Tasmania is finding the going tough at the Boys’ Under-15 and Under-16 national championships being played at Wollongong in New South Wales this week.
On Day 1 on Tuesday, the Under-15s lost 4-1 to Victoria White (Metropolitan), while the Under-16s were defeated 4-0 by the Victorians.
Iluka Wootton scored Tasmania’s goal in the Under-15s.
On Day 2 on Wednesday, the Tasmania Under-15s did exceptionally well in holding New South Wales to a goalless draw.
They were under significant pressure at times but defended well.
Players to stand out were goalkeeper Luke Morrisby, Dan Wojcik, Wootton, Ben Berlese and Khan Huseyin, the latter providing a constant attacking threat.
Morrisby produced an outstanding save in the closing minutes to ensure Tasmania of a draw.
The Under-16s went down 5-0 to New South Wales but created some good attacking chances in the first half.
NSW were coached by Spencer Prior, a former EPL player with Manchester City, who is also a former director of coaching in Tasmania.
The team had five Joeys (Australian Under-17 team) in their squad and was largely a mix of players from A-League clubs Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Thursday update:
Under-15s
Tasmania drew 1-1 with Queensland Silver.
Bailey Cubit scored for Tasmania.
Under-16s
Tasmania lost 3-0 to Queensland Silver.
Hi Walt,
ReplyDeleteThe under fifteens did tremendously well and I have to say with the right finishing could have easily put NSW three or four goals down. They looked at lot more threatening than NSW over the course of an hour and did their state very proud.
Thanks Duncan if you are there for a few more days can you keep us updated with a few little snippets like this please?
ReplyDeleteI watched the game very closely and if it hadn’t been for the excellent goalkeeping and at times wasteful finishing of the NSW players, the score could easily have reached 5 -0. Not sure about the comment by Duncan that Tassie with the “right finishing” could have won. There was one shot on target by Tassie. Don’t get me wrong, boys tried their hearts out and it was an excellent result for Tas.
DeleteI don't know what people should expect from our state teams considering they only train together a few times before they go away lol. All other states train together throughout the whole year
ReplyDeleteNo expectations, just a brilliant opportunity to play the best of the best Australia has to offer.
DeleteThe U16 team especially did not attract the best talent in the state, for a number of reasons, making it even tougher to compete when the best possible team is not selected.
ReplyDeleteThe under 16s are playing well against the very tough sides they've drawn. The scores don't reflect the high level of skill and resilience shown by the boys. The first game saw them hold their opponents to 0-0 with brilliant defence. They should be very proud to represent their state. What an experience for them. Go Tassie!
ReplyDeleteThe live stream through Kommunity Tv has been epic, they gave a good show albeit with some nerves on the first day against Vic. As mentioned earlier in my previous comments could have easily sealed the win against NSW and looked amazing. The future looks great in terms of the youth coming through.
ReplyDeleteWalter, you must be very proud to have your grandson in the under 16 squad. Continuing on your legacy, having represented the state at the same age!
ReplyDeleteTassie boy at Sydney FC is in the 16s NSW Metro Sky Tyson Rusden
ReplyDeleteIt’s a case of the old It’s who you know syndrome again
ReplyDeleteTotal rubbish
DeleteAnother great result against Qld 1-1 in the fifteens. These kids are having a great tournament something we can all be proud of. Re the goalkeeping and supposed dominance of NSW, the NSW keeper had his hands full at the best of times, long periods of the ball in the NSW defensive half.
ReplyDeleteYoung tassie striker had a golden opportunity in the closing minutes of the second half to score along with a raft of other opportunities. Cant wait to see them next year if the core crew stick together.
Would this be the Tasmanian striker who doesn’t live in Tasmania anymore?
DeleteI don’t believe there is a state team past u16s so the group wouldn’t stay together sadly.
DeleteThey are under 15 so one more year together which is great 😃
DeleteUnder 16 Squad picked poorly with some talent left out especially in defence which is being shown in the last few days results.
ReplyDeleteLike who?
DeleteLeave it out
DeleteYou’re most centrally a salty parent who’s angel of a child who is the best player in the state has been left out.
DeleteGood to see some coverage of nationals, obviously Walter cannot be there but am sure all appreciate the reports. Can't imagine NSW having one team.. can you specify which team in reports. Usually a regional north including Newcastle and back in the day a southern one also including Wollongong. Both were strong traditionally with the high populations of migrants attracted to Coal and steelworks. Anyway I'm having what Duncan's having.
ReplyDelete.
Do the people in the comments realise they are bagging out 14,15 and 16-year-olds?
ReplyDeleteFind it unbelievable that some people bother, sad really.