THE Limestone Coast Football Association (LCFA) had a successful trip away for the South Australian Junior Soccer Association state championships in Adelaide on the long weekend.
The association filled teams in all six grades and returned with two state titles, three runner-up finishes and a third place.
UNDER 16
IT was a nail-biting end to the LCFA’s Under 16 state championship on the weekend, as the team finished runner-up by a single goal difference.
Progressing through its first four games undefeated, it sat level on points with eventual champions Noarlunga.
Saturday saw two wins over tough opponents, with a 5-1 triumph over Whyalla and a 1-0 victory against a defensive Adelaide Hills outfit.
The second day of competition saw a chance to raise the goal difference.
LCFA won comfortably over both teams it faced, with an 11-1 thrashing over Yorke Peninsula and a 9-1 win against Port Pirie.
That set up a grand-final-like clash between the Limestone Coast and Noarlunga, with the latter only needing a draw to win the championship on goal difference.
The game started off fast, but neither team was able to break the deadlock before halftime.
A more rewarding second half saw four goals scores and resulted in a two-all draw, which saw the Limestone Coast narrowly miss out on the title.
Coach Nick Morony said it was a bittersweet ending for his team, but looks forward to another chance at victory later in the year.
“It was a fantastic effort by all players who made the trek up to Adelaide and I know they will get the job done in Port Pirie later in the year,” he said.
UNDER 15
THE Under 15 Limestone Coast team claimed victory after a tough state championship campaign on the weekend.
A close competition saw the side with three wins and three draws from its six games, which was enough to put it a win clear on the ladder at the end of the tournament.
The side played each of the three other associations twice, with a win and a draw against every team.
That was an impressive feat, especially after a broken foot and a heavily sprained ankle saw the team down two players.
Heading into the third day, three teams remained in contention for the win.Under 12D,
If the Limestone Coast won its first game on Monday it would only need a draw in the second, but a nil-all result in the opening clash put the pressure on.
LCFA needed a win in its final game to claim the championship and after 10 minutes it was 3-0 down.
However, an impressive comeback saw it through in the end.
“It was at this time when it seemed all was lost that our boys really stepped up,” coach Adam Hodge said.
“We managed two goals before half time and our spirits were lifted.
“In the second half we did not let them play and scored to make it three-all early in the half.”
The side pressed on and in the end a 6-3 victory was recorded and the Under 15’s emerged as state champions.
UNDER 14
A RUNNER-up finish was the result for Limestone Coast’s Under 14 state championship team, when it made the trip to Adelaide to compete over the long weekend.
A five-team pool contested the grade and despite a solid performance, Adelaide Hills proved too strong and claimed the title.
With four games played, the Limestone Coast won two and drew two, with a two-all draw against Adelaide Hills showing it was worthy of the top-two finish.
However, another two-all draw to Whyalla saw the side finish a win under the champions and miss out on the bragging rights.
The team will take merit from the result and now turn its attention to the country championships in September.
UNDER 13
THE Under 13 boys team put in a dominant display over the weekend to finish undefeated and claim the junior state championship.
It is the groups’ third title in a row, since starting in the Under 12 development team back in 2017 and coach Michael Prior was proud to see the side come away with another success.
A solid effort saw the Limestone Coast with six wins for the tournament, while second-placed Riverland had just three victories.
Playing each of the other three associations twice, the closest match was a 2-1 win over Riverland.
All LCFA clubs were represented in the team, besides Millicent, with Prior impressed with the youngsters’ efforts.
“As a coach my job is made a lot easier by having a very talented group of players,” he said.
“Every player in the team participated and contributed in a positive way to the result we achieved.
“I love coaching these lads and really enjoy being involved with them and their families at both the state and country championships.”
Prior also thanked the support from families and Lindy Michielan for her work behind the scenes.
THE Limestone Coast Football Association Under 12 state championship team finished its campaign as runner-up.
Up against eight other associations in a large division, which saw two pools and a finals series, a mix of experience and players new to representative soccer made up the team.
The side did well to win its three minor games and finish on top of its pool on Saturday, before a semi-final meeting with Roxby Downs on Sunday.
A 5-2 win put them into the grand final, where they faced a tough Port Pirie outfit.
The eventual champions proved too strong and claimed a 7-0 win over the Limestone Coast.
Despite the loss, the young Limestone Coast side would be pleased with their improvement over the long weekend.
UNDER 12D
A LARGE pool of seven associations went head-to-head for the Under 12 development bragging rights at the junior state championships over the weekend.
The Limestone Coast was competitive and won four of its six games to finish third for the tournament.
On Saturday the team had two wins and a loss to sit in a good position heading into the following day.
Two wins on Sunday saw the momentum continue, before a loss on Monday to end the tournament.
LCFA coach Robert Vorwerk was pleased with the efforts from his team and its continued development.
“We had a very young group aged 9-11 and only five players were in the tournament last year,” he said.
“I am very happy with their progress.”
UNDER 16 Girls
THE South East Women’s Football Association Under 16 girls finished runners-up for the South Australia Junior Soccer Association state championships in Adelaide over the long weekend.
With four wins and two narrow one-goal losses the side finished a comfortable second, with an undefeated Adelaide Hills White claiming the championship.
The team improved with every match and in its final two games scored a solid 13 goals, while conceding just one.
Captain Ellie Seaton led by example and chipped in five goals from central defence and was a standout for the tournament.
A serious knee injury to Alexis Lunay in the second match saw her unable to play, but Lucia Musci stepped up and proved reliable.
New squad players Katie Armstrong and Leah McDonnell improved with each game and were comfortable playing at the higher level.
Youngster Madi Smith played in goals and was another who showed growth throughout the carnival.
Through the midfield Naomi Zwijnenburg, Adele Wilkinson, Isobelle Fewster and Olivia Gwilym were strong, while the experienced attack line was dangerous throughout the weekend.
Kate Seaton top scored with six goals for the event, while Chelsea Frost scored two memorable long-range strikes.
The group put in a valiant effort and will now look forward to the country championships in September.
UNDER 13 Girls
A SUCCESSFUL weekend was had by the South East Women’s Football Association Under 13 representative side when it made the trip to Adelaide for state championships.
The squad finished runners-up for the event, second to an undefeated Adelaide Hills.
A blend of experience and fresh faces made up the team, with five players aged under 11.
They played four games in total, with a win against Whyalla and Riverland, a draw with Port Pirie and one loss to Adelaide Hills.
The skills, drive and determination of the girls were on display throughout the tournament and they listened to the wise words from teammates and their coach to show improvement.
The girls will now look forward to country championships at Port Pirie in September.
The SEWFA season continues tomorrow and in the seniors Centrals faces Portland and Apollo City locks horns with Wanderers at Blue Lake Sports Park, while United travels to Millicent.
In the Under 16’s Apollo City play Centrals at Blue Lake Sports Park, with Millicent to host United.
Apollo City and Centrals go head-to-head at Blue Lake Sports Park in the Under 13’s, while United travels to Millicent.
