Youth football round-up

GORLESTON Rangers 22nd Annual Five a Side Tournament

Media partners: Great Yarmouth Mercury.

June 19 and 20 at Oriel High School, Gorleston.

Saturday, June 19 under 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 and under 10 girls. Sunday June 20 under 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 and under 11 girls.

Cost is �20 per team.

With over 100 sides already entered, early application is encouraged to avoid disappointment. Places are allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. Entries have already been accepted from Luton, Ipswich, Sheringham, Bedford, Brandon and Norwich, as well as many N and SYL teams, so as usual there will be different sides to play against.

For more information telephone Chris on 01493 601256, email Chris.dunne@homecall.co.uk or visit the club website on www,gorlestonrangersfc.org.uk to download an application form.

AZTEC U17, Division One runners-up and League Cup winners 2009/10. Aztec U17 completed their sixth and final season together on a high note by reaching the final of the League Cup and beating Hellesdon 7-2, with the boys playing some excellent football.

Committee members would like to thank all boys, parents, committee members and club officials, both past and present, without whom it would not have been possible. Special thanks to all our sponsors over the years and in particular to Jean and Peter Crook with Peter not only sponsoring the club but also more recently taking over the role of club chairman, linesman and also on occasion referee.

Many of the boys have now been signed for Gorleston Uner-18s and Great Yarmouth Under-18s and a few are also playing for Gorleston and Great Yarmouth at reserve level. Our best wishes go to all the boys at whatever level of football they are involved with.

Just a reminder boys that the N&SYL presentation night is to be held at the Ocean Room on Friday, May 28, time to be advised soon.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U15 played Norwich Greens in the NWGFL Cup final, an enthralling and epic encounter. Both teams were eager to display their attacking prowess and it was the Greens who opened the scoring before a fantastic run by Megan and a left-foot shot nestled in the top corner of the net. Sasha with a great header from a well-taken corner by Chelsea gave Bohs the lead but Norwich hit back with two quick goals just before half-time. Second half Bohs changed formation and really asserted and Megan levelled the match. Again Greens showed their character to take the lead again. With less than 10 minutes left, Chelsea powered down the wing and Libby rose high to head home. The match went into extra time and victory was sealed with an in-swinging corner from Chelsea that hit the inside of the post and went in, justice as we had hit the woodwork on five previous occasions. A stirring match with both teams giving everything and this will be remembered as a classic final. Goals: Megan 2, Sasha, Libby and Chelsea and special mention to Laura and Neneh, who both missed the final through injury and sickness, and Mollie who did not get to play but has been a valuable team member this season. Thanks to the NWGFL for organising a great cup finals day.

BOHEMIANS YOUTH U13A travelled to Ipswich for the Open Cup finals day for the fifth time in succession to try and secure a double. The pitches were hard and bumpy, with Stowupland Falcons intent on hitting the ball very long and chasing the result. Bohemians were not quite able to get into any form of pass-move football and were forced to battle and dig deep and be resilient in defence, and be patient when they on the ball in good areas. Bohs lost Connor with a head injury midway through the first half, which disrupted their pattern of play. Bohs took the lead when Dan Ringer raced clear of the defence and slotted past the keeper. Despite chances to extend the lead, Bohs went into half-time with the solitary goal advantage. Stowupland drew level with a fine effort into the top corner. Bohs then had a run of corners delivered by Sam Noakes. Many were dealt with well by the keeper, until a slight misjudgement meant the ball ended up in the net and Bohs had regained the lead. Bohs had good chances to put the game beyond doubt when Noel, Dan and Henry all had efforts go wide or saved. Long-range efforts from Stowupland kept Bohs on edge until the final whistle, but that never-give-up attitude from Bohemians this season carried them through to be champions of the league and cup winners this season. You have again made everybody very proud of you, next season we will be looking for improvement from you all, even though your standards are already so very high, but we know you are capable of it. Have a great day paintballing, now its time for some fun and well deserved rest and recharging of batteries ready for next season.

BOHEMIANS U10 GIRLS travelled to league champions Gorleston Rangers. The Bohs attacked from the whistle, going one up with a superbly taken goal from Bruna. Looking as if they were unbeatable, the Bohs sat back and were caught out by a deftly taken goal from the Rangers' centre forward, which was quickly followed by another. The Bohs went forward again with Milie adding to her goal tally for the year, using her skills to wriggle past a packed defence. At 2-2 the Bohs were beginning to outplay the Rangers girls in all areas. In the second half, playing with the wind, Rangers took full advantage of some uncharacteristic errors and the Bohs found themselves trailing 5-2, with Eloise making some good saves on her debut. The Bohs rallied and pushed the Rangers back. Alice, Lauren, Georgina and Daisy were rampant in midfield. Several shouts for penalties were waved away by the official. Georgia ran after everything in her many roles on the day with Megan showing a determined streak to stop any more danger at the back. This was a superb display from the Bohs with every player giving their best, credit due to Rangers for some dogged defending and alert finishing.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U14 faced Shrublands to decide the outcome of the league. Bohs started best and a good cross from Chloe was finished well by Rocky. Confusion in Bohs' defence saw Shrubs equalise. Second half Bohs came out fired up and Chloe saw a good effort hit the bar. Good approach work by the Shrubs carved out the all important opportunity which was well finished. This seemed to deflate the Bohs girls a little who were also probably feeling the effects a little from the previous day's exertions of the U15 cup final. However this should not detract from the Shrubs' excellent team performance and congratulations to this fine team on winning the league. Also well done to the girls who, despite having no subs and several players not 100 per cent, gave everything. The club are extremely proud of their achievements this season, and their attitude and commitment is fantastic. Thanks goes to the officials who all did a very good job and to Fiona, Nickie and Colin for playing their part in ultimately seeing this match played which was a great advert for girls' football.

GORLESTON RANGERS GIRLS U11 travelled to Norwich for the Norfolk Women's & Girls' League Cup final to face Norwich City Girls. Norwich from the kick-off made things difficult for Rangers, who started with Hannah C in goal, Hannah S, Mary and Beth in defence, Aimee and Neve in midfield and Jess up front. Midway through the half, Jess was replaced by Gemma. A long ball from Mary and a great flick-on from Aimee put Gemma clean through, but two Norwich defenders sandwiched her to deny her a goal and penalty appeals were waved away. Gemma was clearly hurt and shaken, so was swapped again with Jess. Try as they might, Norwich could not break down what has become the league's best defence. Both Aimee and Neve went close for Rangers, but the half ended goalless. In the second half, Norwich tried to muscle Rangers out of the game, but they held firm. An injury to Aimee looked to have ended her game and she was replaced with Gemma. With their leading goal-scorer off the pitch, the task looked huge for Rangers, but Hannah C in goal was equal to whatever Norwich could throw at her. There were still no goals at full time, so the game went into extra time. Rangers gave their all in the first half of extra time, but the goal still wouldn't come. Die-hard Aimee came back on for the second half and midway through, a trademark Rangers move saw Hannah C pass to Mary for a pin-point pass to Neve, who crossed to Aimee in the box. She turned the Norwich defender and slotted home for 1-0. The goal rocked Norwich, and for the last few minutes it was all Rangers, who ran out worthy winners to claim the league and cup double for the second season running. The referee picked Mary as his girl of the match. The management and parents are so proud of what the girls have achieved over the past two seasons. They are a credit to their club. Enjoy your special night on Saturday, girls - you deserve it.

GORLESTON RANGERS U10B played in the Gorleston youth five-a-side at the weekend. Although Rangers did not progress to the later stages, the six games they played were very close affairs. Drawing three and losing three by the solitary goal demonstrates that fact. The Rangers' goals came from the hard-working Ben who is the heart of this team. It was after a great team build up that he scored, finishing the move that he started. The other was a speculative shot from distance from the ever improving Aaron who is making that wide position his own. Both players were well supported by Luis who had some outstanding games at the back. Henry's midfield link-up play and overall awareness was clearly evident, coupled with some great tackling. Alex played a deeper role but on countless occasions made some confident, penetrating runs into the heart of the opposition's defence. Up front was Sam who worked hard by closing the opposition down as well as being a constant threat in front of goal. Holding all of this together was Shaun who was making himself even bigger in goal by understanding the importance of narrowing down the angles and throughout showed an assured pair of hands with several fine saves. Well done to all the boys from all sides and sponsors Your Mortgage Solution and The Olive Garden Restaurant.

GORLESTON RANGERS GIRLS U10 played the last game of the season with the league title already won - undefeated against arch rivals Bohemians, who proved a stern test in the previous game. As expected both teams cancelled each other out for the first 10 minutes until Bohemians broke away and toe-punted the ball past a helpless Kelsey. Good defending by Jade began an attack and some neat passing between Megan, Paige and Jane and hesitant defending allowed Jane to tap the ball in to equalise. Straight from the restart Rangers attacked again with Jane shooting from the right side, outside the box, bypassing all the players in the box and the ball finishing in the far corner for 2-1. Bohemians continued to attack but excellent defending from Jade and Caitlin stopped everything. Bohemians got another chance and not tracking back let them in to score their equaliser for 2-2. The end-to-end attacking continued and there was a double handball in the area, Paige stepped up and scored but the referee made her take it again. She missed the second time. Second half Rangers played uphill and took the game to the Bohs in waves of attacks. Jade had one chance which was blocked on the line; she got the ball back and fired just over. Jade had another shot and the ball deflected off Paige for 3-2. Bohemians seemed to have the wind taken out of their sales by that goal. The Boh's keeper then put the ball down to kick off the floor and quick thinking by Clarissa allowed her to nip in and fire into the goal, 4-2. In the last couple of minutes their keeper kicked the ball straight to Jane, who ran at her and coolly finished for a great final score of 5-2. GoM: Caitlin for brilliant defending all game. Well done Fiona and all the girls for a first season together winning the league and remaining unbeaten. Thanks to Terry for refereeing the home games, David and Jason for taking training and all the girls' parents.

HEMSBY HORNETS U6 played a good friendly game at home against Gorleston FC U6. With all players giving their all this was another good run out. Special mentions to Haydn for his great strikes, Caitlin and Tyler for scoring their first goals for the club and Harvey, Molly, Fabian, Maddison and Eden for their energetic performances. Thanks to Tommy for refereeing and Gary for the use of the goal. The U6s would also like to thank their new sponsors BAM Nuttalls for providing them with their smart new football kit. Training continues Saturdays at 9.30am.

SHRUBLANDS U10A competed in and won the Gorleston FC tournament on Sunday. After a slow start the team soon got into the day with some great passing, communication and team work, which paid off as they went six games through the group stages unbeaten. Then came the semi-final against St Benets which after extra time was still 0-0. However Shrublands stood up to the challenge, winning the penalty shoot-out and went through to the final against a strong Cosmos team. Shrublands put on a great performance, winning 1-0. Congratulations to everyone on winning the tournament. Shrublands presentation night on Friday, May 14 and back to training on May 22.

GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN U10 travelled to Ipswich for the ISYL Open Cup final and played a good Ransomes side who, like the young Bloaters, have been unbeaten all season. Yarmouth were at full strength with Swanston in goal, Haylock and Sawyer at the back, Wallis, Rodwell, Aizlewood, Sims and Jex in the midfield and Hunter up front. Yarmouth were by far the better of the two sides throughout the first half, with the team defending from front to back and creating some very good chances. Yarmouth took the lead midway through the first half when Sims floated in a corner and Rodwell rose to head home. Yarmouth where put under a bit more pressure in the second half but coped very well, then with three minutes remaining a long clearance from the Ramsomes defence went straight into the net for a lucky equaliser. With the game heading for penalties an awkward bounce saw the ball drop to the opposition to cross for the attacker to score. Full credit and praise goes to all the boys for a great team performance in a game which they deserved to win. Also congratulations to all on winning the domestic league and cup. Next match tournament at the Walkers Stadium, Leicester, May 22 and 23.