The under-9s and 10 had a gala day scheduled at Valentine Park but the heavy rain caused the cancellation of the games. The teams were devastated but have another week to prepare before they get stuck into the season. 

The under-11s and 12s got a run were set to play at their home ground in Nowra but the wet weather forced a change in destination. The match was moved to the Sutherland opposition’s home ground at Miranda which was synthetic super grass. 

The 11s are building nicely into their season and seem to have taken the next step up in their performance, which comes with another year’s maturity. 

The boys combined excellently at times with their passing, cutting right through the Sutherland team time-and-time again. One such play created the first goal.

Sutherland found it hard to cope and an inevitable foul on the edge of their box was given to Southern Branch, the resultant free kick was smashed into the net by Fred Ash. 

The games are never easy and a good hard battle followed.

Lachlan Scott, Campbell Cox-Barlow, Kynan Denford and George Lewis were kept busy at the back. They not only made life tough for the Sutherland attackers, but won the ball and broke quickly and with quality each time.

Bayley Cash and Oscar Lambie took time to stable the mid-field but eventually showed great control and confidence, while the forwards battled hard to link the play and create chances.

Rowan Davies had an all time best performance and was rewarded with Southern Branch’s second goal. 

However the most mature and complete display came from Aaron Hage in goals. Shot stopping, aerial punching and sweeper keeping gave the defence an added quality that Sutherland couldn't adjust too.

The under-12s started their game, well playing the positive constructive brand of soccer coaches expected from them, as they are growing in confidence as individual players and as a team.  

Spencer was out due to injury so Tzar from the Nowra squad, did a great job and kept for the whole game.

After the initial positive forward play the under-12s did concede a couple of goals. It would be fair to say these two goals were against the run of play and resulted from some fast Sutherland counters.

Overall the team’s decision making was good but the extra pressure applied by Sutherland impacted the player’s execution. But by the end of the first half the team had rallied and adapted to Sutherland’s high-intensity play.

Sutherland’s increasing frustration at not being able to penetrate into the forward third became evident as they resorted to long range shots on goal, directly due to the increased effectiveness of the team’s defensive structure of Charlotte, Riley, Keegs and Talon.

With some adjustments to the players positions, Southern Branch came out for the second half, with the intensity to match Sutherland, led by Riley’ and his never stop running style of play.  

Although very busy, Riley was measured in his solo runs and linked up very effectively with the other forwards Archie, Keegs and Harry all of whom enjoyed cracking shots on goal.

Southern’s goal tally for the second half was three with Archie, Riley and Keegs sharing the spoils.

Each goal showcased the attacking creativity and talent this player group has, as well as their increasing confidence and ability to be effective against quality opposition in the attacking third of the field.

The grand stand, full of Southern supporters, were treated to a wonderfully entertaining match, full of twists and turns where Southern always looked threatening and dangerous. 

-Craig Ash and Brad Davis