Three rounds have passed since Goulburn Valley Suns’ junior sides were graded and one constant remains — the under-16s are the team to watch.
Currently three points off top spot in National Premier League Three, Billy Marshall’s band belted Melbourne Knights to the tune of a 6-1 drubbing on Sunday.
And who else to lead the march but Hassan Alhilfi.
The wiz kid made the opposition 18-yard box his playground, slamming home a clinical hat-trick within a 26-minute window.
Before the striker had finished with the Knights’ defence, Alisina Alizada got in on the action with a brace, while Kielen Caiafa scored late to round out the five-goal win.
However, the Suns’ youngest discipline was undoubtedly the weekend’s surprise package.
A dogged under-14 outfit pulled a rabbit from the hat, beating Moreland City 2-1 to hang a first win on its belt.
It only took gun Aston Monteleone four minutes to ripple the net.
The rapid striker had the better of Moreland City’s keeper with a clean finish, but the game was dragged back into the balance via Alexander Iacono midway through the first half.
But straight from the restart, Toby Wane found himself in a pocket of space and made no mistake firing the Suns back ahead.
Later that afternoon, the under-17s were no match for Essendon Royals, unable to make a dent in the travellers’ defensive armour during a 5-0 loss.
After holding firm for 20 minutes, the Suns’ defence caved in as five separate Royals handed out the hurt to leave the hosts languishing in 10th.
And yet to get on the board since the grading, the under-15s struggled against a handy Melbourne Knights opposition.
Andre Renato was the sole scorer for the Suns, netting a consolation goal during a 4-1 defeat.
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