James Murphy
FOLLOWING the recent pre-season carnival, Limestone Coast soccer kicks off in full force this weekend with the opening round of the Premiership Cup.
In the men’s competition, the carnival showed positive signs for the strength of the league and the A Grade looks like it will be hotly contested.
Blue Lake gave a few top-placed teams a scare in 2023 and the Rangers appear to have built on that foundation.
They pushed every team they faced at the carnival and although they were shortened format games, only International was able to best them with a sneaky late goal sealing the match 3-2.
Draws against Apollo and Gambier Centrals also produced quality games and as it stands the top four look to be well matched this season.
International enters the season as reigning premier and will no doubt be at the pointy end of things again.
However, Centrals will have a point to prove after missing out on an opportunity to fight for a three-peat.
The Lions were knocked out of finals by eventual runners-up Apollo in the preliminary final and will be aiming to go a couple of steps further this campaign.
Apollo is another team looking for redemption.
The boys from Webb Street have had their share of bridesmaid experience, but the silverware has remained elusive in the top grade for some time.
They will be looking to build on last season and appear to be around the mark again judging by their carnival performance.
A blockbuster grand final rematch between Apollo and Inter headlines the first round, scheduled to be played at Webb Street.
Millicent does not have an A Grade team registered for the 2024 season and as such Centrals has been handed a bye for Round 1.
Blue Lake will host Naracoorte in what could be a good match, providing Naracoorte travels with a full team.
However, the Rangers should come away with the win and kickstart what could be a successful year for the club.
All A Grade games are set down for Sunday, starting at 3pm.
