Our Grade 8 boys football team has now played seven games in the NHSSA junior football roster, where the team is currently sitting second on the ladder with a 5-win, 2-loss record. The performances to date have been very encouraging and the boys have shown vast improvement, throughout the seven games; both individually and as a team. The best attribute the team has shown is their ‘never say die’ attitude where the boys have come from well behind in three of their games to record narrow victories. The biggest improvement has been the boys’ ability and willingness to listen to instruction and fulfil their role for the team.

Round 1:

Riverside High School 32 defeated Prospect High School 30 – in our first game, and some of our boys’ first games of football ever. The team came from four goals behind to take a memorable win. With Declan acting as the ‘swingman’ from defence to forward, Ethan playing well through the midfield, Thomas providing a strong target across HF, and Rory and Seb showing great endeavour in their first games of football, the team was able to get the job done in a promising start to the season.

Round 2:

Riverside High School 72 defeated Launceston Church Grammar School 53 – again playing at home, the boys found a way to win by coming from three goals down. All boys showed significant improvement in their understanding of their roles and their ability to listen to instruction. Sully came into the side as a Grade 7 and had an immediate impact with a best on ground performance. Once again Declan was strong as our ‘swingman’ and Liam, controlled the ruck.

Round 3:

Riverside High School 30 was defeated by Kings Meadows High School 83 – our first away game against the strong Kings Meadows High School was a great learning experience. Although the result looked one-sided, our boys once again showed great signs with their teamwork, understanding of their roles, and their ability to listen to instruction. Rory, was outstanding across HB, repelling many attacks, Liam was again controlling the air, and Seb continually improved his understanding of the game. The boys showed great resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Round 4:

Riverside High School 35 was defeated by St Patricks College 65 – although we did not win the game, this was our best team performance of the year with the boys showing excellent improvement in their ability to defend and be able to link up in offence. Playing St Patricks College Grade 8 team is always a massive challenge, but our boys really embraced this. Oliver led the way in the midfield, with some of our newcomers in Lachlan, Andy, Ben and Sam standing up to the challenge.

Round 5:

Riverside High School 130 defeated Queechy High School 24 – Round 5 could be identified as when the Grade 8 boys football ‘juggernaut’ started to really roll! With all the boys showing vast improvement across the previous two tough games, our boys gave an impressive display against Queechy High School. With strong contributors all over the ground, Seb, Jake and Liam shone bright. Jacob showed his forward craft to bob up and kick goals, while Xavier continued his stellar defensive work.

Round 6:

Riverside High School 68 defeated Prospect High School 28 – With a come from behind 2-point victory in Round 1 against Prospect High School, our boys were expecting a tough match, however the ‘juggernaut’ was at full throttle. With Declan once again providing a strong avenue to goal, the competition’s most improved player Rory repelling attacks, and Oliver being impassable, it was difficult for Prospect High School to get their hands on the ball. Ty and Lucas were strong contributors for the team in an even team performance.

Round 7:

Riverside High School 44 defeated Launceston Church Grammar School 41– With interest in the team at fever pitch around the school, Mr Child decided to start an assistant coach role with the football team. Ms Bolton also appeared at the game at Launceston Church Grammar School so the pressure was on to perform. Riverside High School got off to a very sluggish start that stretched well into the third quarter, resulting in a 4-goal deficit halfway through the third quarter. The boys responded with a withering burst just before three quarter time to reduce the margin to less than a goal. Kicking against a strong breeze in the last quarter, the Riverside High School boys were able to kick two goals in the last 4 minutes, with Grade 7, Eden, kicking the winning goal with less than 90 seconds remaining. Liam dominated the ruck, with Eden’s two goals proving decisive. Lucas and Oliver were solid contributors through the midfield, and Ethan bobbed up with two vital goals in the second half.

Adam Sanders