Limestone Coast soccer players tackle cold conditions in season opener

Harry Wilson Dsc 9719  TBW Newsgroup
RAIN GAME: Apollo's Harry Wilson fends off his Naracoorte rival during the home team's 6-1 win to start the Limestone Coast Football Association season on Sunday. Picture: JAMES MURPHY

Harry Wilson Dsc 9719 TBW Newsgroup
RAIN GAME: Apollo’s Harry Wilson fends off his Naracoorte rival during the home team’s 6-1
win to start the Limestone Coast Football Association season on Sunday.
Picture: JAMES MURPHY

IT could not have been a more wintry welcome to the 2020 Limestone Coast Football Association season, after players were faced with abysmal conditions for the opening round of the competition on Sunday.

Torrential rain plagued the day, but that did not prevent goals from flooding onto the scoreboard across the three venues, with the smallest margin five goals over at Webb Street.

At Malseed Park Gambier Centrals showed off the fruits of its busy off-season, with some fresh faces on the roster as it stormed to a 7-1 victory over its Blue Lake hosts.

Former Apollo youngster Broc Linden settled in well with a three-goal haul, while the biggest addition to the Lion’s den – which was not expected to be revealed in the opening round – was Christian Fleetwood.

Brother to Centrals’ star striker of recent years Nathan Fleetwood, there had been rumours circulating about his appearance for the bigger games on the 2020 fixture.

However, a round one appearance against Blue Lake begs the question of whether he might commit to more than just a handful of matches.

The Fleetwood brothers, Rhyleigh Hollands and Cameron Saint backed up Linden’s efforts with a goal each, in a promising start to the Lions’ season.

It was positive to see a few new faces in the Rangers’ ranks and despite the end result, the hosts showed a new lease on life from their disappointing 2019 campaign.

Over at Millicent, reigning premier International claimed the biggest win of the round, with a 10-0 triumph over the home team.

Matt Bueti had a field day in front of goal with a bag of five, while Sam Bueti managed two.

Nick Morony and Noah Koko Htoo also popped up with a goal each, while youngster Connor Prior converted a stylish free kick.

Inter held only a three-goal advantage at half time, but the conversion rate lifted after the break to put any chance of a Millicent comeback to bed.

The closest match of the round was a 6-1 win to Apollo over Naracoorte.

By the time the A Grade clash rolled around the pitch was in a muddy state, but the young Apollo side showed form beyond their years to secure the points.

The team wore black arm bands on the day in honour of the late Ray Scott, as a sign of respect.

Coach Jamie Stephenson was impressed by the performance, with the intensity shown on the training pitch translating well into a game setting.

“Considering the conditions I thought our boys played really well,” he said.

“It is probably the best I have seen them pass around and play together in the last few years.

“The intensity is there and the boys have been having fun at training because it is just one of those years where it is just good to get out on the park and have a bit of fun.

“All the young boys played really well and it was a good team performance.”

Despite the goal difference on Sunday, Stephenson said he expected Naracoorte to be competitive this season and believed it had the potential to be a top-four team in the competition.

Goals were shared around and Apollo captain Stewart Wallace led the way with two, while Jack Donehue, Adam Richards, Sah Sah Wah and Patrick Wilondja claimed one each.

Stephenson had high praise for the entire team on Sunday, but one up-and-coming player caught his eye throughout the game.

“Jack Donehue was excellent and I thought he was best on ground,” he said.

“He had a great game and it was exciting to see those younger boys coming up and playing so well in the A Grade.

“All the leaders like Stewie (Stewart Wallace), Tommy (Tom Inglis) and Brett (Stephenson), they all stood up as well and helped the young fellas.”

Stephenson said the strong passing from Apollo wore out Naracoorte and allowed his team to push away in the second half, with four unanswered goals after the break to solidify the final result.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Apollo faces a tough test against Centrals at the “Den”, while International holds its first home game against Naracoorte and Blue Lake hosts Millicent.