After seeing the end result of the latest police action/raid in Armidale last Friday, the title of the highest city in Australia might be for more reasons than merely altitude. 

Three of our junior sides were down to play in Walcha last Saturday for the first time in many seasons. Unfortunately, the under 7 Sharks had to forfeit due to lack of numbers. 

Not sure how our under 10 Gladiators faired down Walcha way with no news of their match to speak of. I will have to try and track down their overseer and get you some news for next weekend. 

With only 10 players at the Coaches disposal the under 12 Rockets were in for a long day on the field but played themselves to a standstill with some good performances across the park. 

Ricky Nutt and Sam Atkin were both strong for Guyra, with Charlie Wark working really hard in the halves for the Rockets. A fantastic through ball saw Jake Wilson swoop onto the ball fighting off two defenders to slot a beautiful goal with a fantastic strike on the ball. 

This team just needs to work on clearing the ball more effectively from the back and transitioning through the halves. 

Now I have been told to not go too hard on the under 16 Pumas, up against a very fast and damaging TAS side last week. 

So here goes: final score 9–1 to TAS, Brodie Harman 1 goal, points to Laiton Hume 3, Logan Stanley 2 and 1 each to Nick Graham and Kelsey Youman. Can’t say much more without being anything but hard on them unfortunately. 

The under 14 Tigons had a nice 3–0 win over the Ex Servies Gazelles. With Matt Sisson scoring two goals and Sarah Rosten Guyra’s third. 

This side is certainly beginning to combine well together as a team with some nice passing movements throughout the game. 

Carly “The Destroyer” Harman unfortunately broke her third human being in as many matches but was first on hand to offer support. Carly forms a formidable defensive line alongside Gemma Sisson and Kade Stanley who was absolutely outstanding all game. 

Kade, along with Matt Sisson were awarded 3 points with Kasey Gaukroger 2 and 1 point being shared by Cooper Stanley and Sarah Rosten. 

With two full time coaches on hand last week, both issuing orders throughout the game, the under 14 Tigons did not seem to be at all perturbed and powered through the game with ease. 

They are really playing some attractive football with solid defence, mobile halves and a potent attack all combining well together. 

I tried to leave sleeping Pumas lie, but could not succeed and must go back to that 9-1 loss. Although totally outclassed on the day, it must be said that the Pumas did not give up all game and tried to stay with their extremely fast and well drilled opposition. 

The one goal that Guyra did score was sensational with three players giving early ball that was direct and with purpose. Brodie’s strike on the ball from outside the box was fantastic with it crossing the goal keeper’s head and dropping into the corner of the net. 

If only they could have continued throughout with this quality of play. Once again there is very little to no communication from this side, it is a concept that the Pumas are seemingly incapable of understanding. There has to be more talk from the Pumas or they will never be competitive in this, the top level. 

No news this past week from the under 9 Coyotes, and the two under 6 sides, the Guppies and the Cobras. 

Having only six of their regular players available this week the under 9 Lil Caspers played with outstanding guts and commitment. 

Playing a side with a full complement as well as reserves, the Lil Caspers played a game where there were no winners or losers on the day if you get my drift, nudge nudge wink wink. 

Max Raper was outstanding in the midfield and showed some of that fancy footwork that dad Hayden has been imparting upon him, from the great Fergie no doubt. 

Tom Lockyer coming up several grades to help out on the day was impressive helping the Lil Caspers to match it with their opposition.

Playing their best soccer last Saturday for the under 8 Guyra Galaxy were Jaymie Donnelly, Ella Rainger and Emily Jackson. With the Galaxy up against the North Armidale Frogs this almost all girl team enjoyed getting amongst the play and making things difficult for their opposition. 

The under 8 Geckos, under the ever watchful eye of stand-in Coach Bec Tibbs, were also a little short on numbers last week but kept going throughout the game. 

Standout players for the Geckos were: Tom Lockyer who was great in defence and Leigha McElroy who was sensational in goals with this being her first attempt at goalie. Jake Tibbs particularly in the first half attacked well for the Geckos. 

Our little under 7 Giants played very well last Saturday with the Coach particularly proud of her young charges, especially how they attacked the ball in the first half of play. 

With it being extremely difficult to single out anybody in particular, the Coach did state that Ryan Williams probably had his best game of the season and that Summer Tibbs is also starting to get much more involved in play. 

Apparently soccer was the winner in the match played out by the under 7 Hornets; not sure we can use that terminology here for the under 7’s though. Soccer was the non-competitive match made in heaven would be better perhaps. 

Playing against DK this was to be a very closely contested game. The ball was moved around the field by both sides with excellent defence shown across the park. 

With many scoring opportunities available to them, the Hornets were able to convert three chances with goals going to Charlie Ward 1 and Tommy Ryan 2. Cody McLeod was most improved player of the round for the Hornets and was able to steal the ball from his opposition on numerous occasions. 

A thoroughly entertaining 40 minutes of soccer in this encounter for spectators from both sides.

Another hard fought game last week for the under 6 Lazers, with everybody on the pitch giving their very best and never giving up until the end. 

Archie Colvin played great soccer in defence and saved a couple of certain goals with his tenacity. This whole team of Guyra’s youngest players continues to learn and develop their skills from week to week. 

I appreciate the early reports that I am able to get from coaches after play each weekend, it certainly helps me in compiling this report. 

Another home ground round of soccer next weekend with no soccer scheduled for the June long weekend. Round six will commence on Saturday, 13 June. 

Draw for Saturday, 30 May:

Under 6:  Guyra Lazers V TAS White – Guyra 2 at 09:00am, Guyra Cobras V DK Squires – Guyra 3 at 09:00am, Guyra Guppies V Walcha Tigers – Guyra 3 at 10:00am. 

Under 7:  Guyra Hornets V DK St Johns – Guyra 2 at 10:00am, Guyra Giants V Nth Armidale Avengers – Guyra 2 at 10:50am, Guyra Sharks V Walcha Strikers – Guyra 3 at 10:50am. 

Under 8:  Guyra Geckos V Walcha Wizards – Guyra 5 at 09:00am, Guyra Galaxy V East Armidale – Guyra 5 at 10:00am. 

Under 9:  Guyra Lil Caspers V Nth Armidale Arrows – Guyra 4 at 09:00am, Guyra Coyotes V DK Camelots – Guyra 4 at 10:00am. 

Under 10:  Guyra Gladiators V Uralla Jets – Guyra 7 at 09:30am. 

Under 12:  Guyra Rockets V East Armidale Green – Guyra 6 at 10:30am. 

Under 14:  Guyra Tigons V TAS 14B’s – Guyra 1 at 10:30am. 

Under 16:  Guyra Pumas V Sth Armidale Sea Eagles – Guyra 1 at 09:00am. 

Murray Harman