22/11/2007
Australian Futsal

The Advertiser
Courtesy: Bendigo Advertiser

Titans claim futsal title

20 November 2007

THE Bendigo Titans capped a memorable season by being crowned the National Futsal League champions of 2007 after the weekend's final round of action at Flora Hill stadium.

Unbeaten in all four matches on their home court, the Titans won the indoor soccer championship ahead of Ballarat Stallions.

Bendigo kicked off the final round by scoring a 4-1 win against Newborough and then a seven-nil blitz of the Stallions.

On day two, the Titans won a hard-fought battle with Newborough, 4-2.

In the fourth game, Bendigo needed a victory, or at least a draw, to clinch the championship.

The Titans dominated the first half of the duel with Ballarat Thunder.

Sam Gower struck the first goal when on the end of a long throw by goalkeeper Jack Gwynn.

A left-foot strike by Brenton Kendall beat Thunder's keeper and capped a series of passes by Rhys Clayton and Gower.

The general in defence and through midcourt, Rhys Clayton was later on the end of Gower's creative pass for a three-goal lead.

A key player in defence and midcourt, Sam Robertson injured his left ankle and had to be assisted off the court.

Robertson was replaced by Jackson Clayton, who had injured his left knee against the Stallions, but showed plenty of courage to play on.

The Titans kept on at tacking, with Rhys Clayton capitalising on Gower's cross from the right to strike his second goal.

The Thunder struck back with a goal from a free kick.A superb block by Gwynn led to the ball rolling to Gower, but his strike hit the post.

In the second half, Ballarat scored consecutive goals to make it 4-3.

The classy Gower again beat Thunder's defence before Ballarat replied from the kick-off.

At 5-4 the heat was on, but the Titans answered the challenge with goals by the Clayton's, Rhys and Jackson to seal a 7-4 victory.

The Titans, most of whom play outdoor soccer with Strathdale, were in their second national league season.

The campaign involved matches in Ballarat, Moe, and the Gold Coast.

It was not an easy run for the team which is not sponsored, and relies on the players and their parents kicking in with cash for uniforms, accommodation and travel.

"To win the championship in just our second year was a great effort," Titans' captain Rhys Clayton said.

The Titans kicked off '07 with Xavier Clayton, the middle of the three brothers, playing a key role in defence.

Xavier then took up a soccer scholarship in the US, which led to Sam Gower being recruited by the Titans.

The Titans squad was one of the youngest on the court, with Rhys Clayton, Gower, Gwynn and Roberston all 20-years-old, Jackson Clayton, 17, and Brenton Kendall, 16.

Next season there will be eight teams competing in the National Futsal League.

A new-look Titans will be fired up for the challenges thrown up by Ballarat Stallions, Newborough, and the rest in the battle to be the best.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com


 


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