Expectation was high for the top of the table clash in the NCF U15 Boys competition with Urunga vs Bellingen at the beautiful Connell Park on Saturday. Bellingen challenged early with their strong aerial game evident from the kick off but the first half mostly belonged to Urunga with their pace and teamwork dominating the mid field to set up plenty of chances for the players up front. Toby Edman was unlucky not to find the net with several early attempts.
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The first goal went to Liam Nisbet who found the net after a brilliant pass set up from Joe Soergal who was proving to be unstoppable. Bellingen struggled to get the ball forward and the few times they penetrated the middle, they were met by a tight and tough defensive back line. The breakthrough came for Bellingen when Bill Hart broke through from just over half way and made certain of a very skilful run for goal. Half time scores were 1-1.
Bellingen started strongly again in the second half with Demian Eberding looking very dangerous with several high balls coming his way but the safe and steady hands of the Urunga keeper Stephen Chang, denied several chances. The Urunga Raiders continued to push forward through multiple options with skilful passing and effective movement before another blistering run from Soergel past 3-4 defenders, finished with an accurate cross to Angus Ross who passed to Liam Nisbet for a tap in goal to move the score to 2-1. Shortly after, Soergel fired a long range shot which found the net to bring the Raiders to 3-1. Both teams had other chances to score but strong work by Urunga’s Chang and Bellingen’s keeper Kain Selem , defenders Ned Dillon and Jack Post kept the scores locked until Bellingen once again broke through a scrambling Urunga defence who desperately tried to keep the ball out of the net but created an own goal in the process. Final score, 3-2 to the Raiders. Plenty of action to keep the local boys talking until they next meet in Round 2.
With the Premier League side from Urunga traditionally drawing from both Urunga and Bellingen Junior clubs, the future looks bright for the Raiders!
Other results from Urunga Juniors include:
U12 Girls lost to Corrindi 8-0 with only 10 players, however the team came together in the second half and defended against a far superior side to only allow two past the keeper. Though beaten on the scoreboard, there certainly was no beating their spirit!
U10s played against Nambucca Strikers with the end result an eight all draw with an awesome game from Jett Guest with seven goals and Clare Beale with 1. The team had no subs and the kids powered on to the draw.
U9s played against Bellingen with a win for Urunga 9-2. Bayley Cav-Rose scored six goals, Jasper Smith scored two and Arjuna Dwinada scored one.
The 6s and 7s Mini Roos are having a great time learning all about the game and making new friends from Nambucca in their friendly games each week with plenty of goals great sportsmanship and skills developing as well.
