MORE than 200 junior players from across the Ballarat district hit the fields at Victoria Park in one of the biggest days of soccer experienced by the Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club.
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The number of players and supporters for the senior teams also matched the junior figure.
Miniroos
Around 30 Miniroos turned up and played in two games as part of a Saints local derby. In the Blues versus Black and Red match, the game was noted for Valentine being an outlet for the blues, punctuated by sterling defensive performances by Sam and Riley. It was only great goalkeeping by Anouk, while Oriah, Archie and Leon's midfield skill held the Black and Reds out.
Stanley made fantastic defensive stops while Jasper, Tyler and Albert helped with counterattacks and the Black and Red were held together in the middle with Evie and Rosie performing admirably.
Score: 0-0.
Under 11s
At home for Daylesford, VicPark Red was too strong, defeating Daylesford 3-1.
Under 13s
The best in Division 1, Ballarat White, arrived in Daylesford to seek their 10-goal average win, but were stopped in their tracks by a defiant local team.
From the kick-off, the Saints controlled the ball, passed precisely and commanded the game in a battle of wills. Ballarat was soon rewarded with a goal. Ballarat had to fight to score their second goal, which came well into the first half.
A pass by Otto to Jonas resulted in a shot into the far right corner making it 2-1.
In the second half the Saints fought the Ballarat attack with sweepers Nathaniel, Miles and Kelton and defenders Alice, Eric, Rohan and Digby, throwing everything they had at Ballarat.
Score: Ballarat 4, Daylesford 1.
Under 15s
The combined Daylesford/Sebastopol Under 15s hosted Bacchus Marsh, which immediately put pressure on the Daylesford defence and quickly goaled.
The pressure from Daylesford’s attack was eventually rewarded when Bacchus Marsh was forced into conceding an own goal.
In the second half, Taron was able to weave his way through a crowded defence to score, but Bacchus Marsh was able to get back to two goals.
Daylesford received a penalty as Memphis was fouled. A tactical masterstroke was made when penalty shooter, Govinda levelled the score.
Score: 3-3.
Seniors
The seniors had a cracking win against second placed Forest Rangers.
Goals came from Zoran Drogriski and Abdel Bennani some wild moments and tackles throughout.
Daylesford’s defence was solid, with best on ground Jordy Barnes and Dragi Koleski controlling everything and Tim Leney, Andrew Barnham and Harry Robb holding the fort. Ivan Carter was captain and did well in midfield, mopping up many a ball, supported by the ever pacey and skillful Drogriski.
Daylesford will face its toughest game next week in Ballarat against Buninyong.
Score: Daylesford 2, Forest Rangers 0.
