Region’s soccer finals kick off

Cameron Wallace Dsc 1449  TBW Newsgroup
EVEN CONTRIBUTION: Apollo's Cameron Wallace was among the five goal scorers for his team in its 5-0 win over Blue Lake to end the minor round season on Sunday. Picture: FILE IMAGE

Cameron Wallace Dsc 1449 TBW Newsgroup
EVEN CONTRIBUTION: Apollo’s Cameron Wallace was among the five goal scorers for his team in its 5-0 win over Blue Lake to end the minor round season on Sunday. Picture: FILE IMAGE

THE top four is locked in place heading into the first week of Limestone Coast soccer finals this Sunday.

Gambier Centrals improved on its three-all draw against Naracoorte back in round seven, defeating its opponent 6-0 to cement top spot – and with it the minor premiership.

International had a taste of what is in store for the elimination final on Sunday, with a dominant 9-0 victory over fourth-placed Millicent, while the closest match of the final minor round saw second-placed Apollo claim a 5-0 win over Blue Lake.

The premiership has eluded Apollo since the league introduced a finals campaign, but this year the side has shown plenty of promise.

Sunday’s match against the Rangers will see the team carry confidence into a tough qualifying final against Centrals this week.

Apollo was in control for the majority of the game and set up a good lead in the first half, before it made sure the job was done after the break.

“We came out of the blocks pretty good and scored a couple of quick goals,” Apollo co-coach Bruno Vadori said.

“They played very defensive after that, so it took us a while to break them down in the second half.”

A consistent effort saw each goal scored by a different player, which gives Apollo plenty of options heading into its finals campaign.

“We are pretty diverse on our goal scorers,” Vadori said.

“This year it has been shared around a fair bit, which is quite good.”

While every player on the team had their moments, Vadori said Erike Irakoze was a standout, particularly in the second half.

“In the second half Erike pretty much dominated and set up a couple of goals,” he said.

“He played well in the first half as well and was one of the standouts.”

The backline also held strong for the full 90 minutes, which consists of a fairly young roster.

Captain Tom Inglis is the general down back, but is joined by youngsters Adam Walker, Franco Kwibuka and Harry Wilson, who have all earned their place in the senior side.

Vadori also mentioned Tobbei Kennett, who has been a consistent contributor around the ground all season.

“He has been really dominant this year and will be racking up the votes I think for the league,” Vadori said.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Apollo is eager to improve on its disappointing performance against Centrals back in round 10.

“The boys are pretty revved up,” Vadori said.

“They want to redeem themselves from the last time we played Centrals – it was probably the worst game we have played all year.

“They really buckled down and they want that chance to go straight into the grand final.”

However, the Lions will be just as hungry for the grand final berth and come off a solid outing against Naracoorte.

The score was 3-0 at half time, before a similar run after the break produced another three unanswered goals.

Young gun Brayden Coppick led the way on the scoreboard with two goals, while the recently returned Jake Blackwell, plus Jayden Breuker, Lewis March and Tom Renzi also contributed to the total.

They will all want to impress again this week against Apollo.

If Sunday’s results are anything to go by, the elimination final will be a one-sided affair this weekend.

Inter and Millicent met for a finals preview, with the former making light work of their opponent.

By half time the margin was 5-0, while another four goals in the second term sealed the deal.

Dan Bronca was in fine touch to bag four goals, while Matt Bueti backed up an eight-goal haul from the week before with another three.

Captain Christian Cella rounded out the scorers with two goals.

It suggests the elimination final could be a bit of a fizzer, but the improved Millicent outfit will not bow down easily.

Sunday’s elimination finals will be played at Casadio Park, while the qualifying finals are to be contested at Gambier Centrals on Bishop Road.