C Grade - 3-2 Victory Over Cyms In testing wet conditions, the C Grade side kicked off their season in style with a hard-fought 3-2 win over a physically imposing Cyms outfit on Saturday. The youthful squad, noticeably smaller in stature than their opponents, turned potential disadvantage into a winning formula by keeping the ball low and playing a slick, ground-based game that exploited their speed and agility. While conceding first to a Cyms side loaded with talent and experience, the team responded with maturity beyond their years. Coach instructions were simple — have fun and communicate — and it proved effective. With no specific tactics in play for the season opener, it was adaptability and teamwork that won the day. Goalkeeper Mitchell “Buckets” Cartwright earned plaudits for a string of crucial saves that kept the scoreline in their favour, while Connor Munroe lit up the pitch with a dazzling hat-trick, showcasing clinical finishing in tough conditions. The boys showed real grit, adjusting their game to avoid aerial duels where they were outmuscled, instead using their pace to sidestep challenges. It’s an ideal start to the season, and the team hopes to carry this momentum into training and future fixtures, with a focus on tightening passing and communication. Senior Men - 5-0 Win Over CSU The Senior Men’s side made a bold statement in their second outing of the season, steamrolling CSU with a dominant 5-0 victory that saw them control the opening half-hour and maintain a commanding presence throughout. Coach Adam Gambrill praised the team’s ball control and chemistry, especially with several key players still unavailable. “Our combinations started to click, and we built early pressure that paid off,” he said. Alex Boswell opened the scoring with a scrappy finish before Joey Crittenden doubled the lead with a thunderous free kick from 30 yards. Ed Galea added a third before the break, and second-half strikes from in-form left back Mitchell Beer and hard-working midfielder Brandon Dickerson capped off the rout. Beer, filling in again on the left side of defence, was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive week, while Dickerson’s tireless effort across the full 90 minutes was crucial in setting the tone. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the side showed signs of complacency late in the match — something the coach admits can’t happen against top-tier teams. With a tougher test looming against Pinnacle FC next weekend, consistency across 90 minutes will be key. Women - 8-3 Win Over Waratahs Blue The Women's side kicked off their season in emphatic fashion, claiming a confidence-boosting 8-3 win over Waratahs Blue in a rematch of last season’s grand final. With no substitutes available and several players shifted into unfamiliar positions, the team relied on strong preseason preparation and fitness to outlast their opponents on a rain-soaked pitch. “We’ve trained under fatigue, and it showed,” said coach, Mitchell Thompson. “I couldn’t be prouder.” Tay was the standout performer, bagging multiple goals and putting immense pressure on the opposition defence. Her efforts earned her the team’s Players’ Player award. Allie Woods also impressed in a new role, showing the squad’s flexibility and depth. Despite the lopsided score, the coaching staff remain grounded. “We’re thrilled with the start, but we know there’s room for improvement. Everyone’s going to keep getting better, and we have to stay a step ahead.” said Thompson. With solid numbers at training and high spirits in the camp, the Women’s team looks poised for a strong season.
