10th Grade Falcons 2009 Match Details

Visit the Falcons' Championship Round page here
Visit the Falcons' Preliminary Round page here

Coach GARETH FANNIN

Squad Rueben Wigelsworth, Kyle Fannin, Marc Russenberger, Joshua Johnson, Theo Wright, Kent Muckle, Matthew Jeffcoat, Sophie Nicolas, Luke van Gog, Jeremy Teers, Bailey Froome.

Falcons' Stat Attack! Click here


MATCH REPORTS

Knock-out Final

September 12: Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Cambridge Devils 5 (half time 0-2)

A big game and too very strong halves from the Devils took all the flight of out the Falcons. It started well with some nice movement forward some long shots and a wonderful reflex save from Bailey. The Devils wanted this one much more than Matamata and it showed. They had a point to prove and were still feeling the pain that we last inflicted running their title hopes.

Two unanswered first half goals from the Devils were well earnt. A couple of chances went begging for the Falcons as they tried hard to get back into the game. Kyle, Marc and Rueben worked hard closing space and moving onto the ball well.

In the second half the Devils resorted to air, a couple of well placed long shots went in early on. Being 4 down the Falcons wings were broken, we missed the services of Jeremy. The Devils had too much space and time on the ball. Positional play was less than optimal and the devils knew that. A last minute goal summed it up today. We can nothing away from Cambridge, they were awesome. It must also be said that Matamata have done well to make their second cup final in a row. A brilliant effort this year team, I’m looking forward to next season already.

New World Player of the day: Bailey Froome.

Championship Games (division 1)

August 29: Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotarua Zoids 1 (half time 0-0)

A team photo of both teams shows the importance of this match, just look at them. A 1st vs 3rd match was the highlight of the season. Both teams took it to each other. Some great middle park defence and attack that resulted in some first half shots either deflected out of danger or defended appropriately,

A change of resource and some opportune position had the falcons on good stead. With five minutes to close the Zoids broke and challenged defence. The Zoids banged a hammer like shot towards goal that caught us off guard. Up 1-0 from a great strike ther was no fire power left to fight back. Given everything for this match the boys did well to hold the 1-0. Yet again Hukanui’s 1st team are good for the clean slate.

August 29: Semi Final - Hillcreast United Hammers 0 vs. Matamata Falcons 2 (half time 0-0) – Knockout Tournament

The 2nd game of the day. At 0-0 @ half time the boys were told to pass instead on own interest. The second half presented some great passing football. Immediately this resulted in a couple of well earnt goals. Up 2-0 the game was out of reach for Hilcreast. Into the final we go. Well done boys. This is the second year into the finals. This is not by chance, that’s great team work.

New World Player of the day: The whole team both games. Scorers Kyle Fannin x 1 Rueben Wiglesworth x 1

August 22: Matamata Falcons 3 vs. Cambridge Devils 1 (half time 0-1)

A game of two halves. Cambridge were quick on attack and within a few minutes ahead with a smack at goal too powerful for our keeper. We kept it calm and consolidated our position. The Falcons never looked like scoring although having some good movement forward. Injuries and one sub were not assisting the cause.

A cork screw applied to the attacking formation during the break set the stage. The old combination of Kyle and Rueben was on fire again today. A linking pass by Marc, Kyle up the left flank, crossed in a guided missile for a torpedo finish by Rueben. GOAL, the crowd went wild. At 1-1 the Falcons continued to swoop. The Devils were on fire as the Matthew canon unloaded, keeper fumbled and Rueben again in the right spot to make it 2-1. A few minutes later and more pressure from the Falcons, Bailey to Marc to slot our third to take it out of the Devils reach. Defensively Joshua, Luke, Jake and Jeremy held a strong back line cleaning up all Devils could throw at us. Jeremy made some awesome saves from the Cambridge Waikato rep strike force.

August 22: Matamata Falcons 1 vs. Glenview 0 (half time 1-0) – Knockout Tournament

The second game of the day, the boys gave it all this morning and placed the reserve tank on to get through this one. With no subs and more injuries we held off a Glenview attack. Kyle’s first half toe hack was enough to get through the quarter final’s and guide the team to the semi finals. Rest well this week.

New World Player of the day: Marc Russenburger. Scorers Rueben Wiglesworth x 2 Marc Russenberger x 1, Kyle Fannin x 1.

August 15: Matamata Falcons 2 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Phantoms 0 (half time 1-0)

After a great training mid week the team continued where they left off. Great runs down the right flank by Matthew had the Phantoms flapping. Great midfield work by Marc gave Reuben and Kyle plenty of ball that resulted in a number of shots on and off target. On a goal kick the Falcons pressured the Phantoms defence, won the ball and Kyle shot from just over half way. High over the defence and the keeper, in it went.

Up 1-0 the Falcons deserved to be there. The Falcons continued to dominate ball and territory. Luke, Joshua, Kent and Sophie held a strong defensive line and were calm and composed bringing the ball back up the field. Jeremy closed down space so well again this week - a thorn in the Phantoms side.

More changes at half time saw another team shape take the field. The Phantoms withheld 22 mins of Falcons pressure before the score was doubled. A nice ball from Marc went to Kyle who passed through the gap to Bailey who had it all to do. Bailey surged forward beat the defender and shot well into the back of the net, beating a great save from the Phantoms. 2-0 and the relax mode went on. Jack made a grand appearance for his first 1st division game. Keep up the great work boys.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Luke van Gog. Scorers Kyle Fannin x 1 Bailey Froome x 1.

August 8: Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Zoids 1 (half time 0-1)

Falcons finally score against Hukanui but lose in a thriller.

What a match. Right from kick off both teams took the game to each other to take control of the 1st Division. A wave of pressure from the Zoids forced an error at the back. Defence passed back to keeper who could not pick up. It resulted in an own goal as it dribbled over the line. The Falcons regrouped, kept possession and continued to drive on for the equalizer. Matthew, Reuben and Kyle had a couple of shots goal bound saved by some great Zoids keeping. Our defence was challenged too, but Luke, Joshua, Kent and Bailey showed their class as we kept the Zoids at bay.

The second half continued as the first. A lot of pressure from the Falcons was being exerted on the Zoids. Their defence was up to the task as we continued to move forward. Marc, Matthew, Jeremy and Kyle were breaking the defensive lines. The throw ins from the Falcons were penetrating the Zoids defence. With 1 min to go Marc pushed a nice ball through to Kyle splitting the defence. We watched almost slow motion as hot on heals Zoids closed in on Striker, Striker shot, the Keeper finger tips saves, pushing it wide of the posts. Awesome guys, I'm really proud of your performance vs the prelim 1A champs.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Jeremy Teers.

August 1: Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Cambridge Devils 2 (half time 0-0)

Championship round, 1st Division, First versus Second proved a real thriller.

The Falcons started with great execution. Trained moves were completed throughout the first 25 minutes, but no goal eventuated. Matamata were camped for most of the half in the Cambridge territory.

The second half began as the first, Matamata taking it to the Devils and defending well when the devils broke on the counter. With 2 mins to go and all subs used, Matamata was looking to hold out the opposition for the result. The Falcons pushed up the field goal bound looking for the winner. Cambridge made a tackle, 4 Falcons were out of position and the Devils broke out on the counter. With only the keeper to beat Bailey closed down their angle but Harry's well executed shot put the Devils in front.

Down after such great commitment the Falcons kicked off only to find it back in their goal again 45 seconds later. What a momentary lapse of concentration. Nothing could be taken away from the class of the two goals scored and reiterates why Cambridge is currently the best team in Waikato.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Sophie Nicholas.

July 25: Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Phantoms 0 (half time 0-0)

Goals prove to be illusive against Hukanui club.

The only thing even about these two teams was the score line. Two very frustrating halves for the Falcons as they dominated play, possession and territory.
Today lady luck was not on our side. There were 30 shots at goal, 5 hit the posts, 10 brilliant saves form the Phantoms keeper that were goal bound. It was a very defensive set up from the Phamtoms that siffled play. Matamata changed their formation, shape and personnel but to no avail. Bailey had a couple of great saves, saving us from going down to a couple freak breakaway from the Phantoms.

Against a good team the results will flow with what we currently do. Keep up the good work.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Jeremy Teers.

Preliminary Games

July 4: Matamata Falcons 1 vs. Western United Rustlers 1 (half time 1-1)

The Falcons wore the new black and red home colours with the gold numbers flashing past as Matthew took a great hammer like free kick. The Rustlers helplessly watched it go into the back of the net. Up 1-0 the Falcons reiterated why they are one of the best units in the Waikato. They had dominated much of the half with excellent possession of the football. The Rustlers were not to be outdone and came back with conviction. Our keeper got caught out of the 5 yard box. Harry took the ball and on an acute angle shot a well placed goal lofted high into the back of our net. 1-1.

A heated half time talk had the Falcons gathering their thoughts to ensure they did what they are capable of. Finding the strength to get a result and remain one of the top 3 in Waikato. Luke, Theo, Kent, Reuben and Kyle all linked well as we continued to look for the winning goal. Defensively Marc, Matthew, Bailey and Joshua had their work cut out as the Rustlers tried to go ahead themselves. Harry continued to break free and cause a number of issues for the Falcons. We had our chances to go ahead but a draw was enough to remain in the 1st Division. I'd like to commend the Rustlers' fabulous play and good sportsmanship.

It's been a few years that at Matamata team had made 1st division after being in division 1A. A really great effort boys and one Matamata can be proud of having such a great committed sports team.

Enjoy the holidays! Click here for a mtach photo.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Theo Wright, Scorers: Matthew Jeffcoat x 1

June 27: Matamata Falcons 2 vs. Cambridge Devils 3 (half time 0-1)

An evenly contested game that lived up to the expectations for the top of the table clash. The Falcons swooped on the Devils' goal, waves of forward momentum followed by shots just wide, saved and hitting posts. Matthew led the charge from the middle of the park, Marc and Joshua cleaning up all defensive areas. On the 10 min mark, Jeremy after closing down so much space of the Devils made way for Kent. The Devils saw this as their moment of opportunity. The snap shot at distance bobbled in front of Bailey bouncing on the uneven surface into the back of our net. Down 0-1 at the break the game was still anyone's.

A consolidating half time talk reinforced the weapons the boys have and gave them a licence to fire when in range. The Falcons fired as guided but were continuously denied by some great defensive work by the Devils. Some brilliant aerial dominance by them stopped a number of great goal bound opportunities for us. A corner not dealt with resulted in a shocker deflection that made it 2 down. Heads still high we fought on. The Devils keeper handled the ball outside the box. A free kick saw a torpedo fire into the back of the net by Kyle to give us hope. Cambridge surged on us as we went for the 2-2. Bailey’s view was obstructed, a reflex save just milliseconds off saw us down 1-3. More waves of Falcons attack followed. The second of our goals from a throw in had to be the best of the game, rounding 5 Devils and fired past the keeper. We had two very late chances for the 3-3 but again great defensive work by the Devils. That was a very entertaining game team.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Joshua Johnson. Scorer: Kyle Fannin.

June 20: Matamata Falcons 9 vs. Southwell Blues 2 (half time 4-2)

A feast of goals. 11 in total and it all changed after it was all tied at 2-2.

Reuben smacked two quick goals that were matched by the home team Southwell. Those larger than life goals assisted the home team and they knew where to place the ball. Luke and Jeremy game us a two goal buffer, loafing the shots over the keeper before the half. Our defence, Joshua and Marc took control of the counter attack of Southwell and gave them no room to move.

The second half saw the Falcons dominate the forward play. Goals from Kyle and Luke early on in the half saw more domination. Southwell were knocked for six. Not a lot of passing today, more individual game play that saw many shots fire wide or hitting the posts instead of passing. 10 mins on the boys began to relax and the passing game found it’s way back into the match. Kyle, Marc and Kyle again wacked in more goals to give a formidable lead that would not see Southwell come back. A good game team, keep up the good work at training.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Marc Russenberger, Scorers:Marc Russenberger x 1, Jeremy Teers x 1, Luke van Gog x 2, Kyle Fannin x3, Reuben Wigelsworth x 2

June 13: Matamata Falcons 2 vs. Hamilton North Cougars 1 (half time 2-0)

Home advantage helped in a battle of two halves. The team had a tough training and the benefits paid off early. This game was decided in the first 5 minutes. Some great speed on the ball by Bailey enabling Kyle to score two well placed and timed shots for the Falcons. The team tried out a number of new combinations and positional play today that saw the Falcons continuity breakdown midway through the 1st half. All the boys and Sophie gave it everything they could. The Cougars fought back with a number of defensive tackles by Mark and Joshua keeping our slate clean at the break.

Theo out of goal for the second half saw Bailey make some great saves early on. Theo and Reuben made a lot of forward movement, the Cougars defence able to keep them out. Another wave of subs saw Kent and Jeremy destroy the Cougars by closing them down very quickly, breaking down their play. Matthew was again strong in midfield, supported by Sophie and Luke. A tired Falcons team in the dying moments conceded a consolation goal by the Cougars. They did enough to keep them at bay. An excellent job team.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Bailey Froome.

June 6: Matamata Falcons 0 vs. Hukanui Rotatuna Zoids 2 (half time 0-1)

The top 6 in Waikato clash lived up to expectations. A hard fought midfield battle had both teams attaching and defending well. Midway through the half the Zoids had a corner that curled nicely into the Falcons penalty box area. Some indecision saw the saw rolled slowly over the line between two players. Down 1-0 the Falcons continued to pressure the Zoids tank.

The second half produced much the same as the first, some had fought midfield tussles. Joshua and Mark the stalwarts of the Falcons crushing every counter attack the Zoids tried. The Falcons pressed on the Zoids pushing for the 1-1 but to no avail. Another corner and another mix up resulted in the Zoids second goal. A well struck shot hit the right, then left posts, being walked in by the follow up.

There was some great football today in a game that could have gone either way. Keep up all the good work at training boys.

New World and McDonalds Player of the day: Luke van Gog.

Grading Games

May 23: Matamata Falcons 7 vs. Te Awamutu Cougars 1 (half time 3-0)

The chill did not deter the Falcons. The goal feast began with a brilliant pass from Luke to Kyle that put the home side ahead early. Reuben made it 2-0 after some nice combination work. The Falcons dominated ball possession for the rest of the game. Posts were battered by Mark and Luke as the two wings flew at the Cougars. Matthew, Sophie and Joshua were formidable in defensive play, cleaning up any linger of a Cougar attack. Just before half time Kyle notched another for the Falcons to make it 3 -0.

A re-jigged team for the second half saw Matthew leading by example, giving great team encouragement from in goal as he made a few key saves early on. The combination work of Kyle and Reuben continued. Some great one touch football had the Cougars in trouble. Their fancy footwork too difficult to contain as the two continued to score goals. The Falcons' passing and keeping the ball in the team was wonderful to watch. Jeremy, Luke, Sophie and Kent made their presence felt as they all came close to firing into the back of the net. The Cougars keeper was not giving up and nor were his colleagues. The best move of the game saw a nice build up from the left, Kyle drew the keeper and nudged it past him for Reuben to fire home. The Cougars were ripped apart but hit back with a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match. Well played boys.

New World Player of the day: Kyle Fannin, Scorers: Reuben x3, Kyle x4.

May 16: Matamata Falcons 4 vs. Hilcrest United Hammers 3 (half time 1-1)

From the kick off the Falcons ment business. Theo and Mark linked very well on the right. Luke and Joshua made some excellent cover defence tackles that kept the Hammers at bay. On the 15th min Matthew lofted a high ball towards the Hammers goal. The keeper had it, then fumbled it...goal. Up 1-0 the boys were dominating play. Kent made a couple of good saves as the Hammers fired back. One too many and a powerful shot passed through his fingers to make it 1-1. The boys lifted heads and took the game to the Hammers for the rest of the half.

After the break the Falcons continued to dominate play as they camped in the Hammers half. Matthew was powerful in the central mid role. On the 10th min he surged forward and smacked it just outside the goal box. It torpedoed into the back of the net, 2-1. Not to be outdone the Hammers with their big forwards shot and beat Theo as he flew through the air, 2-2 game on. Jeremy came on as centre mid and made life difficult for the Hammers. He pressured the defenders and placed a nice ball into the path of Kyle. With the left foot fired first time to put the Falcons up 3-2. A min later Reuben took the corner with power. It was a difficult one to keep out and deflected off the Hammers defence into their net. Up 4-2 the game seemed to be the Falcons, but the Hammers came back again. They hunted down our defence after a goal kick, shot and beat a left diving Theo, beaten by the pace of the ball. 4-3 it ended as the final whistle blew. A great game for the crowd that gathered.

New World Player of the day: Reuben Wigelsworth, Scorers: Matthew x2, Kyle x1, Own goal x1.

May 9: Matamata Falcons 3 vs. Tokoroa Wizards 1 (half time 1-0)

From the kick off the Falcons swooped on the wizards. Reuben took on the wizard defence, shot early and beat the keeper. The Falcons team passing was again missing today. This being the main reason the lead did not increase over the first half. Too many touches and missed chances to link up with each other.

Some half time changes gave the Falcons a new look attach. Theo making some great surges forward with the keeper from Tokoroa pulling off some great saves to keep it at 1-0. Marc broke the Wizards back by toeing in a great effort past the defender and the keepers feet to double the lead. Tokoroa gained momentum after that. They took the game to the falcons and made Matthew, Kent and Josh make some telling tackles. Another wave of subs saw Reuben, Luke, Jeremy and Kyle push the Wizard defence which resulted in a nice finish from Reuben to make it 3. Not giving up the wizards drove on and got a consolation goal breaking Bailey’s clean sheet.

New World Player of the day: Kent Muckle, Scorers: Marc x 1, Reuben x 2

May 2: Matamata Falcons 1 v Hamilton North Cougars 3 (half time 0-2)

1st Grading game of the season. With some carrying minor injuries and others battling colds we gave it a good shot. An early wave of subs on the 5th and 10th mins changed the game and gave the Cougars a leaping chance. They took the invite and completed a well drilled corner. Behind 1-0 the Falcons remained positive and moved forward to even the match. The Cougars were stronger and hit again just before half time with a deflection catching Bailey out as he was committed the other way. At the break they were 2 up and looking very confident.

The half time break asked the boys to search and use their skills to get past the opposition. Early on Reuben took on the Cougars out wide, ran it down the flank and crossed it through the defence. Kyle ran onto and placed the cross in the back of the net. Their keeper not able to keep the shot bottom left out of his goal. At 2-1 the Falcons had some good ball possession and looked to get in behind the Cougars.

The Cougar's keeper took a blow to the face by a Falcons shot that was too fast to react to. On the counter the Cougars got another corner. They again used the well drilled set play and scored again. 3-1 it ended. A well contested game.

New World Player of the day: Matthew Jeffcoat, Scorer: Kyle Fannin x1.

Pre-season games

Saturday April 4 Matamata Falcons 0 v Papamoa 1

A big contingent travelled over the hill. A well supported Matamata hit the ground and made an impression on and off the field.

The Matamata junior swifts did us proud. Our 10th grade team with a couple of invitation players came up against the best of the bay. We played a 2, 3, 3 + keeper formation which the boys adapted to having not played this before. There was a hard fought midfield exchange throughout the game. Not much co-ordinated settled play as both side closed down ball holder quickly. Alot of Intercepting passes that finally resorted the Bay to go arial. In extra time at the end of the 3rd and final 20 mins the BOP rep team (now all at Papamoa) played a wonderful free kick move, smacked it into the back of the net long range.

There were heaps of positives from the game that will help us build on this season in the top flight. There were alot of interchanges in field positions as we tried new and old combinations. Testing the possibilities for 2009. It's great to have these pre-season games over the past two weeks with such highly skilled opposition. Gives the boys a great challenge so early on and keeps their feet on the ground knowing there is plenty of work to be done.

Below The squad that played Papamoa.



Sunday March 29 Matamata Falcons @ Hamilton North Tournament

We played in the Hamilton north tournament on Sunday. What a hot dusty day over there. Amazing what they did in this heat. We are so proud of the BHOYs efforts today. They made the plate final with no training yet. the Auckland teams have ben training since Feb.

Pool play:
Won vs. Hamilton North Wildcats 1-0, Reuben
Drew vs. Albany Subway 0-0
Lost vs. Western United Rustlers 3-1, Kyle
Lost vs. Onehunga 3-0

Plate Semi
Won vs Western Springs 0-0 - Penatly shoot out 4-3

Plate Final
Lost vs Albany Subway 0-1

Bailey Froom and Mark Russenberger coaches players of tournament. Mark was outstanding in the field of play. A player to watch this season. Bailey made awesome saves in goal, keeping us in many games and making us proud winning our first penalty shootout. A great start for Luke to the top flight, adapting well into the pace of the game.

Below Some pictures from the tournament.