Following last week’s difficult away tie against Botany Bay, another away trip at Dural was probably not what the doctor ordered, but looking at the teams first round results, it may be a chance for both clubs to pick up some valuable points.

As always, first up was the 12’s Boys. Eager to put last week’s result behind them, a closely fought out first half saw the Taipans go in 0-1 up at halftime. Bobby’s team talk must have been special as the South Coast outfit added another six to run out 0-7 winners. A good all round performance with goals from Zac McLaren, Filip Velvev, Ryan Sutcliffe (2) and Mitch Ferraro (3).

The 12’ Girls were looking to consolidate on their first ever outing whilst still getting to know each other. Still without their full squad the girls took to the court in high spirits. A greatly improved performance was there for all to see, and although going down 6-3, goals from Chelsea Tasevski, Katelyn Leadbetter and Abigail Jordan, leaves us with great optimism for the future.

A chance for the 14’s Boys to redeem themselves after last week’s defeat seemed to be a formality as the South Coast youngsters raced to a 0-5 lead at halftime. This time it was the Hills Brumbies coach turn to weave his magic as they came out for the second half much the stronger. The Taipans never gave up their lead, but a great effort from the Brumbies saw the game end 5-8. Goals from Mitch Ferraro, Dion Sterjovski, James (twinkle toes) Brodnik (2) and Mathew Mazevski (4).

Once again with only three 14’s Girls available, it was time for the 12’s Girls to step up and help out. Unfortunately it was a step too far this week for the fledgling girls, as a very strong Brumbies side handed out a harsh lesson in Super League Futsal. The final score being 10-0 to the Brumbies, good performances from the 14’s means we just need to add to these talented girls.

16’s Boys were one of only two teams that would start this week with wins from round one and an extremely tight first half left all to play for as the Brumbies went in 1-0 to the good. There was nothing to choose between the two sides as an entertaining game ebbed and flowed to a fair 3-3 draw. Goal scorers for the still undefeated 16’s, Scott Curran and Nathan Sutcliffe (2).

Although the Taipans were again short in numbers, it was the Hills Brumbies 16’s girls that suffered the most. Their strong 14’s side could not wait around to bolster their depleted squad, leaving them to take the field with only four players. The South Coast girls could only do what Coach Mike Bushe asked of them, and duly raced to a 0-8 lead at halftime. To their credit, the Brumbies never gave up and should be applauded for their effort. With goals being scored throughout the whole team, the Taipans finally ran out 0-17 victors. Leading goal scorers’ were Helen Miletich (5) and Kristina Janeska (8)

The other team to play on the back of a round one win was the Men’s Youth. With three of the squad not available, the team were again supported by a couple of 16’s boys. A strong first half performance had the Taipans go in with a 1-3 lead. More of the same saw the young South Coast men take a well deserved 2-6 win. A good performance in goal by Beau Duffy keeping the Brumbies at bay was aided by goal scorers Nathan Scicchitano (2), Mitchell Delturco (2) and Sam Davies (2).

The all age Women’s match saw the South Coast Taipans out to reverse their fortunes from the previous week. With two players returning they were almost at full strength. A nervous start saw the Taipans go in at halftime with a 1-2 lead, but a much stronger second half performance had our girls run out 2-8 winners. A strong performance by Melissa Cox at the back was aided by goal scorers, Lynie Herbert, Tamara Nash, Amy Lewis (2) and Elise Battin (3). The Taipans other goal was courtesy of a Hills own goal.

Finally it was up the Open Men’s team. A depleted squad, largely due to the local outdoor season finals still being played, faced a strong, young, Hills Brumbies side. A thrilling first half saw the Brumbies take the early advantage and go to halftime with a close 4-3 lead. The second half continued with much of the same as the Taipans finally took the lead at 5-6 only to be pegged back to 6-6 with just minutes remaining. With the end in sight, the South Coast men pushed for the winner only to get caught on the break and go down 7-6. With a full squad it may have been a different game, but the youthies that stood up did themselves proud and a great game was witnessed by all those that stayed back to watch.

Although still not the finished article, a much improved all-round performance saw the South Coast Taipans take five wins, one draw and three loses. Next week sees our first home game of the season against West City Crusaders. The Development Squad train at 10:00 am, with the 12‘s Boys kicking off at 11:00 am.