Esperance’s Selemo Johnson (U12 Girls) controlling the ball out of the air against Leeuwin Naturaliste Junior Soccer Association. Photo: Brett Styles.
The Esperance senior men’s soccer team went into the recent country week as underdogs but surprised their opponents with some big wins, securing a place in the semi-finals.
“I think we went up there and caused a lot of shocks,” Esperance Soccer Association (ESA) vice president Olie Jones said.
“I think we went above and beyond.”
Jones said they had several outstanding players, including the youngest player in the senior competition, Jordan Fleeton, 16.
“He was on the bench for us in the first match, he came off and scored two goals and just didn’t leave the starting lineup so massive credit to him,” he said.
Josh Rodrigo was named the player’s player and Kurtis Maguire finished the tournament as the top goal scorer (5) and provided the most assists (5).
Esperance’s senior men were not the only team who put on an unexpected display at country week.
Six junior sides from the Esperance Soccer Association competed in two games per day against regional WA opponents.
Here’s how they went:
U13s — O’Neill
The U13 boys outperformed their opponents, winning the O’Neill division undefeated.
They beat Peel 5-2 in Friday’s grand final.
“All of their players just found another level — it was unbelievable,” Jones said.
Harlem Moore received the Esperance MVP award for his solid defensive display at centre back while the forwards found the back of the net several times.
“Isaac Jones up front scored quite a few goals,” he said.
“I think Conor Sinnott would have probably got goal of the tournament if there was a competition.
“He scored some cracking goals but one was just unbelievable — he was about 30 yards out.”
U11s — Circati and Taggart
In an unexpected performance, the U11 A-team placed third, with Callum Molloy securing the MVP award.
“I coached the U11 As and we were going to be the ‘flogging boys’,” Jones said.
“We beat the best team in the competition who had not lost a single game in four Country Weeks.
“The development of those players and proving to them that they are probably among the best in their age group in regional football was definitely worth it.
“The fight those boys showed was impressive to see — I couldn’t be happier for them.”
It was a Country Week debut for most of the U11 B-team who faced tough competition and picked up a couple of draws.
“They had some outstanding players who will no doubt get better from the experience they’ve had at Country Week,” Jones said.
Mason Biddulph was MVP for the U11 Bs.
U15s Mixed — Risdon
After standout tournaments the past three years, luck was not on the side of the U15s this time.
“They played well, they just couldn’t score their chances — it was really sad to watch because in the last three years they’ve been in the final twice and won it once,” Jones said.
“It was a bit of a shock but they still all performed well… it was just one of those things where they just couldn’t put it all together as a team and get the goals, so a difficult week for them.”
Felix Pearn won the MVP award for the Under 15s Mixed side.
Girls U12s — Foord and Girls U14s — Kerr
For the first time, the U12s and U14s girls’ teams won a game each at Country Week.
“It’s massive progress — in the first year they had heavy defeats and this year they’ve gone and held their own,” Jones said.
“It was a bit of a tough competition for them but it’s the fact that we’ve got the teams there — two years ago that would have been an absolute pipe dream.”
Niamh Murphy took out the MVP award for the U14s, while Zali Openshaw-Thomas was best on field for the U12 girls.
The juniors competed from September 29 – October 3.
Jones said the association was “extremely proud” of all the players efforts.
He gave a special mention to Kerry Polkinghorne who he said organised all the Country Week kits and Southern Ports and Viridis Ag for sponsoring the Esperance Soccer Association.
