I certainly hope we are able to maintain and indeed improve on our local sporting facilities in the years to come and not just be made to travel to Armidale for all things sport. I am ever fearful of the ongoing support this little local community will be able to garner several years from now; they have finally gotten what they have wanted for years. 

Please don’t put too much weight on, thought into or worry about my little musings folks as Hayden Raper (coach of the under 7 Cobras from whom I still have not received a report) always says: “Some people’s glass is half full, some people’s glass is half empty, Murray’s glass is always laying broken on the floor.” 

Until they lower the boom, however, we are still the Guyra United Soccer Club and there was some incredible skill on display at the Guyra Recreation and Sporting complex last Saturday. 

The under 9 Mustangs really turned things around with a fantastic performance and played some great soccer with their training drills beginning to make a difference in their play. 

The Mustangs got a huge lift early in the game with Rhett Heagney scoring their first goal of the season; this was followed up soon after by a goal from Cooper Reeves. The entire team played their best soccer of the season to date. 

Jake Tibbs, Lincoln Brown and Jason Mowbray all had great games in the field. Closing out the scoring late in the game for Guyra was David Rainger after a great chase on the ball. 

I can finally tell you a score with the under 12 Gladiators playing out a 2-all draw against Armidale East Green. Coach Eunice, back on deck after the off season, stated that the whole playing group performed well with some very attractive soccer throughout. 

Sam Graham was brilliant in goals with Abby Jackson and Ashley Donnelly both solid in the backs. Scoring both of Guyra’s goals was Jake Wilson. 

Well you just can’t please that Dasha, even after my heartfelt apology last week he was still asking for another apology over me calling them the Eastern Suburbs Rugby League side. Apparently they have not been called that in years. 

I feel as though he is being a little harsh however, and that their heritage and history is an important aspect of their identity. “She who must be obeyed’s” father played first grade for the Eastern Suburbs Rugby League Club back in the 1960’s and he is extremely proud of their heritage and where they came from. Perhaps Dasha needs to pay Dicko a visit to learn of the rich historical fabric of the club and the pride that this instils in their warriors of the past. 

Speaking of Dasha, his under 16 Pumas were possibly not at their optimal best early in the game going down to a very well drilled North United side 3-2. The Pumas rallied late in the first half and played some nice soccer through the second period of play. 

Although much better throughout the second stanza, the Pumas still need to play the ball on the ground with firmer passes. Dasha also stated that they have to be more thoughtful about their positional play particularly in the middle of the park. 

Cody Martin and BJ Cameron were the goal scorers for the Pumas with points going to BJ Cameron 3, Carly Harman and Kealia Hope 2, Cooper Stanley, Ashley Richardson and Gemma Sisson 1. 

Slowly improving each week the Under 10 Lil Casper’s are still getting used to the greater area of the field available to them. They are beginning to understand that team work and passing of the ball are fundamental aspects in advancing down the field. All players are starting to realise the importance of their positional play, the halves in particular with the extra effort that is required so that they are available to push the ball forward and then be back to help defend. 

Jonno Wilson had a great game in the backs and goals, whilst giving their all in the halves were Jaymie Donnelly and Jack Lockyer. Jack continued to add to his season tally of goals with 3, young Aiden Purvis showing up his dad, not my words Mick, put one into the back of the netting. 

Fantastic to see these young players adapting and learning the importance of good team work. 

A fantastic performance by the under 7 Guyra Gems last week scoring 4 great goals against their opposition DK Saxons. Aidan Brown playing some great soccer scored 1. His ball skills are very good and he goes about his business with a gigantic smile engulfing his face the entire game. 

Archie Jackson scored 1 with Jack Campbell scoring 2 goals for the Gems. 

Well another local derby last week for a couple of our under 6 sides the Jets and the Gremlins. The Gremlins this week welcomed two new players to their ranks in Lincoln Atkin and Sammy Dowden, both being very excited in strapping on their boots. 

A very rough and tumble game early on with both sides fighting for the upper hand. The Gremlins were to score a few goals unfortunately most were for their opposition. Showing improved skills and team work those little Gremlins shared the ball and gave their team mates plenty of opportunity in possession. The coaches of the Gremlins are really enjoying their Saturday soccer and I think the kids are as well. 

The Jets on the other side of the ledger were playing some great defensive soccer to at times frustrate their opponents, particularly Edward Grills. Ruby Menkens is finding her feet in the field almost scoring, Tom Graham 3 and Noah Brennan 1 were the Jets goal scorers on the day.  

A report from the under 8 Hornets this week with coach Brodie Tangles Harman finally providing me with some information. Those reticent teenagers are hard to deal with at times believe me, thank goodness I was never this great a burden on my mother and father. 

Brodie is very pleased with the effort and improvement from his young players, particularly Darcy Grills who had a fantastic game last week. Darcy went very close to scoring and put in a huge effort across the field. Charlie Ward spending time in goals was very good for the Hornets with George Bradford 3 and Brooke Grills 1 being our goal scorers. 

Another hard game for the under 8 Rockets last Saturday coming up against the East Armidale Twisters. Good play by their Armidale opposition forced the Rockets to defend for much of the game with Angus Dullaway very involved at the back. The Rockets never gave up to their credit and improved as the game progressed. Kate Ward and Elizabeth Evers were also good in defence for Guyra. 

Playing her first game at goalie for the under 9 Ravens, Anna Grills pulled off some great saves turning back the tide of attack. George Williamson played well up front with Courtney Spradbrow having some fantastic attempts on goal but unfortunately not slotting one into the net. This side are showing some nice skills though. 

Thanks again for those early coach’s reports, they are making things very easy for me to be able to get this report into the Guyra Argus in a timely manner. 

Murray Harman