Reptiles dominate in Rooball victory

Stars of the future: the Grand Final winning Under-9 Reptiles

A representative team of under-9 soccer players from Helensburgh won the Wolves Rooball Grand Final at WIN Stadium on 18 June, defeating Unanderra 2-0 in a brilliant display of passing and positional play.

Coach Greg McPherson said Unanderra’s passing and ball skills kept the pressure on Helensburgh for the entire game.

“Positional play and persistence were Helensburgh’s strongest attributes,” he said.

Tenacious play from both teams saw the game finish with Helensburgh winning the hard fought final 2-0.

During the pre-season, the 2005 coaches were approached to recommend players to form a squad to represent Helensburgh Junior Soccer Club in the 2006 Wolves Rooball Challenge. 

Coached by Greg and managed by Bronwyn Charman, the team included: Jason Cattell, Blake Charman, Blake Collins, Josh Lea, Regan McPherson, Bryce Marshall, Robert Morris, Shayan Murray, David Perrin, Lachlan Ross, Daniel Smith and Eamon Van Zyl.

The knockout began in March with Friday night and Sunday games. The self-named Reptiles progressed through the round robin stage and then the final series, winning every game without having a goal scored against them. 

The team played before the Wollongong Wolves main game, displaying all the skills of future Wolves players.

Bronwyn said the defining feature of the competition was the sportsmanship shown by every participating team.

“It was wonderful to see so many young children really enjoy playing the game,” she said.

The team would like to thank the parents, family and friends who supported them throughout the Challenge, both at the games and extra training sessions. 

Special thanks to our two HJSC life members and grandfathers, Toby Collins and Jockey Charman, for their continued support.  Also to the Committee members and club supporters who attended the final, we thank you and hope that you felt as proud of our boys as we did.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these boys and we hope that next year’s under-9s get the same opportunity.