Dogs’ straight six

TYNTYNDER under 13s continued on their merry way with a sixth consecutive win to start the season on Saturday.

This time the Bulldogs won by 43 points at the expense of Nyah Nyah West United with Izaah Bell standing out with five of the game’s eight goals.

And while James Sala, Jack Mazzarella and Cayden Crowe were voted the side’s best players, coach Tony Mazzarella said an even contribution was key for the Bulldogs.

“Look, we do have some pretty handy kids there, the bottom aged ones have come along and improved a little bit as well, but we have a fairly even side across the board and [their success] is just in the teamwork and the way they move the ball,” he said.

“They kept pushing forward [on Saturday] and that opened up the game and allowed them to run.”

Mazzarella said his job was made easier by having 20 players that were “enjoying their football”.

“It’s showing by the pressure of the way they’re playing. They all listen and they’re all eager to learn,” he said.

Mazzarella said he had told the players after their first win against Lake Boga that they needed to take that as a minimum standard.

“We had a really big win in our first game and I said now you’ve shown us how you can play you’ve set a benchmark that we want to see week in and week out and if they can carry that through we’ll be happy,” he said.

But Mazzarella added he wasn’t coaching under 13s for premierships.

“If every kid can get something out of everyone they’re coached by hopefully it will help them out in the future. What I’m pushing for is the skill level and enjoyment of the game,” he said.

“As they get older some will drop by the wayside and some will keep going, that’s the nature of sport.”