The Talon November 1992

"STATE LEAGUE SENIORS

The 1992 season was fiercely competitive, with a final four series to decide the League Champions. The club welcomed back Eugene Mycak as coach and a solid pre-season training, coupled with an enthusiastic squad, ensured that we won the Summer Cup yet again.

The home and away series was embarked upon with a good deal of optimism. Devonport and White Eagle seemed to be the likely championship contenders early on in the season and a draw in the first round demonstrated there was little between the two sides. This was a turning point for both sides. Devonport went from strength to strength, recording few losses from this point. White Eagle on the other hand performed somewhat inconsistently, realising its full potential on only a few occasions.

At the conclusion of the home and away series Devonport was firmly entrenched at the top of the table and were very deserving minor premiers. David Stoddart won the goalscoring award with an outstanding display in the final game.

The final series is now, of course, history. A loss to Devonport by one goal to nil and a loss to Croatia by the same margin ended the season. Whereas Eagle had the better of both sides and displayed considerable skill and flair, we were simply unable to convert our chances. This, coupled with some bad luck and inconsistent refereeing, dogged us throughout the finals series.

Many positive aspects are to be highlighted during the season however. The return of Eugene Banasik after a long injury provided stability and experience at the back. Alan Wisby learned much from his outstanding mentor Zlatko Belanic and displayed great potential and maturity. Miles Harry made an amazing debut, and apart from the occasional crisis of confidence displayed the temperament, skill and enthusiasm that augurs well for a successful career with the club.

Damien Bones, despite his youth, demonstrated the courage and skill necessary to achieve at State League level. Paul Murray has developed the concentration, control and dedication vital to success as a key defender. His contribution to the club in the future will be inestimable as he continues to mature and develop. Mark Leszczynski's experience and captaincy continued to improve as did David Stoddart. David assumed great responsibility and displayed considerable maturity in his consistently outstanding contribution to the club. Stalwarts Scott Young, Andrew Leszczynski, Craig Pitt and Michael Driessen turned in some solid performances, as did Paul and Neil Morrison. Jamie Joyce continued to improve in temperament and skill, making positive contributions throughout the season. Robbie Lebski demonstrated the capacity to play at the top level, particularly in our final game, and Richard Ketchell and Franco Previdi made some good contributions early in the season.

There is no doubt that with the services of such outstanding and dedicated players the club will continue its successful tradition as the major power in the Tasmanian State Soccer League.

Frank Bansel - Manager

1992 ROSTERS

STATE LEAGUE SENIORS

Team                  P  W  D  L  F  A  P
Devonport City       21 16  2  3 57 19 50
White Eagle          21 10  4  7 54 39 34
Caledonians          21 10  2  9 30 38 32
Croatia Glenorchy    21  9  4  8 36 35 31
Launceston Juventus  21  8  4  9 30 33 28
Ulverstone           21  8  4  9 27 40 28
Hobart Juventus      21  6  3 12 28 32 21
Olympia Trust Bank   21  5  1 15 24 50 16

STATE LEAGUE RESERVES

Team                  P  W  D  L  F  A  P
Hobart Juventus      21 15  5  1 72 17 50
Launceston Juventus  21 11  4  6 53 31 37
Devonport City       21  8  7  6 34 36 31
Croatia Glenorchy    21  9  3  9 36 41 30
Caledonians          21  8  5  8 50 38 29
White Eagle          21  7  4 10 30 41 25
Olympia Trust Bank   21  7  2 12 31 47 23
Ulverstone           21  3  2 16 20 75 11 

DIVISION 3

Team                  P  W  D  L   F   A  P
White Eagle          21 18  1  2 108  21 55
South Hobart         21 18  1  2  90  24 55
University Rovers    20 11  2  7  57  37 35
D.O.S.A.             20  8  1 11  49  50 25
University United    20  8  0 12  37  80 24
University Gold      19  7  1 11  42  44 22
Phoenix Clarence     20  5  2 13  22  65 17
Rapid                19  1  0 18  25 109 3

UNDER 17

Team                  P  W  D  L  F  A  P
Hobart Juventus      11  7  2  2 30 10 23
White Eagle          12  6  1  5 37 19 19
Croatia Glenorchy    11  5  3  3 25 18 18
Caledonians          11  4  1  6 18 26 13
Olympia Trust Bank   11  2  1  8 11 48 7

UNDER 15

Team                  P  W  D  L  F  A  P
Olympia Trust Bank   19 15  3  1 45 12 48
White Eagle          18 12  3  3 50 36 39
Hobart Juventus "A"  18 12  2  4 48 17 38
Hobart Juventus "B"  18  6 10  2 27 20 28
Kingborough United   18  8  4  6 30 26 28
Croatia Glenorchy    17  7  3  7 29 31 24
Phoenix Clarence     17  5  3  9 25 29 18
Howrah United        17  4  2 11 20 40 14
South Hobart         15  4  1 10 21 29 13
Taroona              17  2  6  9 19 43 12
Caledonians          18  2  1 15 16 47 7 

UNDER 13

Unavailable (Not yet finalised)

STATE LEAGUE RESERVES

Firstly I would like to thank on behalf of the White Eagle Soccer Club our sponsor Wain Gorringe/ACL Reconditioning & Spare Parts Pty Lts for their support and look forward to continued association in the 1993 season.

The season started very early for us, as the inclusion of 8 or 9 new players into the squad brought teething problems. The solutions to these problems were helped by entering a 7-a-side pre-season competition in which we came second in our division and ended up winning the overall competition in a knock out cup format. Thanks to all who participated.

Then the hard work began with the start of the pre-season cup and the roster matches. Our pre-season started well as in the performance that the young players finding their feet, but the 1-0 loss to Rapid in the first round was the reason that we never proceeded to the semi-final.

The league roster started badly in terms of scorelines, with two wins, one draw and four loses from the first round of seven games. Despite playing positive and possession soccer the results did not show these performances.

The call up to the seniors of many players plus injury and sickness to others led to enthusiastic, yet inexperienced, players being used. These factors, combined with a lack of confidence in front of goal made consistent efforts difficult to achieve.

The second round started to see better week to week performances, and the talent and conviction of the team began to show results. The record of three wins, two draws and two losses came through the fact that the team had a solid back bone with players such as Richard Ketchell, Damien Bones, Grant Mason, Alex Leon, Mark Pitt, Michael Murray, Julian Proud and Alan Wisby contributing each week.

At the start of the third round the team was on the fringe of the top four and everyone needed to lift, as a finals berth was not unattainable. But with the loss mid-season of Stephan Grebka, Lee Shacklady and Simon Templeman the squad was forced into using 29 players throughout the season. These players were combined from the Under 17 squad (7 players), those training with the seniors (10), third division team (5) and the same core of players each week (7). Although it is good to have so many players available, there was never a week where the reserves had a balanced side on the park.

Despite the perseverance the third round yielded only two wins, two draws and three losses, with the side finishing in sixth place, five points from a finals spot.

In summing up the year I would like to thank all those who participated in the reserves squad, especially those six or seven regular players who helped me keep my sanity. I would also like to thank my manager, Steve Murray for his support and his wife, Maria, for washing the strip each week. Thank also to physio, Ken Street, whose humour never went astray, and the White Eagle committee, players, supporters and families for their support. Thanks again to our sponsor, Donald Gorringe/ACL Parts & Distributors.

To finish off, the wheels are already in motion with the scouting of new players in the off season and the current indoor and upcoming seven-a-side competitions to get us ready for the 1993 season.

Les Ware - Coach

UNDER 13

The 1992 season brought about a mixed set of results for the White Eagle Under 13 Team. The boys soon found that the competition was going to be tougher than they had come across in past seasons. This was mainly due to the players all playing a year above themselves. To the players credit they set about doing the jobs they were given. At all times the boys played some very entertaining soccer but at times were not rewarded with the results they deserved.

Altogether the team had 4 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses from 14 matches. The team had wins against Hobart City 3-0, Cosgrove twice 5-2 and 4-2 and a sound victory over Croatia 5-0. The majority of losses the team suffered were games where the results could have gone either way.

Finally, the players deserve to be congratulated on their efforts during the season with all players showing improvements. All players have also indicated they are willing to stay with the club and hope to be successful in the future. Congratulations boys on your efforts.

Paul Murray - Coach
Ken Street - Manager

The team included: Damien Gower, Robert Street, Christopher Murray, Alan Kalbfell, Adam Murray, Christopher Cox, Brian Zielinski, Nathan Howard, Mathew Barwick, Michael Connolly, Luke James & Nicholas Wedd.

UNDER 15

After a struggle for players at the beginning of the season the team managed to take shape after the first few games with the arrival of more recruits.Despite being defeated in the first round of the knockout cup, the boys were able to put in a good performance for most of the season. Only losing three and drawing three out of a total of eighteen games, finishing second on the ladder.

With many players with the ability to score goals the team was able to produce 52 goals for the season, topping any of the other ten teams.All players must be congratulated on their efforts for the year and will hopefully stay with the sport in the future.

Tim Wilkie - Coach

The Under 15 Team included: Scott Grygiel, Adrian Kniaz, Mathew Murray, Andrew Quaggin, Gerald Davis, Damien Johnson, Steven Bukowiecki, Daniel Osuchowski, Mathew Brown, Adam Page, Shane Bailey, Craig Triffitt, Rodney Bones and Darek Wojcik.

DIVISION III

What can I say! But congratulations to one and all for a very successful season. Not only did we win the the premiership, we also made the double by winning the knockout cup.

This years efforts was made possible with the help of the following players: Neil Biggar, Ian Biggar, Marcus Proud, Chris Brown-Price, Michael Case, Brett Stoddart, Stefan Sikora, Tim Wilkie, Adam Czyzowicz, Gilbert Steenhuis, Julian Proud, Tony Grueber, Greg Rosinski, Steve Vernon, Dal Singh and John Large.

Special mention to the following players who filled in on occasions throughout the year: Jamie Joyce, Lee Shacklady, Robert Lebski, Les Ware, Michael O'Conner, Grant Mason and Vance FitzGerald.

With us being 3 points off the pace and with a superior goal difference we were confronted with the task of playing South Hobart to decide who would win the premiership. A win or a draw to South Hobart would see them take the trophy for the second year in a row. Due to poor ground conditions at Wellesley Park the game was transferred to South Hobart. The boys enthusiastically approached the game and gave their all to come away with the game, the premiership and the greatest feeling that team stacking can sometimes backfire as was the case with South Hobart.

The following week we again played South Hobart and repeated the dose and won a berth in the Cup final against University. With the double at stake and with both teams wanting the honour we managed to overcome University and scrape in by one lone goal, completing the double.

Thanks once again

Cheers J.L.

UNDER 17

Although the Under 17's only had 9 regular players they acquitted themselves well by finishing 2nd in the premiership and drawing 3-3 with a physically stronger and older Croatia side in the cup, unfortunately losing on a penalty shoot out. After playing with their own sides Scott Grygiel and Adrian Kniaz from the Under 15's and Michael Murray and Damien Bones from the reserves supplemented the team in the semi's and the final.

The club should be proud of this team which showed plenty of skill and tremendous character under difficult circumstances. The team would like to thank those supplementary players who helped throughout the season: Scott Grygiel, Adrian Kniaz, Damien Bones, Michael Murray, Sam Gorringe & Adam Jones.

The regular squad was:
Goal Keeper:
Damien McMullan (Captain) Damien is developing into a class goal keeper. He makes his position look easy with his agility and mature positional play.
Defenders:
Jason Miller Strong and fast, he has improved throughout the season to become a useful team member.
Craig Lucas Another big improver who will develop with more experience.
Vance FitzGerald A good skillful player who can play anywhere. Scored an important goal in the Cup Final.
Michael O'Connor Michael's a very reliable player, and gave confidence with strong tackling and distribution.
Midfield:
Adrian McMullan Adrian's a skillful and talented player. He brings his team mates into the game with creative distribution. Also scores important goals.
Steele Pullen Steele's also a very talented player. Very good on the ball and has a powerful shot.
Nick Proud A late addition, Nick slotted in well with some timely goals. Will further improve with maturity.
Forward:
Mathew Bosworth A big improver. Plays equally well in attack or defence. Mathew gave a 110 percent in the Cup Final.
Coach:
Barry Shacklady Played with Olympia throughout the 60's and with Metro in the 70's. Coached the above teams and several State Youth Teams.

Thanks go to the Polish Credit Union, the Polish Association, the Polish Club and to David Stoddart Senior for their donations towards the trophies for 1992. Special thanks go to the Polish Credit Union for their major sponsorship this year and to the Polish Club for their continual support.

The juniors sides had their presentation barbecue at Tolosa Street Reserve recently. The weather was kind and made for an enjoyable day for all concerned. There was a good turn out across the board with numerous players, parents and supporters there to encourage the boys and to see Tim Wilkie and Paul Murray present their respective teams with their awards.

The committee would like to thank all those who supported the club over the year and thank those willing to lend a hand with the organisation of the years events. Special mention to those coaches who gave up their time and to those who assisted them in getting their teams on the ground and keeping them there.

Although the club did not burden players with a major raffle this year, thanks go to those who were willing to participate in the numerous small raffles, quiz nights etc. that were held throughout the year. The $1000 prize for the 100 club raffle was won by Mal Jenkins.

The club's financial position was not as good as hoped in 1992 but the prospects for a successful 1993 are as good as ever. The club will be having it's Annual General Meeting in the coming months, so all those interested in the direction of the club in 1993 are encouraged to turn up and to actively participate in whatever capacity they can next year.

The club has already organised events for the off season interim. The Eagle Golf Challenge will commence on the 22nd of November and include the 6th and 20th of December. Those wishing to participate should express their interest as soon as possible. "