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RAMS RUE AS ROOSTERS RULE

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:17:20 +0100

AN INJURY plagued Torrens Valley succumbed to its second loss of the season after a 3-2 home defeat to Greenock Town on Saturday.
Andrew Fowler gave the Rams a perfect start on six minutes when his volley from eight yards beat the keeper, before the away team levelled courtesy of a wayward shot at goal directed into the Rams’ own net by defender Anthony Otto.
Greenock grabbed the lead on 23 minutes through a swift move down the left-hand side and could have gone into half time up with several more goals as the Torrens Valley defence collapsed under pressure.

Goalkeeper John Vyden was unlucky to be judged to bring down a Greenock striker midway through the second half, the resulting penalty putting the visitors 3-1 up.

Fowler scored his second in the 86th minute with a cracker of a shot from outside the box that was fumbled by the Roosters’ goalkeeper.

The home team pushed momentum forward in the last moments of the game, but the away team held strong to earn its first win in three meetings between the sides.

Reserves
The Torrens Valley reserves earned its first win for 2012 with a sprightly 4-2 win in the early fixture.
Hat-trick hero David Dau found some form in front of goal for the first time this season and Shane Parker also troubled the scoresheet with his dink through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Torrens Valley started better than the visiting Roosters with the ball spending the majority of time in their defensive third. Dau was benefiting from the service of Parker but couldn't find the target early.

Against the run of play Greenock Town scored the first goal after 15 minutes when a scuffed clearance by goalkeeper Chris Brittain was collected and sent low across goal and was placed beautifully past the custodian.

Torrens Valley continued to pile on the pressure and eventually broke through the Greenock lines after 30 minutes as Dau chipped a perfectly placed lob pass from Parker straight over the oncoming 'keeper.

The Rams quickly added a second three minutes later as Parker managed to score through the embarrassed visiting 'keepers legs. Greenock Town grabbed an equaliser two minutes later.

The second half was a tight affair and both sides had opportunities to grab important goals. Valiant defending from the Rams back four of Haynes, Mark O'Connell, Lawson and Gabriel Toma kept the scores level until Dau latched onto an pinpoint lob pass from O'Connell and powered his shot into the top corner after 80 minutes.

Four minutes later Dau bagged his hat-trick as he bet his marker and and slotted past the helpless Roosters keeper.

A special mention to Brody Short who was quite solid in central midfield.

HERO HARVEY TAMES PESKY PITBULLS

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:29:41 +0100

A STUNNING goal from Joe Harvey propelled the Torrens Valley Rams to a spiteful 1-0 win over Northern Pitbulls at Birdwood Park on Saturday.
The talisman scored from an improbable angle in the 63rd minute, as he stroked the ball across the goal face through the goalkeeper’s legs from near the edge of the penalty area and the goal line.
The home side were left to battle with ten men for the final quarter hour, when a valuable player was sent off after he collected a second caution.

The first half spawned few chances for the Rams, the best which came when a Brody Short corner fell to the feet of Harvey whose powerful right-foot shot brought out the best of the Pitbulls’ ‘keepers’ reflexes.
At the other end, Rams goalkeeper John Vyden was nearly left red-faced when he misjudged a shot on goal and it ricocheted off the upright.
Immediately after he made amends though, forced into an acrobatic save after the visitors unleashed a tidy shot from the edge of the box.

The game turned for the worse when Simon Rose copped a late tackle within a minute of the second half restart.
Immediately after, a Pitbulls’ defender earned the ire of the referee when he collected Matt McLoughlin in a high tackle as the Rams mounted an impressive counterattack down the left wing.

The vocal away supporters were silenced when Harvey delivered the decisive blow just after the hour mark.
Bibby hit the ball forward from his defensive half as Harvey ran into space. The captain outmuscled his opponent and while running out of pitch to play on, somehow snuck the ball home through the legs of the ‘keeper from near the goal line about 15 yards out.

The visitors showed no signs of mercy as they pushed for an equaliser with the referee called in to diffuse several incidents which could have warranted early showers for several players.

Rams’ defender Jeremy Byrnes copped a foot in the face as he fell victim to nasty behind the play antics.
One of his teammates then crossed his own thin red line as the referee issued a second yellow card and subsequent send off to the Torrens Valley striker for persistent infringements.

The Pitbulls were unlucky not to find an equaliser late in the second half, with the best effort cannoning off the cross bar, onto the goal line and away.

The match was marred by heartless chants towards the referee from several away supporters.

In the earlier kick-off, the Rams reserves scored three second half goals but fell short at the final whistle 4-3.
Questionable defensive work and goalkeeping allowed the visitors to go into half time with a 2-0 lead, but within two minutes of the restart, the Rams were back in the game.
Captain Andrew Craig fed half-time substitute Matt McLoughlin a delicious through ball and the speedster latched on the pass and finished past the ‘keeper for his first goal of the season.

The switch of Jeff Flynn into the centre of the park and Craig in a more attacking role had already paid dividends.
Rams ‘keeper Chris Brittain could only get an outstretched hand to the reply, as the Pitbulls 3-1 up within a matter of minutes.

The Craig/McLoughlin combination put on another show moments later.
The latter, dubbed “Mr Efficient’ by his peers, scored another goal after Craig’s deft through-ball sliced open the back four.

The Pitbulls put another in the back of the next ten minutes later but Craig nabbed a goal for himself with a clinical right-foot finish at a tight angle in the 89th minute.

RAMS FALL TO FLINDERS

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:29:42 +0100

TORRENS Valley opened its 2012 Amateur League season with a hearty performance, despite a cruel 3-0 loss to Flinders University on Saturday.
The result echoed the score from the exact fixture from last season, but this year the Rams could consider themselves unlucky not to leave with at least a draw.
After a wet first half with no goals and both sides with plenty of encouraging possession, it was the home team that went ahead early in the second stanza after a defensive mix up.
The second goal came after a delicious through ball slit through the heart of the Rams’ defence and a Flinders University striker finished neatly past goalkeeper John Vyden.

Matt McLoughlin should have pulled one back for the visitors, but his soft left-footed shot drifted wide of the goal.

This chance and the frantic final fifteen minutes summed up that it was never going to be Torrens Valley’s day.

Rams’ fans were outraged when a dangerous studs-up sliding challenge on the only standing leg of McLoughlin failed to incur the ire of the referee.

Then, captain Simon Rose then had his 20 yard thunderbolt strike brilliantly saved by the opposition goalkeeper.

The Rams had a glimmer of hope when a Flinders defender handled the ball in the penalty area, but Shane Parker saw his powerful penalty kick superbly saved by the legs of the outstretched ‘keeper.

To add salt to the wounds, the referee controversially judged Craig Bibby to handle the ball in his own penalty area seconds later.

Flinders scored from the resulting spot kick to swat any hope of a Torrens Valley comeback.

The Torrens Valley Reserves team also showed a positive start to the 2012 season, but went down 2-0 to the home side.

The Rams had an appeal for a goal waived away on the quarter hour, replays inconclusive of whether the ball crossed the line.

The resultant scramble saw Shaun Byrnes’ left-footed shot sail agonisingly wide of the post.

Flinders scored in the 23rd minute with a low shot across the goal after a deft through ball that caught the defenders off guard.

Goalkeeper Chris Brittian pulled off an important penalty kick save in the second half after a poor hand ball decision went against the Rams.

Brittain was unlucky with the Flinders’ second goal, as he parried a shot from the right into the path of an attacker who finished from close range.

Torrens Valley had valid calls for a penalty late in the second half refused when the Flinders goalkeeper punched a Rams attacker as he attempted to clear the ball.

This Saturday, six of the seven Torrens Valley teams play at home at Birdwood Park from 8.30am. More information is available at www.torrensvalleysoccerclub.com

RAMS WELCOME STIRLING & STRATH TO BIRDWOOD PARK

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:27:28 +0100

TORRENS Valley will welcome the Strathalbyn under 9s and Stirling Districts under 17 girls to Birdwood Park as the first round of the Adelaide Hills Junior Soccer season kicks off this Saturday.
The under 9 Rams will host Strath in the 9.30am game and at 2.30pm the under 17 girls will play against Stirling.
Several other teams are also in action in the first round, with the Torrens Valley under 8s at Hahndorf at 9am. The under 12 mixed Torrens Valley Maroon team are also at Pine Avenue on Saturday, with the kick-off time 11.15am.
The other under 12 mixed team, Torrens Valley Blue take on Mannum in the B35 derby at 10.45am away from home.
In other competitions, the Torrens Valley senior mens teams play at 1pm and 3pm respectively at Flinders University.
Full details of fixtures are available under the Match Day submenus.

LEARN TO BE A LINESMAN

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:55:46 +0100

PARENTS, club officials and players are encouraged to attend assistant referee/linesman training at Birdwood Park on Thursday April 19, 6.30 to 7.30pm.
The Adelaide Hills Referees Branch has organised this free event for clubs to strengthen the knowledge and skills of its volunteers on match days.
Even if you currently volunteer on match days or have in the past, this session is a perfect refresher for the season ahead.
If you cannot attend the training at Birdwood Park, the course will be repeated at Anembo Park, Mount Barker on April 26 from 6.30 to 7.30pm.

- For more information, please contact the AHJSA Referees' Branch training and development coordinator Peter van der Zwaag at peterzwaag@gmail.com

Assistant Referee Resource Available - provided by AHJSA Referees' Branch - click here

WANT A FUN DAY OUT AT THE ROCK N ROLL RENDEZVOUS?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:49:43 +0100

WE ARE on the hunt for several enthusiastic people to volunteer their time to help with the TVSC barbecue and chip stall at the Rock n Roll Rendezvous on Sunday April 22.
We need helpers to set up at the National Motor Museum, Birdwood from 9am, as well as lots of people for the busiest time between 11am and 2pm, and more volunteers in the afternoon as the day becomes quieter.
If you have a couple of hours to spare, at any time of the day, please let us know. We appreciate your support and thank you in advance for your help.
As with every year, the Rock n Roll Rendezvous is one of three fundraisers which are critical for the ongoing financial viability of the club.

Please contact Paul on (08) 8389 8384 to advise of your availability as soon as possible.

- For more information about the event click here

TRICKY SEASON AHEAD FOR SENIOR RAMS

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:58:47 +0100

TORRENS Valley Rams have predicted a tough season ahead after the 2012 season fixtures were released by the South Australian Amateur Football League last week.
The Rams are one of four teams left from last year’s division four competition and go into this year facing the ‘unknown’, with matches against eight new teams spread across a massive 22 match season.
2011 captain Jeremy Byrnes said the ambiguity that surrounded the new teams this season would pose a challenge for Torrens Valley.
“We’ve got a strong squad together, but it’s going to be tough, especially with so many teams we have never played against,” Byrnes said.
“We can’t take anything for granted this year.
“We need to go out, do our best, and hope that at the end of the season we’re at the pointy end of the league table.”
Although the Rams ended season 2011 in a modest fifth place of nine teams, they only boasted two wins against teams that finished above them in the table.
They also drew two games with Greenock Town, the team that lost every game it played against each of the top four teams.
The 12 team competition this year is a significant improvement on 2011, where poor competition management saw only nine teams contest division four, some even without a seemingly required Reserves team.
This meant the Rams Reserves team only played 11 games for the season despite a second place finish on the table.
2011 champions Strathalbyn join St Peters and Hazara in the third division, while Flinders University (2) stays in division four because its first and second teams remain in the competition above.
Last year’s cellar dwellers Mantarays have moved to Sunday division five, while Adelaide University Orange changes to Grey and drops to division five as a single team.
Torrens Valley kick its season off on April 21 against Flinders University away.
Last time these two teams met at the same venue, Flinders outclassed the Rams’ first team 3-0 and the Reserves 4-0.
Byrnes recalled how the results at Flinders University in the latter part of 2011 were a stark contrast to the reverse fixture earlier in the season when at Birdwood Park, the Reserves hailed 6-0 and the A team 4-1.
“This is definitely a tough first up assignment,” Byrnes said.
“Last year we played well at home against them and then away, things went pear shaped.”
Torrens Valley will miss Joe Harvey and Jeff Flynn through suspension for the first round match.
Flynn was sent off in the final match of last season and Harvey accumulated a lazy four yellow cards across 16 games in 2011.
The second round will see the Rams host the Northern Pitbulls and then their bogey team Greenock the subsequent matchday.
The weekend of May 12 and 13 will feature the Reserves team in the first cup round, with the draw to be determined once the preliminary round is played on April 14 and 15.
In round four the Rams visit Glenunga Reserve to play Old Ignations, a team they have shared pleasantries with, in the past.
A home tie against the Angkor looms on May 26, with a road trip to fellow maroon-ers Mount Compass to follow a week later.
They then can then look forward to a match against East Adelaide at home before a visit to Ukrainian outfit USC Lions.
Adelaide University are welcomed back to Birdwood Park on June 30 and the Rams will hope to replicate the same 2011 result– an 8-nil spanking.
A trip across the mountains to One Tree Hill and a contest at home with Parafield Gardens (2) rounds off the schedule for the first half of the year.
The reverse fixtures wind up on Saturday September 30.
Details: For more information go to www.torrensvalleysoccerclub.com/seniors.php

POSITION VACANT: UNDER 9s COACH

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:27:41 +0100

EXPRESSIONS of interest are being immediately sought for a dedicated and enthusiastic person to join our popular and progressive club as coach of the under 9s junior team.
The club is keen to develop its players, promote a fun and fair environment and in the long term increase participation and members.
The Under 9s play on Saturday mornings at our home ground, Birdwood Park, and away at other venues across the Adelaide Hills. Weekly trainings are held late afternoon/early evening during the week. The season kicks of April 21.
If you feel you are right for the job or for more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Tim Hawkins on 8568 5602, Paul Lewis 8389 8384 or Andrew Miller 8524 6030 to discuss your suitability.

WOMENS TEAM TO WAIT UNTIL 2013

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:21:05 +0100

TORRENS Valley Soccer Club is disappointed to announce that the proposed senior women’s team will not go ahead for season 2012.
However, to assist in planning ahead, all ladies interested in playing women’s football on Saturdays in the Adelaide Hills in 2013 are encouraged to contact Jeremy on 0421 657 811 to register your interest. Alternatively, join our Facebook page and keep up to date with the latest news and developments.
New and former players are welcome, as are interested ladies who have not played before. We encourage you to generate interest within your friends and family to consider joining our rewarding club next year.
Notifying the club of your interest by the end of the year will assist considerably in planning for 2013 and help catalyse a potential women’s team.
If you have any queries, please contact us.

FINAL CALL FOR INTERESTED PLAYERS

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:23:32 +0100

IF YOU are keen to play football with Torrens Valley in 2012, please urgently contact us to register your interest.
Specifically, we are looking for enthusiastic team players in the under 17 girls, under 16 mixed and possibly under 14 mixed, teams.
The under 8, 9 and two 12 teams are also always looking for potential recruits. Team nominations close this week and your participation may determine the success or make up of this years squads.
We will always welcome new players once the season starts. However, it is in the best interest of the club for you to please let us know as soon as possible if you are interest in playing (if you have not already).
We welcome players of all ages and abilities to our proud club. We are a friendly club that prides itself on its record for fair play and good sportsmanship.

Don't hesitate to call today!

Paul Lewis 8389 8384 / 0431 934 359 / paul.lewis@people.net.au
Andrew Miller 8524 6030 / 0417 853 780 / asmill@activ8.net.au

Too old for juniors?
SENIORS - Any players looking to play in the senior men's teams on Saturday afternoons (generally 16 years and older) should contact Shane on 0419 838 260 and/or attend training on Wednesdays at 7pm sharp.
COACH or VOLUNTEER - a number of positions within the club may be available. Contact us to discuss your suitability.