18 April 2010
Disappointment for Div 4
A spirited second half performance from the State League 4 team was not enough to get a result against the UCU Pumas, despite the return of two influential players in Mark Burke and Andrew Jeffrey.
The Pumas came out with all guns blazing at the beginning of the game, and the Tigers were under the pump for much of the first 20 minutes. The hot weather did not help matters, and by half-time Cooma was down 2-0.
The injection of Andrew Bobinskas into the attack after the break made a huge difference to the shape of team, and throughout the opening exchanges the Tigers were on top. Mid-way through the second half, however, the lead was stretched to 3 with a converted penalty. In the final few minutes a defensive mix-up saw the 4th goal conceded.
But with less than a minute on the clock, a stunning solo run from Gerard Rampal put the Pumas defence on the back foot, and Riley Mitchell was on hand to smash home a consolation goal from the edge of the area.
Ben Woodhouse was, once again, in outstanding form; as was Mark Burke, who commanded the defence throughout.
Man-of-the-Match: Ben Woodhouse
22 Aug 2009 - What a glorious way for the Tigers Division 4 side to end the season; a stunning performance and a stunning 2-1 victory. They faced a determined Belwest team on Saturday, who were fighting desperately for a place in the top 4, and proved to be a considerable thorn in their side.
John Gargett made a welcome first appearance for 4th grade in goal, proving to be an inspiration to the side with his safe hands and loud calling. Combined with the settled defence of Dave D’Amico, Brendan Wall, and Nigel Smith, Cooma had a solid base to build their attacks on.
The game started with Cooma on the front foot, something that was missing from the team’s early season performances. Gerard Rampal and Keegan Staff were bossing the centre of the park with tireless running and accurate passing, ably assisted by Dave Elliott. Andrew Jeffrey and Cameron Wall gave the necessary width on either wing for Cooma’s game-plan to work perfectly.
As expected, the Belwest players were fired-up and threw themselves into the contest. However, the Tigers team have grown in stature during the season and are now quite capable of holding their own in a physical game.
The forward line of Riley Mitchell and Chris Moruz proved in the opening exchanges that it would not be an easy afternoon for the Foxes’ defenders; and with Brad ‘Sigo’ Sigmund waiting on the bench for his chance up front there would be no respite.
An entertaining first-half ended 0-0, with both sides having good chances to score. The second half began in similar fashion to the first; good running and hard tackling a feature. Steve Anoleck and Corey Smith had both joined the fray from the bench, and their enthusiasm lifted the team to greater heights.
When the deadlock was broken it was well received by the partisan Cooma crowd. Chris Moruz has been one of the most improved players this year, his first with Cooma, and thoroughly deserved his goal for the effort and willingness he has shown all season. Mitchell cut open the defence with a superb through-ball, and Chris’ perfectly timed run took him into the box with only keeper to beat, which he did with ease.
A rare handling error from Gargett gifted Belwest a way back into the game, so as punishment he was demoted to the forward line with ‘Sigo’ taking on the gloves. This proved to be a tactical masterstroke by captain/coach Dave Elliott, with Gargett’s experience adding a new dimension to the attack.
This pressure resulted in Cam Wall using his pace and guile to sucker a Belwest defender into conceding a penalty. The stage was set for a hero to step forward, and Dave Elliott did just that. The set-piece magician smashed his shot into the top-right and sealed a thrilling victory.
So the season is over for Division 4; a disappointing year results wise, but with many positives also. It was the first taste of senior soccer for Jeffrey, C. Smith, N. Smith, Moruz, and Boaru, and they have each gained valuable experience on the rigours of the Canberra league. If the team can stay together and train well over the summer we can expect a much more successful year in 2010.
15 Aug 2009 - The division 4 Tigers travelled to Bruce on Saturday to take on third place University of Canberra. With only two games to go, and a semi-finals appearance impossible, you would be forgiven for thinking that Cooma had nothing to play for. However, the performance put in by the players showed all the fight and desire of a top four team.
The match began with only 11 players for Cooma, facing a full strength UC outfit. Chris Moruz partnered Riley Mitchell up front and Corey Smith was back in the side, teaming up with the always solid Brendan Wall and Nigel Smith in defence. With Keegan Staff settling into his role in the centre of the park, the midfield was rounded out by Liam Toohey, Cam Wall, Gerard Rampal, and Andrew Jeffrey. Brad Sigmund continued in goal.
UC were stunned by the blistering start the Tigers made. Chasing every ball and throwing themselves into the contest, the Cooma boys had the better of the first 20 minutes. Moruz and Mitchell were harrying the UC defenders, which gave the midfielders opportunity to steal the ball from hurried passes. Rampal was once again excellent coming forward with the ball, and Toohey’s set piece deliveries were a constant menace.
Against the run of play UC took the lead; an all too familiar scrappy goal. But heads did not drop, and the equaliser was worthy of the A-League. In a sweeping move started from the back, the Tigers raced up field. A pinpoint cross-field pass found Jeffrey on the right wing and his electric pace took him past his marker and gave him room to swing in a dangerous cross. The UC defence were all at sea, and after several shots from the Tigers Keegan Staff was on hand to bury home his 4th goal of the season. Cooma’s ‘never-say-die’ attitude was exemplified late in the first half by Nigel Smith’s amazing clearance off the line; running down a goal-bound effort and putting his body on the line. UC did go into half-time 2-1 up after a thunderous strike from the edge of the box gave ‘Sigo’ no chance.
The second half saw the arrival of Dave D’Amico as a much needed substitute for the rapidly tiring Tigers. D’Amico’s calming influence and experience helped the boys get back into the match. Again luck was against the away side, and soon they were down 4-1 despite the evenness of the teams. Cooma were still creating chances, with Jeffrey latching on to a beautiful Cameron Wall pass but putting his strike narrowly over the bar. In the final minute of the game Cameron Wall was on hand to hit the best shot of the game; a dipping drive that beat the keeper but rebounded off the bar and back into play. Staff was there to follow up, but put his shot just wide of the post.
Next Saturday sees the boys play their final game of the season, at home on Nijong Oval at 1pm.