Qormi Hockey Nursery

On Saturday 28th January, the Under 16s faced Sliema in a top of the standings encounter. Ghio, still had missing Cutajar although he is on recovering, while had the remaining of the team available. Whilst Sliema, with a full team opted to change their game from the 1st encounter between the teams.

Ghio opted for Fenech between poles while Bianco in the central of the defense together with Mansueto and Brincat on the sides. Sammut played a more defensive midfield role while DeGiovanni led the Qormi attacks together with Bonello and Micallef upfront.

After a few minutes Qormi managed to take the lead with a shot from outside the Dee, Bonello deflected wisely into goal. Qormi kept on attacking and in could have managed to double the score wasn't for good goalkeeping.

In the 2nd half, with Calleja in the defense, while Brincat moved foward, Qormi had several chances that failed to finish into goal. However Sliema improved as the Qormi team gave too much space to the Sliema team. IN the last minute from a short corner Sliema managed to get the draw and keep their hopes alight.

After this game Qormi have 11 points from 6 matches while Sliema have 7 points from 5 matches. Sliema will recover the missing game against White Hart on the 10 Febraury, closing the 3rd round.

Staring line up: J.Fenech, L.Brincat, K.Bianco, I.Mansueto, Cha.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni (Capt.), G.Bonello, K.Micallef

Used Subs: B.Calleja, R.Said

With the team: J.Farrugia, A.C.Falzon

On Saturday, the Under 14s, led by Piscopo, faced Sliema in the 2nd game of the day. In the 1st game, Stelmar beat Floriana 5-0, and therefore Qormi needed a win against Sliema to keep the top of  the standings.

For this game, Piscopo, had afull squad for the 1st time this season. Skipper Mifsud was selected between poles, while Gatt, Azzopardi and Grixti formed the defensive line. In Midfield Deguara together with Bajada supoported main striker Said.

The Yellows played below their par but the physical superiority was evident and Qormi managed to score twice in the 1st half through Bajada and Said. Unfortunatly the 1st half was also ruined by 2 accidental injuries to 2 Sliema players, which both had to leave the pitch. From here we wish fast recovery to Amore and DeMarco. 

In the 2nd half Qormi improved their game. With Bajada in the back line, Taliana and Luke Bajada both ventured in the attacking. In the 2nd half Qormi managed to score another 2 goals, 1 from Deguara and the 2nd from Said. A positive note was the debut of Darmanin and Cutajar. Also a very positive game  from newcomer Borg.

At the moment in teh 14s Qormi have 6 points while Stelmar stands 2nd with 4. Sliema and Floriana have 1 point each. All teams played 3 games.

Starting line up: S.Mifsud (Capt.), C.Gatt, I.Azzopardi, K.Grixti, A.Deguara, K.Bajada, R.Said

Used Subs: O.Borg, O.Hammad, F.Cutajar, K.Darmanin, J.Borg, L:Bajada, T.Taliana

Next game will be against Floriana in an important game to keep the lead of the category in a forthnight. While next Saturday the 16s will be playing against Sliema in a top of the table encounter. Ghio should have back Cutajar for the 1st time this season, which could be an important asset for the 16s.  

On Saturday 14th January Qormi 16s faced White Hart, in  match that the Qormi team needed to win to reinstate the 4 point advantage over Sliema, after the latter has beaten Floriana 10-2.

Ghio had still missing Jeremy Cutajar due to sickness. Ghio also had Warren and Kimberly Bianco missing for this game. However Ghio introduced Keith Bajada in the line up for the 1st time in the Under 16 team, after having a very good display last week iun the 14s.

In the 1st round White Hart gave a shock to the Qormi team, being 0-2 in the 1st half and had to do a very good display in the 2nd so to turn the result. This time Qormi began with Fenech between poles, while chose to play a solid back 3 with Kym Bianco, Isaac Mansueto and Bernice Calleja, so to reduce the chance of any surprises. In Midfield Ghio kept Sammut and DeGiovanni, while upfront began with Brincat and Micallef. However, although a more defensive approach, White Hart managed to make a very good 1st half. Qormi began on the right foot, scoring just after 1 minute with Micallef. DeGiovanni managed to double with a reverse hit. However the Qormi teamdid not manage to keep the momentum and White Hart were being dangerous from the counter attack. In fact from one of these attacks the White Hart team managed to reduce the deficit to 1 goal. The result of 2-1 in half time made the Qormi team still need to get the result .

However after the half time, Qormi were transformed in another team. a more aggresive approach gave the result needed. DeGiovanni paced the passing in midfield and turned the ball around. After just 3 minutes Qormi scored 3 goals, two from Said and another one from Micallef. With the result 5-1 Qormi could set their pace and control the game. In fact Said made his hattrick, while Micallef scored another 4 goals. Falzon and Sammut added one each for a final result of 12-1

Ina forthnight, Qormi will face 2nd placed Sliema in a decisive match. Sliem desperately need a win to keep their hopes of winning the league. Ghio will be hoping to recover Cutajar after his long stay out.

Starting line up: J.Fenech, B.Calleja, Kym Bianco, I.Mansueto, Cha.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni (Capt.),  L.Brincat, K.Micallef

Used Subs: J.Farrugia, K.Bajada, G.Bonello, R.Said, A.C.Falzon

Qormi Under 14s played against the main contenders, Stelmar in the main direct game.

However for the game Qormi were superioir for all the match and mistakes from the Qormi players led to keep the Stelmar team in contention.

Coach, Piscopo, played with a 3-3 setup that in the 1st half gave the superiority wanted. In fact with skipper Mifsud in goal, together with Gatt in central defense and Grixti on the left, gave space to Deguara to attack from the back. K.Bajada began as central striker while Said and Taliana started on the sides.

After few minutes, Said shot was saved from the Stelmar keeper, but Bajada drove through and opened the score. However, from a left side attack, Sliema manged to draw.  On the 3rd short corner, an action between Deguara and Bajada, the latter finished in goal.

In the 2nd half Qormi kept on attacking. With Keith Bajada transfered at the back, Said and Deguara lost important chances. Against the run of play, Stelmar managed to draw. However, from another short corner, Bajada manged to put Qormi in front and few minutes from the end of game, Luke Bajada placed Said alone in front of the keeper to close the contention for the points to a 4-2 final result

Starting line up: S.Mifsud (Capt.), C.Gatt, A.Deguara, K.Grixti, K.Bajada, T.Taliana, R.Said

Reserves: O.Borg, S.Dimech, J.Borg, L.Bajada, O.Hammad

On Saturday, Qormi under 16 has beaten Floriana YS and increased the lead at the top of the league to 4 points on Siema, but with a game in hand.

Ghio had some problems in the defense. While Cutajar is still misisng Warren and Kimberly Bianco added to the sick list.

Farrugia began between poles, while Calleja took the central defensive role. Mansueto and Kym Bianco played on both flanks. Sammut and Degiovanni played in midfield, while Micallef and Brincat began upfront. During the macth Bonello, Falzon and Said all where used upfront with Brincat also being utilized in the back line.

However it just took 32 seconds for the yellows to score from Micallef. Just 3 minutes and Micallef flicked in the 2nd goal. The game was sealed when Sammut scored the 3rd one from a short corner. Few minutes before half time and Micallef made his hattrick.

In the 2nd half Qormi kept on attacking. With Mansueto fielded and Brincat as a right back, Qormi kept on attacking. Falzon scored the 5th goal, while Sammut managed to score his 2nd from a well taken drag flick. In the last minutes Micallef scored his 4th goal of the game.

Qormi finished the 2011 on a 4 wins run and a 4 point lead, which augurs good for next year.

Qormi players: J.Farrugia, B.Calleja, Kym Bianco, I.Mansueto, Cha.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni, L.Brincat, K.Micallef, J.Fenech, G.Bonello, A.C.Falzon, R.Said.

Behind: O.Piscopo (ass.coach), J.Fenech, Cha.Sammut, K.Bianco, B.Chircop, L.Brincat, J.Farrugia, A.Ghio (Coach)

                            Front: A.C.Falzon, K.Micallef, T.DeGiovanni (Capt.), G.Bonello, I.Mansueto, R.Said

On Saturday, 10th December, the Qormi Under 16 faced the main competition challengers for the top position. For the much expected game, Qormi had missing Jeremy Cutajar which was sick. On the other side, Sliema fielded a full squad and has been doing hard work to motivate and build up for this match. However, when the action began, the Qormi players showed superiority through all the pitch.

Qormi's coach selected Fenech between posts, while defended with Kym Bianco in central position, Mansueto and Brincat on the flanks. In midfield Sammut operated together with DeGiovanni, while on the attacking side Qormi began with Micallef and Bonello. During the 1st half Said went in up front , while Calleja was used in the defensive line.

After a slow start, Qormi began to take control and took superiority on the pitch. With their best players controlled, Qormi managed to get the 1st goal from Micallef. Few minutes later from a short corner Sammut doubled with a drag flick. Just 3 minutes more and Bonello scored the 3rd from a close angle. From a keeper foul, Qormi got a stroke which DeGiovanni totally misplaced the keeper and scored the 4th goal. Qormi kept on pressing and Brincat scored with a direct hit from a short corner to a 5-0 score.

In the 2nd half Qormi kept on the pace, but controlled more the game. In fact Calleja was supported from Kimberly and Warren Bianco at the back. In midfield Mansueto rested both midfielders and Micallef and Falzon began up front. On the other side, Sliema opted to defend the game not to suffer more goals. However Qormi kept on playing and added another 2 goals, 1 from Micallef and another one from Bonello. In the last few minutes Sliema managed to get 2 goals back to reduce the huge gap in the result.

Qormi took a 2 point lead, with 3 wins from 3 games. Next weekend will face Floriana, with the posibility of increasing the lead at the top of the table. 

Qormi players: J.Fenech, Kym Bianco, L.Brincat, I.Mansueto, Cha.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni, G.Bonello, K.Micallef, J.Farrugia, B.Calleja, Kimberly Bianco, W.Bianco, R.Said, A.C.Falzon

Qormi Under 16 arrived on Monday back from Slovenia after taking part in the International Saso Fajs festival. in Slovenia.

Qormi gave a good display in the majority of the games and improved as more games where played. Lead by Andre Ghio, Owen Piscopo and Joseph Cuschieri the group prepared themselves as from May and the physical improvement was clear during the festival.

Next week Qormi nursery will begin the season program with training on tuesday and thursday, while on saturday the beginners program.

                  Back Row: Piscopo, Fenech, Calleja, Falzon, Micallef, Farrugia, Cuschieri, Ghio

                  Front row: Cutajar, Mansueto, DeGiovanni, Azzopardi, Bonello, Brincat, Sammut

After loosing against nova Dubnica, Qormi had their placing  in the stands at 5th place. On the last match of the festival Qormi had to face the best team of the tournament and home team Triglav.

Till game Triglav won all games and only suffered a maximum of 2 goals, against HK Marathon. In this game Triglav needed a point to win the festival with HK Marathon settling for 2nd place.

However the Qormi players, against the hardest opponents made their best performance.

In fact as the game started, after just 30 nseconds, Mansueto passed through to Micallef that dribbled the last defender and opened the score. Triglav tried to react but the Qormi defense managed to control the highly skillfull Triglav players. However on the 5th minute Triglav managed to score and in the next 4 minutes scored another 2. After this patch Qormi took control of the match again and managed to get a string of short corners that failed to score.

In the 2nd half Qormi kept on trying their utmos. However thanks 2 very good saves from Fenech, Qormi managed to keep the scoring low. triglav continuos attacking materialized another 2 goals 5 minutes from time. From another string of short corners a DeGiovanni flick was saved by the keeper found Cutajar ready to deflect in for the 2-5. However Triglav reatced and manged to score the 6th goal. In the last action of the game another short corner saw Brincat hitting home for a final score of 3-6. This was the best performance from the Qormi team and was the game that Triglav has suffered most goals.

Qormi finished their competition in Slovenia and will be back from this experience next tuesday.

Starting line up: J.Fenech, J.Cutajar, I.Mansueto, C.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni, L.Brincat, K.Micallef

Subs used: B.Calleja, A.Falzon

Subs not used: J.Farrugia, I.Azzopardi, G.Bonello

Player of the match: Charlo Sammut

                             Micallef scoring the 1st goal from Mansueto through ball.

                                                 Qormi group after the presentation

On Saunday morning, Qormi faced Slovak team od Nova Dubnica. This was an important match for the placing and a win would have put Qormi in the 3rd place.

Qormi where superior and tactically organized so to control their best players. However the Qormi players lost a large amount of shot at goals, and when the shot was going to goal found a very good keeper doing the save. To make things worse in their 1st attack, on the brink on half time, the Slovak team has been awarded a very dubios stroke which was converted.

In the 2nd half Qormi went out on the wrong foot and suffered the 2nd goal just after 1 minute due to a misunderstanding between the defenders. Qormi showed up character and kept on tyring. In the last minute Brincat managed to fire a short corner in the keepers right corner.

Starting line up: J.Farrugia, G.Bonello, J.Cutajar, I.Mansueto, C.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni, L.Brincat

Used Subs: J.Fenech, B.Calleja, K.Micallef, A.Falzon

Sub not used: I.Azzopardi

Player of the match: Thomas DeGiovanni

         DeGiovanni together with Sammut, Bonello and Brincat attacking bthe Nova Dubnica defense

                                Bonello and Falzon juggling during the relaxing time

Qormi in their 4th match faced an over aged Marathon team. However the Qormi team took this game to keep on learning and overall played one of their best matches.

Qormi began on the wrong foot when a bed clearence from the defense brought their stiker alone in fron of Farrugia, that could do nothing to save the goal. with the Qormi team shocked out the Marathon team managed to score another 2 goals in the 1st 5 minutes. However the Qormi team reacted well and with very good defending managed to keep the Marathon team away from goal, with the 1st half closing on 0-4.

In the 2nd half Qormi kept on trying and in the 3rd minute a pass from DeGiovanni, Sammut fired home to get the 1-4. Few minutes later Brincat was close to reduce against the gap when a pass from Micallef Brincat shot just wide. However every time that the Marathon team got the Qormi kids on the wrong foot, they managed to increase the advantage to a final score of 1-8.

Starting line up: J.Farrugia, L.Brincat, J.Cutajar, I.Mansueto, C.Sammut, T.DeGiovanni, K.Micallef

Used subs: J.Fenech, B.Calleja, I.Azzopardi

Subs not used: G.Bonello, A.Falzon

Player of the match: Thomas DeGiovanni

                                Bernice Calleja dribbling through the HK Marathon defense

                            Brincat attacking on the right with the Marathon Giants trying to stop him!!