Juniors dig deep at Karratha soccer finals
Junior soccer players dug deep for the chance to claim premiership glory at the Karratha District Junior Soccer Association grand final day on September 14.
Finals across the under-18s, under-14s and under-11s divisions drew plenty of spectators to the Tambrey and Karratha Leisureplex ovals for the annual event that wraps up the KDJSA season.
Main game the under-18s final was a physical match between Nickol 2 and Salt.
After dominating the under-18s division all year, Nickol 2 also dominated ball use for the game and proved to be the better team after 90 minutes of play, winning 5-2.
In the under-14s, Salt Stripes claimed the title after a tight game against Nickol 2.
Both sides went goalless in the first half, but early in the second half Salt stepped up and scored two goals, from Jye Sander and Zane Goes, that were enough to seal them the win.
New club Baynton United got the better of favourites the Salt Stripes in the under-11s, triumphing 5-4 in a close game that went into extra- time.
Even play meant the teams were tied 3-all at full-time and it was only in overtime that Baynton managed to get out in front.
KDJSA president Simon Sander said he had been impressed at the level of skill and team spirit on show during the matches.
“They were all really skilful and played with fair play,” he said.
“We didn’t have any irate parents or kids. Everyone really played in the spirit of the game, which was great.
“It was certainly warm on Saturday, but the games still attracted a fair few spectators, which was good to see.”
Sander said 2019 had been a successful season for the association, with highlights including the formation of new club Baynton United, the growth of a junior referee mentoring program and sustained strong player numbers.
He said the association’s next focus would be the Football West Country Week competition in Perth this school holidays, in which six teams from Karratha would be competing.
KDJSA 2019 grand final results
Under-18s:
Nickol 2 (5) def. Salt (2)
MVP: Tadiwa Saruchera
Under-14s:
Salt Stripes (2) def. Nickol 2 (0)
MVP: Jenny Bern
Under-11s:
Baynton United (5) def. Salt Stripes (4)
MVP: Ethan Wood-Hill
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