James Murphy
APOLLO 5 d NARACOORTE 0
THE second round of the men’s Limestone Coast Football Association season kept scorekeepers busy with 27 goals recorded in the three senior games.
Comfortable wins came for the big three as Apollo, International and Gambier Centrals claimed handy percentage boosts.
The closest match for the day was played in Naracoorte, where Apollo defeated its hosts 5-0.
Apollo entered the clash off a disappointing loss to Inter the week before.
However, with positive signs shown from the club, coach Jamie Stephenson was confident heading into the match with Naracoorte.
Naracoorte had been a bit of a bogey side for Apollo in recent years but Stephenson was impressed with the brand of soccer his team showcased from the first whistle.
The absence of Htoo Wah and Gay Nay Say Ler was covered by the return of co-captain Tobbei Kennet, while Hayden Cutting also took to the field.
Apollo controlled the ball well and their combination play was impressive.
“From the first whistle we played exactly the way I wanted us to,” Stephenson said.
“We passed the ball around, we took the ball between the lines and we really put Naracoorte on the back foot.”
Despite Apollo’s control the half-time score was 1-0 with Naracoorte keeper Brad Pilven making some strong saves, including a penalty taken by Kennett.
The guest’s dominance continued in the second half and they were able to convert their opportunities onto the scoreboard.
Young-gun Reuben van Eyk was first to find the back of the net after the break before Shar Nay Than scored his second goal.
Say Say Wah was next to convert before Than completed his hat-trick to put the game to rest at 5-0 in a solid display.
“Not only did we defend them well, we attacked well and controlled the game from start to finish,” Stephenson said.
“That was the really pleasing thing for me because Naracoorte are a very good side and they are well drilled.
“I certainly knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but to finish off the game 5-nil was very pleasing for us.”
Everyone played their part on the day and Stephenson said there were no weak links.
Pa Laha was a standout and his efforts created plenty of momentum moving forward.
“He is very strong and very skilful and he is the quarter-back of our team,” Stephenson said.
“Generally if he plays well, we play well.”
Kennett was also a welcome addition back into the midfield in what was a solid team performance.
INTERNATIONAL 8 d BLUE LAKE 0
The only LCFA fixture played in Mount Gambier on Sunday was at Casadio Park between International and Blue Lake, which was won by the former 8-0.
Inter set itself up early with a few quick goals and when Nick Morony put the finishing touch on a Sar Hay Moo attempt, the home side carried a 4-0 lead into half time.
That feat was replicated in the second half and despite a few attempts from the Rangers, Inter’s defence proved impenetrable.
Matt Bueti secured another hat-trick, while Sam Bueti and Moo both bagged two goals.
Morony finished with the one but his influence through the midfield was a highlight of the match and he set up his teammates well.
GAMBIER CENTRALS 14 d MILLICENT 0
The biggest win of the round came from Gambier Centrals when it visited Millicent for a stinging 14-0 win.
The Lions roared out of the gate to slot eight first-half goals and put the game to rest before the break.
Co-coach Sam Shoemark led the charge with three goals, while Cameron Saint converted two before half time.
It was more of the same in the second term and Saint finished his game with an impressive five goals, while Shoemark added one more to his tally.
Jensen Childs, Christian Fleetwood, Jake Blackwell, Lewis March and Mitchell Manser all scored one goal in a victory which cements Centrals on top of the premiership table after two rounds.
Looking to this Sunday the match of the round will be played at MGA Park when Centrals hosts Apollo for a grand final rematch.
A big win can be expected from Inter when it hosts Millicent, while there will be plenty of intrigue around Blue Lake’s clash with Naracoorte at home.
