Cornerstone’s very own Under 13′s Premiership team, the Cornerstone Titans, have cemented their place in regional football history, by taking home the 2012 Premiership Cup.

Last weekend, Coaches Steve Lane and Gerry DeLuca watched a season of hard work pay off, with the amazing win of their team over the highly fancied and talented St Joseph Mackillop’s Stingers in the Cup Final.

The formidable Stingers were unbeaten in the regular season, and whilst the Titans have clearly been one of the top teams in the competition this year, a special effort was needed to be crowned cup champions.  After a season of competing against teams from as far away as Capel, Dunsborough, and Margaret River, the Titans have proven again and again that they not only possess the skills they need to succeed, but also the heart and courage to pull it all together when it matters most.

A sea of red-dressed supporters made their way to the Capel soccer grounds last Saturday to see the Titans take an early lead through some wonderful team passing and a clinical finish by Josh Fairbrother.  The well drilled Stingers responded with some impressive football, reflective of their league champion status,  and were only denied by some excellent Titan defensive work and goalkeeping.

But the Stingers were not to be denied, and in the second half they tied up the match with a well taken penalty by the highly talented Will Culnane.  ‘Game On’ – it was clear that this was going to be an epic battle with both sides giving everything in an attempt to win the ultimate prize.  The Titans then struck back in typical style with Jared Brough sprinting on to a lofted through ball from the Titans’ ever reliable play-maker Josh Riches, which was then driven home to the delight of the Cornerstone faithful.

But the drama was not finished, and with less than a quarter of an hour to go the Stingers were awarded another penalty.  But this time,  after a nervous retake following an encroachment in to the box, the Titan’s goalkeeper Josh Nicolas would become the hero, with a save that sent the Titan supporters into raptures.

Despite several late chances on goal, the Titans couldn’t add to their tally, and numerous attempts by the mighty Stingers meant that everyone was on the edge of their seat until the final whistle saw the Titans prevail 2-1 on the day!

The game was played in great spirits and both sides were very gracious following the match.

Following the well deserved and hard fought victory, the awards presentation was held and Cornerstone’s Lauren Alcorn was announced as the referee’s ‘Player of the Match’ for her amazing defensive work.  Whilst her performance caught the eye of the officials, it was clearly a total team effort which saw the result go Cornerstone’s way.

Fittingly, the ‘Cornerstone Soccer Club’ held its end of year Wind-up the following afternoon, allowing the entire club to celebrate the Titans’ great win.  Josh Riches capped off a remarkable season as the Titans ‘captain, by taking home the Club’s most prestigious prize – the ‘CSC (Character Service and Commitment) Award’.  He, along with a number of other players across a broad range of age-groups were recognised for their servant hearted leadership.  ‘Fairest and Best’ and ‘Most Improved’ players were also recognised and the ‘Golden Boot’ went to Jared Brough, whose lethal scoring prowess was part of the Titans’ very impressive season.

Cornerstone has almost 100 players that don the Red, Black and White strip, and each of these were acknowledged at the Club presentation awards.  Coaches, team managers, referees, committee members and parents were all acknowledged for their part in making 2012 a truly sensational season.  Video and Photo memories were displayed, sponsors thanked, a message was delivered from College Chairman, Dr Gavin Riches, and when all the formalities were completed, a meal was served to allow one final time of reliving the ‘season that was’ and catching up with friends.

‘Cornerstone Soccer Club has a motto of ‘Making Friends, Playing Fair, Having Fun’, and in 2012 that was evidenced again and again’, said Club President Neil Fraser.  He continued by saying that the Club has a lot to celebrate, in particular the way CSC conducts itself on and off the pitch, and delighted in receiving feedback from other clubs about what a pleasure it is to deal with those connected with the Cornerstone name.

Congratulations to all who have been part of this wonderful season and well see you all again in 2013.

It has begun again.  The 2012 soccer season has commenced, and around 90 players will be wearing Cornerstone Colours with pride.

With a fresh new sea of little faces replacing those who graduated from Junior Soccer last year, the enthusiasm levels were high at a recent launch.  Each year the Club provides a branded piece of merchandise  – and in 2012 a beanie with the Cornerstone logo is now on the heads of the players.

What is delightful is the team of older students who have taken on leadership roles in 2012.  WJ and Jordan are both coaching teams this year, and another group of young men and women will be helping run the line and umpiring junior games.  It is heartening to see the servant heart of these Cornerstone students – who are making a real and tangible difference to the lives of a new breed of players.

The committee (consisting of volunteer parents) is delighted with the team of coaches, referees, managers and enthusiastic parents that will be helping make 2012 a special year for every player.  Additionally, a team of dedicated sponsors, headed up by Ventura Homes, is helping provide the resources that the club needs.  We are deeply grateful to all who help make Cornerstone Soccer Club all that it is.

Cornerstone’s Soccer Club is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year, and currently has around 100 players that put on their red and black strip each week and take to the pitch.

The Under 10′s team have so far been virtually un-beaten this season, with only one loss on the score board and 12 consecutive wins.  A recent game, which was dominated by the Cornerstone Knights, gave opportunity for the coach of the team to mix up the normal playing positions, with the aim of letting every player (even the goalie) score a goal.

The excitement was palpable, and to follow is a series of photos that exhibit the tension and delight of a Cornerstone Mum witnessing her child getting his first goal ever.   Her anxiety, tension, and ultimate delight are wonderful to see.  We hope you enjoy witnessing the moment as well.

CSC Takes Winter-School-Carnival By Force.  23rd June 2011

This Report was created by the Vice President of the Cornerstone Soccer Club, who was the coach of the Cornerstone team that participated in a recent winter carnival.

The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is none other than Coach Ellery.  We hope you enjoy his take on the events of Thursday, June 23.

The echoed chant went up around the majestic stadia of Hay Park, Bunbury, as the announcer heralded the news that the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) would lead the Crusaders in the Magnificent 7s Soccer Knock-Out Winner-Takes-All competition to establish World Domination for now and forever more.

As the BFG was jerked into swift consciousness, he perused the team sheet.  From the current Giants line up, Callum & Jack were listed.  Elizabeth & Courtnee (The Cookie Monster) were on loan from the Titans (with Coach Mapstone issuing stern reminders as to how far the BFG’s head would be separated from his body should either one become injured through the day), and Caitlin, Ashlyn, Matty, Ty-bags & Loz joined the team from the current Crusader line-up.

The team played 5 games of 30 minutes each between 10am and 2pm, with only 10 minutes between bouts.  When the organisers asked for ‘pitches’, the curator thought they meant ‘cricket-pitches’, because that was the approximate dimensions of the playing arenas.  However, with 7 players either side and a size 4 ball in the middle, soccer was the game and we were on like Donkey Kong.

The 1st game saw the Crusaders go down by a goal, but the work was set for what was to be a very good day.  The next game saw the Crusaders victorious by 6-0, with Ashlyn scaring herself silly by volunteering to go goalie, and Cal running amok with Loz, Jacko & Caitlin to score heavily against the ‘guys from Gath’ (look it up in 1 Samuel, chapter 17).

The 3rd game was against Harvey’s St Annes team.  St Annes looked fragile, but showed a solid core, with a goalie who dived like Jacque Cousteau, and a bustling striker who kept finding the goals.  The 2nd half saw Ashlyn combine with Liz to bring about Liz’s first goal of the day.  The ref gave Liz a quick and appropriate hug to celebrate.  As he looked a lot like the BFG (right down to his white footy-boots), it was considered to be ok…  From then on, the Crusaders poured on the goals to be up 4-3 at the conclusion.

Game 4 was played on the only pitch with wide open spaces, and the Crusaders looked as though a ‘bex and a lie-down’ might be in order.  However, spurred on by bold running & passing by a resurgent Jacko & Cal, and with the Crusader’s bench making more changes than a political party’s policy-decision room, the Crusaders got up to play the perfect half of 7v7 soccer, coming out with a win, conceding nothing in defence.  Ty-bags took a pummelling as the goalie, but stood resolute and continued to repel everything that came his way.  It was though he had sprayed ‘ball-be-gone’ under his arms at half time, and it smelled sweet!

Game 5 saw the Crusaders come up against a nemesis… Ryan Wheatcroft!  He left the Cornerstone Soccer Club in tumultuous circumstances amidst great acrimony and dastardly scuttle-butt in 2009, and was now all that stood between the Crusaders and the joy of victory.

Ok, I might have stretched that a bit… Ryan’s folks moved to Donnybrook, so Ryan joined another club with another association.  We love him.  We love them.  Actually, they were all really very nice.  So, perhaps take the above paragraph with a grain (or kilo!) of salt.

Again at half time, the Crusaders were down.  The play had been good, but every question the Crusaders asked was answered with a goal coming the other way.  Where would Crusader goals come from?  To whom could the Crusaders turn?

Take a bow Cal.  With the powerade still settling in his stomach, he found the gap between the goalie and the cone on his left.  When a 2nd went through soon after, involving some great run and drive by Jacko, Loz & Caitlin running off the back line, the Crusaders had a sniff.  Cal scored again, and with The Cookie Monster denying the opposition with fierce run and repel from the backline, victory was assured.

For good measure, Jack took a corner (remembering that the pitch was very narrow!) lifting it over the head of a defender for Matty to neatly header past the bemused goalie.  It was a thing of synchronised marvel to see Loz & Caitlin doing forward rolls on the way back to their mark.

Of course, there were 2 other Cornerstone teams running around in the now famous Cornerstone Soccer Club strips.  As well as netball & hockey teams.

But I loved the Crusaders.

On Saturday, I’ll be back to being a Giant from head to toe.  But today, I was a Crusader.  And I loved it!

Congratulations to staff and parent helpers (great to see Robbo Godsell running around with a clip-board and a smile throughout the day!) for what was a brilliant way to spent an RDO.

In regards to this report, I hope it is accurate.  Where accuracy is in doubt, I hope it is creative!

The BFG

Cedric is a rising soccer star who was recently honoured for his skill in the game.

Over the recent school holidays, the very best players in the region were teamed together to take on other players from across the State.  Country week had over 750 players participating from regional clubs as far away as Karratha and Albany. 

The tournament is specifically designed for the regional areas and has three key objectives:  to offer a Regional Championship; to identify the talent of players; and to provide coaching education.

Cedric participated in the LNJSA Under 13′s team which performed well, but of even greater significance for Cedric, was the announcement that he was the fairest and best player in the competition for his age-group.

Well done Cedric, we are so thrilled at your accomplishment in representing our region so outstandingly.  We are very proud of you.