Year 8 Boys draw in State Finals

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – STATE FINALS

Year 8 Boys Soccer

On Friday 5 September, the Year 8 Boys Soccer Team travelled to the Darebin International Sports Centre in Melbourne to compete in the Basketball State Finals. Under clear, sunny skies (a refreshing change from the gloomy conditions experienced in the Loddon Mallee regional stage in Moama), the boys gave it their all across three tough matches.

Game 1 – CMCB vs Emmanuel College
The team kicked off the day strongly, dominating possession and pressing high against Emmanuel College. While clear chances were limited, a moment of brilliance saw Kohan Carmichael thread a perfectly weighted through ball to Jacob Kendall, who slotted it neatly into the bottom right corner to cap off a sharp counterattack just before halftime.

The second half saw Emmanuel regain some momentum and apply consistent pressure. However, composed defending and some sharp saves from goalkeeper Christian Martin saw CMCB hold on for a narrow but well-earned 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Jacob Kendall
Best Players: Kohan Carmichael, Christian Martin, Jacob Kendall

Game 2 – CMCB vs Thornbury High School
The second game began with both teams jostling for control. Thornbury was first to break the deadlock, finishing off some clever team play. They quickly followed with a second goal, putting CMCB on the back foot. Despite the setback, the boys nearly found their way back into the game with two thunderous long-range efforts from Jimi Read and Kohan Carmichael, both rattling the crossbar.
Thornbury continued to press in the second half, eventually forcing a brilliant save from Christian Martin; however, that save unfortunately rebounded back into the path of an attacker, making it 3–0. A late goal to Thornbury sealed a tough result 4-0, despite CMCB’s grit and resilience.

Best Players: Christian Martin, Coen Kendall, Kohan Carmichael

Game 3 – CMCB vs Catholic College Wodonga
In a showdown between two Catholic Colleges, both sides came into the match with a loss and a win, making for a closely contested battle. The first half was cagey, with few chances and both teams struggling to find rhythm.

Coach adjustments in the second half paid off immediately, with Jimi Read moved up front and Tadgh O’Keefe pushing into midfield. Tadgh delivered a precise through-ball that Jimi chased down and coolly finished to give CMCB the lead. Wodonga responded later with a penalty opportunity, awarded after a light challenge, but in a rare twist, their penalty-taker was chosen via rock, paper, scissors.

Fortunately for CMCB, the winner blazed the shot wide.

Unfortunately, in the final minute, a scrambled clearance allowed Wodonga to equalise with a low-driven strike. Despite one final push from both sides, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Goal Scorer: Jimi Read
Best Players: Tadgh O’Keefe, Simon Bu, Jimi Read

The boys displayed outstanding resilience and teamwork throughout the day – not just on the field, but in managing injuries and illnesses, including two late withdrawals. Each match was played in great spirit, and the team can be proud of their efforts at the highest level of competition.

Final Result: 1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss
Season Record: 10 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss

A fantastic end to a remarkable campaign!

Mr Xavier Dunham (Coach)

TEAM: Rafael Bourke, Kohan Carmichael, Angelo Cuadra, Sonny Kennedy, Jacob Kendal, Tadhg O’Keefe, Coen Kendal, Mr Xavier Dunham (Coach), Daniel Xue, Leo Rusk, Zander Walker, Christian Martin, Jimi Read, Simon Bu, Miller Kelly