Finals Fri 28th Aug - Sun 30th Aug 2009
U15 Div 3
Kiama 2 vs Fernhill 1
After achieving an amazing undefeated season and being League Champions the Under 15 Div 3 Kiama team came unstuck being defeated 3-0 by Woonona in the Major Semi finals. This was a huge wake up call for Kiama, but it also meant they had another bite of the cherry by playing off against Fernhill this week in the finals for their last chance to regain their spot in the Grandfinals. The game started off slow with the wind lashing in all directions, which left Kiama fumbling with the ball on numerous occasions, but they soon got into the game and stepped up the level. Fernhill who were determined to give it their all put on a great display of defence and attack with a few near shots at goal in the first quarter which was defended by Tom Hassler & Dylan McDonald keeper who read the play well and made some awesome saves. Kiama fought back hard with skilful team play from, Nicko Forrest, Matt Jones, Brad George and midfielder James Malin when they worked the field crossing the ball to forward Jacob Pickles who kept his cool under the pressure and finally scored the first goal. Leaving the half time score 1-0. Coach Terry George made a few sub changes playing Simon Meaney in defence and Charlie Carlson up front, which stepped up our level of play even more. The pressure was on with Kiama constantly on the attack when Matt Finch sealed the second goal. It wasn't until the last 3 mins of the game that Fernhill shot at goal assisted by a huge gust of wind slamming the ball into the top corner of the net making it 2-1. Fernhill certainly lifted their game at this point and gained several corners with our defence Pat McDonald, Matt Schwartz & Matt Waite kept under extreme pressure to protect their goal. Kiama managed to hold off the attack and the final whistle blew for full time with Team, Coach & Parents breathing a huge sigh of relief. Kiama finally regain their spot in the Grandfinal against Woonona on Sun 6th Sept at Kiama Quarry, kick off at 8am.
U14/4
Kiama 4 vs Shellharbour 2
Kiama U/14 division 4 soccer team secured a place in the grand final with a thrilling 3-2 victory in extra time over Shellharbour. For the second week in a row Kiama have come from behind after trailing for most of the game. Last week in the minor semi final against Dapto, Kiama came home strongly to win 4-3 after trailing 3-1 with only 20 minutes to go. This week Kiama started the stronger of the two teams having numerous shots on goal in the early stages of the game. Despite this Shellharbour still managed to hold strong in defence and score two opportunistic goals to make it 2-0 at half time.In the second half Kiama lifted with great defence from Simon Meaney and Charlie Carlson taking control of the ball and creating many opportunities for our forwards. Tas Formosa in an unfamiliar position as striker quickly developed a winning attacking combination with Ryan Bell on the right flank. This combined with great positional play on the left side of the field by Nathan Hall and Darcy Alexander gave Josh Keatley clean ball in which he was able to score two goals before full time to force the game into extra time.Kiama was now playing with confidence and early in the second half of extra time, after a great left foot pass from Sarah Bestick over two Shellharbour defenders, Josh Keatley lobbed the keeper to win the match 3-2 and secure a place in the Grand Final. Well done Kiama. A special thanks once again to our coach Jim Cahill who has given his time to help the team this year.
U12G/2
Oak Flats 0 Kiama 0 (5-4 penalties).
UNDER-12 Girls Division Two League Champions, Kiama, were bundled out of the The Grand Final series on a penalty shootout 5-4.
The girls had the majority of the play, but did not handle the very windy conditions on a hard pitch, but neither did they take their chances, which were many.
Kelsey Wishart, the sides top scorer this season with 15 goals, ran the Oak Flats defence ragged, but could not find the target against a well-organised defence.
The back-four of Hannah Boreland, Georgie Alexander, Nikki-Lea Cockley and the outstanding Sharna Dobson, had very little to do in the first half, with 'keeper, Jessica Davis handling the ball only on two occassions the entire half.
The midfield quartet of Amy Hudson, Brooke and Briannan Bugden, and the brave Courtney Bowman, managed to stem the flow to the Oak Flats forwards, with the tenacious Courtney Paring always looking dangerous in space out wide.
Riley Wishart had several set-piece corners cleared or blocked, such was the first half dominance in Kiama's favour. But to Oak Flats credit, they defended well.
Leah Manuel, Ashleigh Campton, Sharna Crowley and Kiia Chivers, all played major roles off the bench in the windy conditions, which was taking its toll on the young Kiama sides legs, especially with the "concrete-like" pitch.
In the second half, neither side could capitalise on its chances in front of goal, as Oak Flats started to get more of the ball and looked dangerous on the break.
But after seventy minutes of play the teams were still locked 0-0, which meant the dreaded penalty shootout would decide which team would go on into the Grand Final to meet second-placed Figtree this Sunday in The Quarry. But as is the case in shootouts, the dominant side during the period of open play were eliminated.
The girls deserve a special mention in the knowledge that six of the team had never played soccer before this season and it is to their credit that they remainded undefeated all season, winning the league title three weeks out from the finish.
U13.2 also through to the Grandfinals along with U15G Div 2 who defeated Bulli 3-2 in the finals.
Major & Minor Finals Fri 21st - Sun 23rd August 2009
U13 Div 2 started the first half with nervous play and inaccurate passes. Unanderra was also showing early nerves, but got an early break and scored in the 4th minute. Kiama followed the game plan and played up the sides. Long balls seemed to open up the Unanderra defence. Jordan Lee-Tory harassed the Unanderra goalkeeper and was quick to slam in a ball from close distance. Kiama kept up the momentum and 3 minutes later Erik Ulfsson headed in a ball over the keeper. Unanderra was visible disorganised but managed to slam in an equaliser against play in the dying minutes of the first half. Second half was evenly poised with both teams having good chances; Kiama was saved by the skilful play by Jonty Towle in goal. Kiama pressed on and as Mitchell Nightingale was brought down by a high elbow in the face at the edge of the penalty box, Liam Crooke slammed the loose ball past the goalkeeper. Kiama now through to the Grand Finals with the score 3-2; to be played at Kiama on Saturday September 6th at 10:10AM
Kiama U11A's defeated Figtree 4-3 in a tension filled match. Above everything else the Kiama team displayed amazing sportsmanship and to their credit played quality football the entire match which saw them come out on top in the end. The midfield of Savannah Ross, Louis Parsons-O'Malley, Jordan Warren and Callum Edwards kept the ball moving and they made some great plays to the strikers. The determination of Joel Young, Eliza Skorulis, Nicholas Poelczer and Sam Glazier meant that the opposition were under attack on many occasions. The defence of Jack Markham, Callum Lee, Reid Formosa and Kade Mace held strong and they were able to break down numerous attacking raids. A great display of a team sticking to the task! We have now secured a place in the finals this weekend.
Kiama Junior Football Club is still going strong with the following teams who have made it into the finals for this weekend U18G Div 2, U17 Div1, U15 Div 3, U15G Blue Div 2, U14 Div 4, U12 Div 3, U12G Div 2, U10 Div 2.
U11A's in finals
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