James Murphy
APOLLO 2 d/w INTERNATIONAL 2
A WINNER could not be decided in the feature game at Webb Street on Sunday, as Apollo hosted International in a thrilling A Grade soccer clash.
The final score was a two-all result after a tough contest, with a goal each in both halves.
On a special day for both clubs, the Peter Thomas Cup was on the line, with Inter taking the honours with the most wins across the day.
In the A Grade match Apollo hit the board first through Gay Nay Say Ler midway through the first half, before a cross from Sam Bueti set up Matt Bueti to put away the equaliser late in the term.
“After we scored and then they scored, I think we probably had the better of the last 10-15 minutes,” Apollo coach Jamie Stephenson said.
“But their keeper pulled off two or three really crazy saves.”
Ka Nay Di Baw was in fine form again between the Inter posts as he continues to show his skills this season.
Intensity levels rose but the score remained locked at one-all at the break and remained so for the majority of the second half.
Inter came out of the blocks firing but could not put the finishing touches on their chances and it was not until the late stages of the game Sar Hay Moo put the ball past the keeper to edge Inter in front.
However, Apollo replied soon after when they were awarded a penalty and Robbie Nagy slotted it through to lock things up again before the final whistle.
Stephenson was happy with the result, especially considering a few key absences on the day.
Apollo’s Tobbei Kennet, Tom Inglis, Jack Donehue and Reuben Van Eyk were all out for the match.
With patches of dominance from both teams, the result was a good reflection of the closeness of the top sides this year.
For Inter coach Vlada Gajic, he felt it was a game of two halves, as his team took some time to settle.
“We were anticipating to come out really strong in the first half and there were spurts of play that we did well,” he said.
“But it was not until the second half we took more control of the game and created a lot more chances.”
Gajic was impressed with the game of Saw Taw Lar Htoo, while Daniel Young was also strong in his return to the pitch.
“We put (Young) on in the second half,” Gajic said.
“He was very calm on the ball and very relaxed – he complimented the midfield well.”
Lachie Charlton was also rock solid in the backline all day.
For Apollo, Stephenson was impressed by the performance from Si Pler Htoo.
“He was awesome and I was really happy with his game,” Stephenson said.
“He played some nice soccer and controlled the midfield for the majority of the game.”
GAMBIER CENTRALS 4 d NARACOORTE 1
A ROAD trip to Naracoorte rewarded Gambier Centrals with the Ian Jockey Hyslop memorial trophy for the second year running on Sunday.
It did not come easily though and an early goal to the home team put the Lions on the back footy early.
That came from Naracoorte’s McDonald Nehanda and boosted the confidence of the hosts, who entered the clash off a disappointing result against Inter in the previous round.
However, Centrals was able to score the equaliser before half time to level the playing field at the break.
The second half saw Centrals find more control over the match and another two goals, followed by an own goal secured the win.
Sam Shoemark slotted two on the day, while Cameron Saint put in a best-on-ground performance and scored a goal for his efforts.
BLUE LAKE 3 d MILLICENT 0
Blue Lake claimed its third win of the season when it hosted Millicent for Round 11.
The Rangers secured the honours with three unanswered goals, as Jack Latham, Lay Bae Htoo and Shar Ku Htoo all converted.
For Millicent it was another loss in a tough season for the side.
It will face another challenge this week when it hosts ladder leader Centrals.
Blue Lake also faces a tough fixture against Inter, while Apollo travels to Naracoorte for an intriguing match-up between third and fourth.
