Quake hosted Dural Warriors for our first ‘home’ games of the season at Windsor on Saturday with mixed results. We ended the day with 2 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses but again threw away points when we were in winning positions in 4 of the losses and one of the draws. Overall, the indications are that the club is heading in the right direction. Dural as a whole were very impressive with all of their teams be well drilled and playing a pressing game that our younger teams had not faced before. It’s no fluke they are heading the Club Championship after 2 rounds. Here are brief reports on each of the games

Academy – Proudly Sponsored By Xtreme Locksmiths

The boys came up against a very well drilled and skillful side and were hard pressed all day to match their pace and precision. A good learning experience for them and they now know there is still a long way to go in their development.

12 Boys – Proudly Sponsored By 40 Winks Campbelltown: Quake 2 def by Dural 4

Unlike last week the boys started the game with confidence and took a deserved 2 goal lead into the half. Unfortunately for them Dural regrouped and came out in the 2^nd half with desire and pressed the boys for possession causing turnovers which they took advantage of. Another learning experience for this very inexperienced side but they show signs that once their understanding of the game increases they will be a threat.

12 Girls – Proudly Sponsored By JR Electrical: Quake 1 def by Dural 6

The score line against Quake is most unflattering. Facing a team that won 23-0 last week the girls more than matched it against very good opponents and held them to 1-1 with 15 minutes gone. Then turnovers cost the girls dearly and they went into the half 1-4 down. The 2nd half was a very even contest with Quake creating good chances but not converting while Dural scored 2 more goals off turnovers. Andrea Murtagh was terrific, Lilly Ralston played a real Captain’s game and Tiff Craig once again was very good in goals. Despite losing there were lots of good things to come out of this game in terms of the girls’ play and dvelopment.

14 Boys – Proudly Sponsored By Consolidated Steel buildings Southwest: Quake 2 def by Dural 4

For the 2^nd week in a row the boys threw away a game they should have won. They were comfortably in front 2-0 at the half but let the opposition back into the game. Down 2-3 with minutes left and Dural playing a man short Quake hit the post when the goal was open and Dural then went down the other end to seal the win. The boys are playing good futsal but lapses in concentration are hurting them. Bradon Clissold was probably the pick of the Quake players with another good game after taking a heavy knock.

14 Girls – Proudly Sponsored By Clintons Toyota: Quake 3 drew with Dural 3

A bitter sweet draw with the girls ahead 3-1 and looking very good for it. It was a very different side to last week with sharp passing and commitment in the challenge and the girls scored 3 very good futsal goals. But they allowed their opponents back into the game and copped 2 sloppy goals. All in all the girls should be happy with their effort and showed they have plenty to offer. A fine game in goals from Erin Brennan with Mia Connors strong at the back and Hanna Davey getting a brace. Well done girls.

16 Boys – Proudly Sponsored By Einhell Australia: Quake 4 def Dural 1

With nearly every boy in this squad playing in a Grand Final last season the lads are hungry for more success. The hallmark of this team is taking the chance to kill off teams when it arises. Another fantastic team performance with Matty Da Silva Santos putting in his best game for Quake, Ben Rodriguez catching fire in the 2^nd half to score 2 goals and Jamie Jallad having another fine game in goals.

16 Girls – Proudly Sponsored By Macarthur Granite & Marble: Quake 1 def by Dural 3

Another flat performance from this team of quality players. After taking an early 1 goal lead through a Laura Murtagh strike the girls did not play they way we know they can. Maybe Coach Mel’s absence is being felt more than it should but in any case the girls intensity needs to lift. With the calibre of players in this side we have no doubt they will turn things around soon.

Youth – Proudly Sponsored By A.H.Beard: Quake 0 drew with Dural 0

The score line pretty much sums this game up. Both teams set up to defend and hit on the break and chances were few and far between. Dural had the best of the opening 10 minutes and then Quake matched them from that point on. The lads got into foul trouble very early in the 2^nd half and Andrew Haim had to make two 10 metre penalty saves to salvage a point. Two draws in the first 2 games is nothing to sneeze at for this young side and they have shown they will be competitive in this comp.

Women – Proudly Sponsored By Bella Arts Graphic Designs: Quake 3 def Dural 2

Two games and two fightback wins after going down a goal twice in the match. Dural opened the scoring early before Steph Haim hammered a left foot into the top corner. A sloppy goal conceded just before the half saw the girls go into the break 1-2 down. To their credit the team worked and worked and Steph, who had one of her best games for Quake, levelled the score with her 2^nd goal and the points were there for the taking. With not long left on the clock Claire Walsh picked the ball up in her half of the court, danced around 3 Dural defenders and put the ball into the back of the net to score as a good an individual goal as you will see and seal the win. All credit goes to the girls for their never say die attitude against a very good Dural side.

Men – Proudly Sponsored By United Tools Liverpool: Quake 5 def Dural 7

How do you describe this game? Quake raced out of the blocks and had a 3-1 lead within the first 5 minutes and went into the half 4-2 up after scoring some fabulous futsal goals. But Dural aren’t the defending Champions for nothing and they regrouped to score 4 unanswered goals and seize control of the game. Quake could have thrown in the towel but fought back to score again to make it 5-6 and put the pressure back on Dural. But another defensive lapse saw Dural score the clinching goal with 2 minutes left on the clock. Another game where Quake got into a winning position but couldn’t finish the game off. The team has shown they have potential and with Simon returning to the coaching helm this week we may see that killer instinct against Rovers.