James Murphy
APOLLO v INTERNATIONAL
AFTER a week off for the bye, Limestone Coast soccer action returns to the region this weekend.
And what better way to reignite the flame than a Round 11 battle between traditional rivals International and Apollo at Webb Street.
The two will go head-to-head for the third time this season and enter the clash with a win apiece.
The last meeting saw Apollo outclass its opponent with a faultless first half, before holding on in a close second term to win 3-2 result.
However, Inter has been bolstered by players returning from injury and unavailability in recent rounds and will be hungry for redemption.
The boys in black and blue hold second place on the ladder with a one-win buffer over third-placed Apollo and a win over their hosts on Sunday would all but guarantee them a top-two finish.
Matt Bueti has been deadly in the goal square with 31 for the season and he will look to raise those figures further.
Down the other end Ricky McRobert has been rock solid in defence, while keeper Ka Nay Di Baw has impressed in his first season in the top grade.
Apollo has displayed a more even spread in front of goals, but young-guns Shar Nay Than and Say Say Wah are definitely the focal points.
Tobbei Kennett has been strong through the midfield, while Jack Donehue comes off a couple of solid outings.
There is no shortage of talent in both rosters and whoever can break the deadlock and get themselves on the scoreboard first will hold the advantage in another tough battle.
BLUE LAKE v MILLICENT
THE Rangers should claim their third win of the season when they host Millicent on Sunday.
Blue Lake sits in fifth place and while a final’s berth looks to be off the cards, it will take every win it can get.
Captain Jacob Phillips has been the main culprit in front of goals for the Rangers this season and he will look to lead by example again both up forward and around the ground.
Jack Latham and Tristan Guess are also capable in and around the box, while down the other end Eh Mwee Baw has been solid in goals against some tough opposition this year.
NARACOORTE v GAMBIER CENTRALS
THE battle between first and fourth on the premiership table will undoubtedly go the way of the former this week.
Gambier Centrals has gone from strength to strength this season and the reigning premiers are showing no signs of slowing down.
Naracoorte was dealt a reality check by Inter last round when they succumbed to the home side by 11 goals.
George Matutuva managed to sneak a couple of goals past the Inter defence, but it did little to quell the scoreboard damage.
For the Lions, wins over Apollo, Inter and Blue Lake have filled them with confidence and with the likes of Sam Shoemark, Cameron Saint and Jake Blackwell leading the attack, there is no confusion as to why.
Christian Fleetwood has also been playing a strong game, while the defensive combination of James Davey, Steven Crowther and youngster Jensen Childs has been second to none.
Another weighty defeat is likely on the cards for Naracoorte, with the safe bet on another strong Centrals win.
