This years under 12’s competed at the AFS Shepparton Youth Football Tournament held on November 22-23.The goal for the boys to play good football and represent Adelaide Comets on the national stage… and boy did they represent!
Game 1 saw us kick off the tournament against Goulburn Valley Suns and the boys jumped out of the blocks and to 3-0 halftime lead. They controlled the game well with some excellent possession and always looked in control – Won 3-0
Game 2 saw us up against Victorian heavy weights Heildberg who were one of the favourites. The boys started slowly and thanks to some fine goal keeping kept the scoreline to just 2-0 down at halftime. The second half saw the Comets boys dig deep and thanks to some inspirational play score a cracking goal to set up a frantic finish. Boys pressed high and created some great chances and were very unlucky not to score an equaliser… but they certainly had the opposition on the ropes – Lost 2-1
Game 3 was against the mighty South Melbourne Hellas. Needing just a draw to secure a 1/4 final berth.
A quick trip back to our home base allowed the boys to have a quick dip in the pool to freshen up their tiring legs from the 35 degree heat. After dominating possession early in the game and creating a host of chances the boys unfortunately conceded a goal just before half time. Disappointed faces soon turned to determination to get what they deserved and the boys brought tears to the travelling supporters with a well worked moved that was expertly finished with a great cross and header to equalise 1-1 and advance to the 1/4 finals.
An inspiring team meeting that night set the tone for what was to come the next day.
Game 4 – Quarter Final was against a Melbourne club called Chelsea Magic. It didn’t matter if it was Chelsea of London , the boys weren’t going to let this opportunity slip. Both teams took time to settle and soon the Comets again found themselves behind 1-0 at halftime needing a superhuman effort. Earlier in the year the boys had experienced heartache of losing a cup game in extra time and this wasn’t going to end the same way. In hot conditions once again the boys dug deep and created an opportunity that was expertly taken by our very own “Ronaldo” to shake Shepparton to its core 1-1. This was going to penalties. Both coaches agreed playing extra time in this heat was only going to hurt both our chances in the final so it was straight to penalties. The Comets boys stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalties and our goal keeper became the hero once again… this time winning the the game not saving it with 2 great saves.
We dared to dream… Semi Final here we came.
In the semi final the boys played Springvale White Eagles a big club in Victoria. The boys again found themselves down early but the comeback proved too hard this time losing the game 2-0 but earning the respect from all clubs… Adelaide Who ? The crowd was saying… Comets was the reply. The 5th game in 2 days proved too much for the boys but they fought until the end and once again proved Comets boys come to represent!!
Springvale went on to win the tournament.
Overall it was special trip to end a wonderful year. 53 people made the trip over and these boys have created friendships for life…”love the game” took a new meaning.
A special thanks to the organising committee, parents, Comets brothers and sisters, sponsors, club delegates and most importantly the Adelaide Comets who give us a club to represent.
A special bunch of kids and thanks for the memories
Coach Ikon.
