bailey-Cox, Dexter Goodall, Bailey Parry and Zane Larsson

U14 Girls

On Sunday July 28, Phillip Island's U14 Girls caught a surprisingly sunny break in the day to take on Inverloch. 

The team took feedback at quarter time to up their game in the second, third and fourth quarter to make the game fast paced and competitive.

The Island's backliners were a fierce group, putting pressure on Inverloch's forwards to prevent scoring shots.

The midfielders excelled in attacking the ball, getting it down to the forwards who worked efficiently as a team to assist Isabella in a hat trick of the Island's three goals for the game.

Persistence, pressure and positive energy proved highlights for the Island girls.

Scores: Inverloch 7.7.49. Phillip island 3.2.20.