Junior Redbacks reports

The Yass Redbacks under 18s struggled to find some good form against an organised and determined Radford College team, going down 3-1. 

Playing on a field that resembled a big, muddy, slippery sponge, the Yass players found it difficult to adapt and the Radford team handled the conditions much better. 

This was only part of the story though. Yass began sluggishly with poor passing and not moving off the ball to support teammates. Slow reaction times in defence also meant Yass was scrambling to keep up. Radford was using clever balls from midfield to fast wingers who put pressure on goal. This resulted in two goals from the right winger before half-time. After a team talk during the break, the Yass team went out with more motivation and determination in the second half. This resulted in a much more even match, with Yass having more possession, putting together some good attacking runs. One of these created a scoring opportunity for Tom and his shot on goal was high class. 

Yass was back within one and other chances were just shut down by the Radford defence at the last second. Against the run of general play, a cross kick from Radford deflected off a Yass defender and trickled in for a goal with less than 10 minutes to play. Try as they may, Yass was unable to find that goal to get back in the match. The Yass coach was pleased to see the team respond at half time and put in a much better team and individual effort during the second half. With two weeks off due to a general bye and then a rescheduled game against Gungahlin on July 16, the training sessions will be important to hone teamwork and skills.

Under 13s

After a miserable cold and wet week with no training, the under 13 Redbacks assembled at Walker Park to take on neighbouring rivals, the Belnorth FC. It was a special occasion as Max Hansson was running out for his 100th appearance for the Redbacks . A wonderful achievement for an under 13 player .

Yass was sluggish from the get go and the Belnorth team was creative in attack . The Redbacks defence struggled to gain composure. Zoe Tritschler and Nick Hinds scrambled in defence while Callum Ironside and Harrison Walker gave their all to stifle the Belnorth attack. Ben Luck, at keeper, was doing all he could on the slippery surface to protect the Yass goal. It was Belnorth who rose to the occasion to score early in the match to indicate they were here to play. The Yass players lifted their heads and started to control the midfield with Cal Morgan and Reuben Robinson moving the ball forward. Jake Collins and Keegan Doyle were starting to find opportunities up front when Jake was taken out in the square. Keegan Doyle stepped up to take the penalty shot but, unfortunately, the Belnorth keeper was up to the occasion and took a good save. The Redbacks went to halftime behind on the scoreboard 1-0.

The second half began and the Redbacks looked up to the challenge and really started to put pressure on the Belnorth defence. Brooklynn Bolton, Bryce Battye and Ben Luck added some real spark in attack.  

The Yass defence looked more settled when Max Hansson moved to left back. Nick, Callum, Zoe and Harry were playing strong by this stage. Colby Owens was also determined in his defensive play. Belnorth struggled in its go forward and any goal shots were easily defused by the confident Calvin Morgan at keeper. In the latter part of the game, the Redbacks looked dominate and their attacking raids were coming often. 

Reuben, Jake and Brooklynn all had chances to score but Belnorth hung in there to prevent the lead being taken. 

Keegan Doyle was looking more dangerous as the game was drawing to it's end but it was Ben Luck who found some vacant space to drive the ball past the Belnorth Keeper to level the score at 1-1. 

With only two minutes left, Yass was unlucky not to take the match after a superb corner shot from Reuben Robinson almost resulted in a goal. The full time whistle sounded to end a close and very entertaining game. Yass Redbacks drew 1-1 with Belnorth FC .

In other matches:

U8 Redbacks v Gungahlin 11-0 win

U9 Redbacks v Gungahlin 8-1 win

U10 Redbacks v Marist 8-1 win

U12 Redbacks v Belnorth 17 -0 win

U14 Redbacks v Cooma 5-4 win

U15 Redbacks v Brindabella 0-7 loss