University Of Wollongong Football Club

                  FOOTBALL  CLUB

NEWSLETTER No 9:   2009                                          June

UNI’S BIG FINISH TO FIRST HALF OF SEASON

Round nine of the IFA City Coast Credit Union District League saw all three Uni IFA teams at home for only the second time this season on a heavy Kooloobong pitch following the recent persistent rain. And what a successful day it turned out to be!

In first grade Uni welcomed their 2007/2008 grand final nemesis Berkeley Sports FC for a match which promised to bring out the best in an underperforming Uni outfit. The challenge to be the first team this season to take as much as a point off the competition leaders should have been enough to lift the side and from the kick-off it was apparent that this was going to be a memorable game for the good crowd in attendance. The game opened at a lively and competitive pace, keeping the officials alert. After an even first twenty minutes Uni was the first to score just on the half-hour, the outcome of a fine piece of clinical and quick passing which found Dave Boscoscuro on the end of it as he beat the opposition keeper well with a low left foot shot into the corner. Again the contest was even and competitive. A free-kick awarded to the visitors as the half came to a close was enough to have the scores at 1 goal each by HT.

The second period was no less dramatic. Each team had a player dismissed as the pressure proved too much for them to handle. With a ten-a-side game chances were bound to open up at both ends. The Uni defense kept its composure and concentration, while the opposition in its efforts to find a winner left itself exposed at the back. A through ball to substitute Pete Richardson saw the defender with a clear path to goal and the Uni faithful rose as one when his precisely placed chip floated over the GK and just under the crossbar to crease the net in the most perfect way with five minutes remaining.  2 – 1 Uni at the end and well deserved. No doubt the boys will be anticipating the return game at BSC in the last match before the finals.

In Youth Grade Uni confronted an evenly matched opponent with at least one very over aged player in their starting eleven. The side is showing they are up for the task and gave as good as they got and even when the visitors took the lead kept to their game plan. Persistent pressure was rewarded just on HT when a Uni player was adjudged to have been fouled and the ref pointed to the spot, allowing Johnno Cook to equalize for the home team. The second half was again evenly contested in both the physical and verbal sense as neither team was able to break the deadlock, each taking a point. It is encouraging for coach Nathan Broad to see how his players are showing more confidence as they now play to win for the full ninety minutes, and are not just satisfied with a draw. Well done to the youthies!

In Division one  the Uniressies started the second half of their league against Bellambi FC. After conceding an early goal, the team was rarely troubled by the opponent, and goals to  Richmond and Matt Harvey had them in front by HT. The second half was none the less convincing and apart from some tiredness and a lack of composure in front of goal, the score could have blown out against a pedestrian defense. As it was sub Nathan Broad came on and scored from a free kick (very soft!), and then again to give Uni an easy  4 – 1 victory.

In the Uni women’s teams the Hippos 1 had an 11 goals to nil walk over against Woonona 2, while the Hippos 2 side went down 0 – 4 to Woonona 1. The champion Hippos 1 side will play in the final of the State Cup v Cronulla at Parklea no 1 on Sunday 5^th July  at 2.15pm. Congratulations and Good Luck to the girls from all at UOWFC! This side has also qualified for the IWFA INFOCUS Association Cup final on 12^th July against Albion Park.

While little has been heard from the IAFA teams, they too are in the second half of their season. In Div1 the Uniwolves lie in 3^rd /11 teams with 25 points from 13 games; in Div2 the Unibombers are 7^th/12 with 20 pts from 13 games, and Uniathletic are 11^th/12 with 8 pts from 13 games; Div3 Uni6 are 7^th/12 with 16pts from 13 games; Masters2 Unigangrenes are 11^th/12 with 5 pts from 12 games.

From the Committee: Lindsay reports that the MID-SEASON FUNCTION has been set down for Friday 24^th July at the Master Builders. While it is appreciated that this may not suit teams playing on Saturday, this is the best date available as there are no Saturdays free at this time of year. We need to get a good rollup for a good night. You can go easy on the beer and go home early, and still have a good time!!

A reminder - Teams using Kooloobong Grounds are expected to put rubbish in the bins provided after games, as well put away the nets etc. A bit of a clean up saves a lot of work for other people. Thanks!

Congratulations to firstgrade captain Tor Preece who is currently leading the IFA CCCUDL best and fairest points score at the halfway mark. Go Tor!

While on the topic of Uni players who are going well, ex-Uni captain and now Tarrawanna captain Tim O’Brien is well up with the leaders in the Illawarra Mercury Premier League b&f points score at the half way point, while Uni 2007/2008 captain Rob Denmead is going well with the Fernhill club who are currently in second spot in the Premier League. Good to see these players doing well in the higher division. One day it is hoped talented players will not need to leave Uni to achieve their football ambitions.  

For all information on club events, scores, photos and news check out the Club’s website http//unisoccerclub.spaces.live.com

University of Wollongong Football Club Inc ; 

President - David Boscoscuro    ph: 0422417833

Secretary – Shannon Rickersey  ph: 0431757030

NEWSLETTER No 8:   2009                                          June

Double header for Uni teams

Last weekend was a big one for the Uni teams with games on Saturday and Sunday keeping players busy.

Saturday saw the firsts and YG  up against Thirroul at Slacky Flat.

This is a unique environment for football with the pitch in the middle of a trotting/dog track, while the spectators sit in the stand over 50 metres away.

Anyhow the firsts started off  looking to score an early goal and they dominated the ball in the early part of the game without scoring. Thirroul came back into the match as the first half ended as anybodies game at 0 – 0.  Early in the second period Dan Baker had a one on one which the GK managed to block and then Paul Buchanan had a header skim the cross bar. In such a tight situation chances must be taken and Thirroul took the lead when Barass was beaten by a good shot into the top corner. As the gloom of a rainy, overcast afternoon settled in, Uni were unable to find an equalizer and were forced to leave with nothing to show for their efforts.

Youth grade also had a frustrating afternoon as they looked to achieve their first win of the season. The first half showed some positive signs for the team, and HT came with neither side registering a score. As the second half progressed, Uni started to knock the ball around well and pushed their more highly placed opponents. A goal against the run of play from a corner had the home side in front and signalled a Uni collapse. Two more goals and they were three down, before Johnno Cook scored after good work from Jack Parle. It ended with Uni 1 – 3 down.

The Division 1 team had a tough assignment away at Woonona. Thanks to goals from Richmond and a screamer from Bolty, they lead 2 – 0 at HT. Resolute defence saw them hold off the opponent and Raph did well to keep a clean sheet in the Uni goal. The boys were well satisfied to come away with a 2 – 0 win.

Sunday saw for the first time this season, all three IFA teams at Kooloobong. The first grade needed to win against Bellambi  and they started well when Bosco flicked his header past the hapless GK from a Tor cross. Not long after this ill-discipline saw a Bellambi player sent from the field. More drama was to follow when an opposition defender in attempting to thwart a Uni attacker, suffered a severe break to his leg. This resulted in a long delay while the ambulance people took him to hospital and put back the game by over 30 minutes. Despite a short HT break, the referee was forced to call the game off twenty minutes early due to bad light (Kooloobong’s lights are not up to match standard!), but not before Bellambi had equalized through a shot from outside the box, which just crept inside the post despite Barass’ full length dive. We wait for the IFA’s decision as to a replay.

Youth grade were looking to improve on the previous day’s performance, but went a goal down almost from the kick-off. To their credit they kept their heads up and were able to establish a lead by HT, thanks to goals by Toby and Alex, and lead 2 – 1. The second half was a rugged affair as both sides tried to get a result. Uni held out for a deserved first win of the season, the first of many to come.

The Division 1 side were confident of another win against Ruse after the previous result against Woonona. Possibly underestimating the opponent, they were behind after 3 minutes. Bolty again equalized with a screamer, before the team gave away two goals from set pieces aided by deflections. Matt Harvey pulled one back before HT. At 2 – 3 Uni were in the game and had chances to equalize before Ruse scored their fourth mid-way through the half. Uni dominated possession for the rest of the game but were unable to score and it ended 2 – 4 against.

Congratulations to the HIPPOS 1 team in defeating Woonona 2 –0 in the quarter-finals of the State Cup. They are now into the semis! The HIPPOS 2 team also recorded a good 4 – 1 win against Shellharbour 2 last Sunday in their IWFA Div 1 game.

From the Committee: Teams using Kooloobong Grounds are expected to put rubbish in the bins provided after games, as well as put away the nets etc. A bit of a clean up saves a lot of work for other people. Thanks!

 For all information on club events, scores, photos and news check out the Club’s website http//unisoccerclub.spaces.live.com

University of Wollongong Football Club Inc ; 

President - David Boscoscuro    ph: 0422417833

Secretary – Shannon Rickersey  ph: 0431757030

                  FOOTBALL  CLUB

NEWSLETTER No 7:   2009                                          June

HIGHLIGHTS OF ROUND 6

Over the long weekend the Firsts and YG sides were scheduled to play Kiama away on Saturday and the catch up game against Bellambi on Monday at Kooloobong. However the wet spell closed down Kooloobong (again!!),so that Saturday was the only day’s football played.

 First grade took to the field in a more determined frame of mind than was the case against Helensburgh and their sense of purpose showed from the opening whistle. After the early exchanges were even, Dan Baker opened the scoring for Uni when he fired his shot through an unsuspecting defense following a quick free kick. Goes to show what a bit of creativity and quick thinking can do in this game! Uni held this lead at HT and the second period looked promising until a free kick conceded just outside the area from in front came off the cross bar, allowing an easy tap in by the opposing striker with the defense transfixed. At 1 – 1 the game was tight and yet it was Uni who had the best chances to go ahead as a one V one was pushed wide by Paul Buchanan and Dan B managed to shoot over the top with the goal at his mercy.   Bolty and Richmond came on to add an extra presence to Uni’s attack but the winner did not happen. Still a point at the Quarry looks fair on paper, although the reality could have been better.

 Youth Grade had one of those off days that come the way of most teams in a season every so often. Down 0 – 2 at HT and 0 – 5 at FT just about sums up their day. A massive improvement is expected away at Thirroul this weekend on Saturday and again on Sunday V Bellambi as the team goes about looking for their first win of the season.

Division One had a bye and will be looking to return to the winners list away to Woonona on Saturday.

 In the Amateur (IAFA) teams in Div 1 the Uni Wolves lie in 7^th place after 9 games on 13 points. In Div 2 the Uni Bombers are in 6^th place after 10 games on 16 points  and Uni Athletic are in 10^th place on 7 points after 10 games. In Div 3 Uni6 are in 7^th place with 12 points from 9 games. The Uni Gangrenes are still managing to get around in the Masters 2 comp and are currently in 12th spot with one win and 4 points from 10 games.

 In the IWFA comps Hippos 1 are leading after 6 games undefeated on 18 points in Div 1. In Div 2 the Hippos 2 are in 8^th place with 6 points from 6 games. The H1 team have a big State Cup game against local rivals Woonona in round 4 of this competition this Sunday 14^th June. Good luck to the girls!

 At the June monthly management meeting among the usual matters about fees and money (see Murray) discussion concerned the MID-SEASON FUNCTION which will go ahead. Each team must provide a committee member to organize this so that it will be a success and a good night for everyone.

Also there has been a request from an interested party re establishing a JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB under the banner of UOWFC. It was decided further details are required as to the exact nature of the request.

A canteen audit by the Wollongong Council has indicated that some minor work needs to be done to bring this facility up to standard. This will be undertaken as soon as possible by the club and possibly URAC.

 NOTE: FEES ARE NOW DUE—IFA players give money to Murray Doyle (treasurer); IWFA and IAFA players give money to their team organizer.

 For all information on club events, scores, photos and news check out the Club’s website http//unisoccerclub.spaces.live.com

University of Wollongong Football Club Inc ; 

President - David Boscoscuro    ph: 0422417833

Secretary – Shannon Rickersey  ph: 0431757030

Postal address: C/- University of Wollongong Recreation and Aquatic Centre, Northfields Ave, Gwyneville NSW 2522

Email:  uwsc@hotmail.com

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                  FOOTBALL  CLUB

 

NEWSLETTER No 6:   2009                                          June

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF ROUND 5

 

In heavy conditions the Uni Firsts and Youth Grade teams made the trip to Rex Jackson Oval at Helensburgh last Saturday. This again proved to be a tough assignment and both sides came away without points for their efforts.

 

The first grade team fell behind in the first half by conceding two goals in a dispirited display in which they were unable to compete with their opponent’s speed and use of the football. Uni’s cause was not helped with an injury to Bosco after twenty minutes which could have him out for several weeks. After coach Brod pointed out some relevant facts in his HT address, the players did pick up their game and Paul Buchs got  a goal back to make it 1 – 2. However a late goal to the home side determined the final outcome and at FT it was 1 – 3 down.

 

The story in YG was similar. Up against the competition leader, the boys were down 0 – 3 after 20 minutes courtesy of one of their over age players. Coach Nathan changed around the formation at HT and the second period was a better effort. A goal to Tim made it 1 – 3 before Helensburgh added the fourth late in the match.

 

Division 1 fell to their third defeat of the season at home against Thirroul. The game started off at an entertaining pace and Uni looked good early. Despite this the visitors scored first as the defense was found wanting under pressure. Uni’s reply was positive and Bolty finished off a good piece of play from a poor defensive clearance and then Flash’s long shot found its way to the back of the net to have Uni leading at HT. Again the Uni team dominated the ball early in the second half, only to see poor defensive marking and lack of application find them out. Two second half goals to Thirroul and it was all over in a game Uni should have got something from.

 

The Hippos 1 and 2 teams are still involved in their competitions although no details have been received. The IAFA sides also had a busy weekend, with Uni Athletic scoring a 4 – 2 victory over their comp leader, while the Uni 6 side were soundly defeated in their match. The Bombers had an interesting match against the Figtree amateurs team containing six former members of  Uni’s first/reserves from recent seasons.  It was a case of Uni V X – Uni.

The next club managers meeting will take place on Monday night 8^th June at 7.00 pm at the Builders and all interested members are welcome to attend.

 

NOTE: FEES ARE NOW DUE—IFA players give money to Murray Doyle (treasurer); IWFA and IAFA players give money to their team organizer.

 

 

 

  For all information on club events, scores, photos and news check out the Club’s website http//unisoccerclub.spaces.live.com

 

University of Wollongong Football Club Inc ; 

President - David Boscoscuro    ph: 0422417833

Secretary – Shannon Rickersey  ph: 0431757030

Postal address: C/- University of Wollongong Recreation and Aquatic Centre, Northfields Ave, Gwyneville NSW 2522

Email:  uwsc@hotmail.com