The final matches of Western Border Soccer Association's 2009 season will be played this week at the home of Gambier Centrals on Bishop Road. The Final of the Shadows / Belgiorno Cup will be played between Blue Lake and Apollo.
Blue Lake will go into this game full of confidence after knocking Inter out in the semi final by three goals to two in a thrilling encounter last Sunday. Apollo had a slightly easier victory against a gallant Millicent, winning five goals to two.
The Blues have been on the improve all year and will be satisfied that all their hard work has given them the chance to win the cup for the first time since 2003, while Apollo has been runners up to Inter in both the Premiership and the Top four competition this season and will want to go one step further here.
There are many similarities in these two teams which should make for a terrific grand final.
Neither team lost in the qualifying rounds and both teams have a current league medallist in their teams. Youngster Callum Ferguson for Blue Lake and Adam Hodge from Apollo shared the medal. Both teams have a blend of youth and experience.
Apollo has a strong defence led by Luke Odgers who is surrounded by the likes of George Panagopoulous, Dwayne Johnston and Chris Bytheway. They are impressive in the midfield with Paul Prentice, Marcus Wallis, Stewie Wallace, and Brett Stephenson. Up front they have Adam Hodge and Ash Stenner.
Blue Lake is marshalled at the back by Blair Branstone and Kyle Reiner and has the youth of Alex Domaschenz and Jacob Phillips. Their midfield is also strong with Bryce Strachan, Michael Davison, Justin McRostie and Callum Ferguson, throw in Mitch Thomson and Tristan Guess up front and they look a very strong team. both have very capable goal keepers, Andy Armandi for Blue Lake has been in good form after injury and Colin Smith for Apollo is one of the most experienced players going around.
The coaching staff is as good as it gets with Sam Ferguson and Dante Pepe for Blue Lake and Derek Ferguson and Darren Ripper for Apollo.
This could be one of the all time classics and I would urge all sports fans to take the trouble of going out to watch this one. It is very tough to call but I am leaning towards Blue Lake in a very close contest.
In other grades ...
In the B Grade Apollo meet Centrals in another close match with Apollo the likely winners.
Centrals take on the in form Inter in the under 17s which should go to Centrals.
In the under 14s it is again Inter and Centrals, this time I think Inter will come out on top.
Portland make the trip for the under 12 final against Apollo and I think that they will get up in a tight one.
Blue Lake will go into this game full of confidence after knocking Inter out in the semi final by three goals to two in a thrilling encounter last Sunday. Apollo had a slightly easier victory against a gallant Millicent, winning five goals to two.
The Blues have been on the improve all year and will be satisfied that all their hard work has given them the chance to win the cup for the first time since 2003, while Apollo has been runners up to Inter in both the Premiership and the Top four competition this season and will want to go one step further here.
There are many similarities in these two teams which should make for a terrific grand final.
Neither team lost in the qualifying rounds and both teams have a current league medallist in their teams. Youngster Callum Ferguson for Blue Lake and Adam Hodge from Apollo shared the medal. Both teams have a blend of youth and experience.
Apollo has a strong defence led by Luke Odgers who is surrounded by the likes of George Panagopoulous, Dwayne Johnston and Chris Bytheway. They are impressive in the midfield with Paul Prentice, Marcus Wallis, Stewie Wallace, and Brett Stephenson. Up front they have Adam Hodge and Ash Stenner.
Blue Lake is marshalled at the back by Blair Branstone and Kyle Reiner and has the youth of Alex Domaschenz and Jacob Phillips. Their midfield is also strong with Bryce Strachan, Michael Davison, Justin McRostie and Callum Ferguson, throw in Mitch Thomson and Tristan Guess up front and they look a very strong team. both have very capable goal keepers, Andy Armandi for Blue Lake has been in good form after injury and Colin Smith for Apollo is one of the most experienced players going around.
The coaching staff is as good as it gets with Sam Ferguson and Dante Pepe for Blue Lake and Derek Ferguson and Darren Ripper for Apollo.
This could be one of the all time classics and I would urge all sports fans to take the trouble of going out to watch this one. It is very tough to call but I am leaning towards Blue Lake in a very close contest.
In other grades ...
In the B Grade Apollo meet Centrals in another close match with Apollo the likely winners.
Centrals take on the in form Inter in the under 17s which should go to Centrals.
In the under 14s it is again Inter and Centrals, this time I think Inter will come out on top.
Portland make the trip for the under 12 final against Apollo and I think that they will get up in a tight one.
Blue Lake and Apollo Soccer Clubs are making final preparations for their Shadows / Belgiorno Cup Final, which will be played at Centrals on Sunday 27 September 2009.
Both teams will be looking to top off their season by winning the Cup. Blue Lake is likely to be at full strength, while Apollo may have to make a late change following a Disciplinary Committee hearing earlier this week.
The likely line up for Blue Lake is:
Andy Armandi - Has been regarded as one of the goalkeepers going around for the last 4 or five years. A hand injury kept him out of the qualifying rounds but he is back in form at the right end of the season.
Blair Branstone - Has been a revelation this year when swapped from attack to sweeper. Incredibly fast and marshalls the troops well at the back.
Kyle Reiner - A much underrated player, but not by those at Blue Lake. Extremely tough defender who is rarely beaten and is very good in the air.
Alex Domaschenz - Young gun who has developed into a class full back. Very quick and rarely wastes a ball when moving out of defence.
Jacob Phillips - Only played a handful of A grade games but whenever he has played he has not put a foot out of place. Had a great game last week against Inter.
Callum Ferguson - Just about the complete package. Great skills, fast and terrific shot on goals. Deadly from free kicks 20-25 metres out. Won the League medal this year.
Michael Davison - 300 game veteran but still going strong. A very versatile player. Has been used as a full back at times and also as a midfielder. Allows the coach to move position around.
Justin McRostie - Every midfield needs a work horse, this is Blue Lakes. Runs all day and is as tough as the come. Wears opponents down by his hard work and also has a good shot from distance.
Bryce Strachan - Captain courageous. The hard man of the midfield works very hard for the team and leads by example. One of the best headers of the ball in the league.
Tristan Guess - Has the pace to worry any defence. There are not too many who can catch him. Scores goals at the right time like in the semi last week with two goals .
Mitchell Thomson - Plays up front and is often a lone man there. Works very hard to stifle the opposition defence and has created many goals by hi pressure.
Those likely to be on the bench include:
Anthony Davison - Reserve keeper who covered in the qualifying rounds for the injured Armandi. Never put a foot wrong in that time. Can also be use as a field player if the need arises.
Rob Hanssen - Has filled in the Agrade whenever needed and has shown that he can still match it when required. Very strong defender with the ability to turn defence into attack very quickly.
Brian McCormick - A 500 game player who has been there and done that. In the squad to give stability whenever and wherever needed.
Nick Reader - Another one of the up and coming juniors who has played all his soccer at Blue Lake. Very calm and productive whether in defence or attack.
Sam Ferguson (coach) and Dante Pepe (assistant coach) - Sam is a Blue Lake legend who has seen and done it all before. Knows what is needed to win a final and with Dante has moulded this team into a formidable unit over many years as most of this side has been brought up through the Junior ranks by this pair. A Scotsman and an Italian make an interesting pair but they seem to work very well with each other and their contrasting styles help to keep all options open.
President - Jo LovettTrainer - Zena Reiner
The likely line up for Apollo is:
Colin Smith - Experienced goal keeper who has had a good season, probably playing in his last game.
Matthew Ripper - Great left foot and pace. Another good young player
Luke Odgers - Club captain, great leadership qualities
George Panagopoulous - Plays with great passion for someone so young
Dwayne Johnston - Hard tough as nails defender
Marcus Wallis - Good young player with great skills
Stewie Wallace - Able to take control of a game when switched on
Paul Prentice - Veteran determined for success
Brett Stephenson - Strong player. Has been a great asset since coming back from overseas
Adam Hodge - Had a great season has plenty of class and skill
Ash Stenner - Important player who brings vision and class to the team
Those likely to be on the bench include:
Gavin Hancock - Important player who has had an interrupted season
Tom Inglis - Has really stepped up this year. A very bright future
Matthew Ferguson - Only 16 years of age. Good control and ball skills, has a bright future
Ben Morris - Reserve goal keeper with a great attitude
Derek Ferguson (coach) and Darren Ripper (assistant coach) - Two very experienced campaigners who have been involved in many big games over the years. Knowledge of the game and what is required is of the highest standard.
President - Bill StephensonTrainer - Ken Plew
Contributed by Lew Ferguson
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