Leopards play Taroona in top-draw game

Today the Leopards played a skilled Taroona Red side on Hobart's prettiest ground, situated on a grassy headland overlooking the Derwent. Two years ago an U11 game was interrupted when players spotted a pod of whales in the river!

Here are the full match details from Eva's dad, Graham Schroter:

Great Defence results in draw
The Mighty Leopards fought hard to hold out a determined Taroona to a nil-all draw in wet and blustery conditions at Taroona. The wind-swept Derwent River provided the backdrop for what was an enthralling contest. Taroona were well drilled and highly skilled and asked questions of our defence, as well as doing a creditable job of repelling our attacking raids on their goal.

The game was in the balance right up until the final whistle. Both teams showed a willingness to run and pass and put pressure on the opposing team. To their credit both teams showed steely resolve to fight out the contest to the last minute. The final two minutes of the game saw an attack by the Leopards on the Taroona goal followed immediately by an attacking raid on the Leopards' goal.

The determination of the Leopards to not have their line crossed was illustrated at one point in the second half when Alice was on the goal circle taking the ball from an attacker, while Alice-Mary was crawling around trying to grasp the ball. In the third line of defence, Tessa and others were standing in the goal mouth to prevent any chance of a goal.

Special mention needs to be made of Alice and Rosie who were (as always) fantastic in their efforts to defend the Leopards' line. Well done girls, and well done to all the other members of the team. GO THE MIGHTY LEOPARDS!

Leopards grind to nil-all draw

By Sideline Sally
This week we played ten a side in our match against Waimea Heights instead of the usual team of nine. Most of the action was confined to mid-field which made goal-keeping a solitary task for Lillie and Alice. In fact, goalie Alice touched the ball only once because of the sterling work Bella, Sarah and AJ performed in defence.

Waimea had several promising shots at goal in the first half and were unlucky not to score - one ball hitting the goal post. In the second half, the Leopards defence was so strong that Waimea were unable to take any goal shots at all. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the ball near our goals either. Marguerite (Alice Mary's mum) did a good job on subs from the sidelines.



Rosie's dad Jeremy thoughfully took his camera and snapped these photos for our slideshow.

Next week's game: Leopards will meet a new team, Taroona Red, on the Taroona High school ground at 9am on Saturday 28 July. Yes - it's another early start so set your alarm and ask your mum for an early breakfast. Half-time oranges will be provided courtesy of Alice Mary.

Narrow loss as Supernova shines

Leopards lost a close game to Princes Street Supernova last week on a wet and chilly ground. The final score was 1-nil. We were sorry that Bella wasn't able to play but she was there and gave support.

Sarah stood out with her attacking play with support from Rosie and Anna up forward while the backline followed Stephen's tip of backing up the goalkeeper whenever she left the square. Good work. Everyone took home lots of mud - like AJ.

It's back to Parliament Street tomorrow for our next game against Waimea Heights. Watch out for the early starting time - 9am. Rain and a boggy West Hobart ground put paid to practice on Wednesday afternoon so everyone better have a good pre-match warmup. Lillie's mum (or dad) is rostered to bring the oranges. See you there!

This week's game

Why the snowman? Because it's going to be COLD tomorrow when the Mighty Leopards play Princes Street Supernova at Parliament Street in Sandy Bay - the game starts at 10am.

Can you remember both of Stephen's tips from training this week?

Goal Defence: If a goalie goes forward, the middle front defender should take the goalie's place in goal
Goal Shots: When you are in the goal circle - SHOOT FOR GOAL! Or as Alice Cox says, "BOOT IT!".

Leopards peg Calvin to draw

The final score was nil-all at last week's Leopards-Calvin rematch. West Hobart's backline did a superlative job pushing the ball into attack but the forwards simply weren't able to convert these opportunities into goals - still, it was an honourable draw.

Tomorrow's game - hopefully - is still scheduled for a 10am start at West Hobart oval, aka Lansdowne Crescent. The ground's pretty soggy and it could be wet overnight. You'd better listen to 101.7 HO-FM early tomorrow morning if there's rain drumming on the roof otherwise - see you there!

Meanwhile chairman of the board Stephen makes a few adjustments...