MATCH OF THE ROUND
Woongarrah 0 – 2 Berkeley Vale
Despite a strong showing, The Wildcats come up short in their Grand Final rematch with the Wombats in their initial home game of 2025 as Berkeley Vale get back to winning ways in the Round 2 Match of the Round.
The first ten minutes saw both teams feeling each other out which made for a cagey opening to the highly anticipated contest. The game started end-to-end until Woongarrah’s quality started to show as they looked to camp Berkeley in their own half with more possession.
Despite being comfortable and controlling the flow of the game, a run against the play saw Berkeley Vale hit Woongarrah on a counterattack as Conor Fitzpatrick was brought down in the penalty area and the Wombats now had a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Wombat’s veteran Paul McGinley stepped up for his side and calmly converted just before half-time to give Berkely Vale a crucial 1-0 lead at the break.
The second period was a much more even affair as the game remained back and forth between these two evenly matched sides.
Berkeley Vale controlled possession for long periods of time, looking to keep mistakes at a minimum to not allow the opposition back on level terms. While Woongarrah looked to commit more players forward in search of an equaliser.
As they pushed more players further up the pitch, Berkeley took their opportunity as Felix Beed got onto the end of a Paul McGinley through ball which Beed squared to Conor Fitzpatrick who finished into the back of the net.
Berkeley Vale were able to hold out the defending champions on enemy territory to claim the clean sheet and an important 2-goal victory.
“Woongarrah is a tough place to go and take points and after playing last year there twice and losing both we are happy with the points this year,” spoke a proud Mark Pratt.
“It was a much better performance from us with our execution and tempo of the game, but we still have at least a 20% improvement that we will be working towards. Woongarrah were tough to knock over and I’m sure Luke will have them at their best as the season progresses”
Luke Rogers observed his side’s defeat. “Very disappointed with the result as we were well on top in the first half, but our attack lacked bite.”
“That kept Berkeley in the game and then it just takes a poor decision to turn it their way. We must do better in the final third to keep the fate of the game in our hands. Credit to Berkeley for hanging in there and getting the points.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
Southern & Ettalong 3 – 2 Budgewoi
The bright lights of James Browne Oval and a lively crowd held witness to a 5-goal thriller between these two sides as Southern conjured their second straight 3-2 victory to start the season, remaining one of two teams yet to drop points in 2025.
Unlike last week where Southern found themselves down with ten minutes to play, it was a fast start for Matt Page’s men who opened the scoring after just five minutes of play.
A beautifully whipped corner from the precise left-foot of Jacob Lepre found defender Jack Jenkins at the near post who guided the ball off his head into the back of the net for his second goal in as many weeks.
Southern 1-goal advantage soon turned to two when another corner, this time from the other side, was whipped deep into the back stick where Southern’s captain Todd Balneaves met the ball with his head, steering the ball into the ground and past the Budgewoi keeper to take the game to 2-0 after 18 minutes.
It didn’t take Budgewoi long to respond. In the 22nd minute, Charlie Entwistle evaded two Southern defenders down the right flank and whipped a pinpoint cross across the opposition’s box where Stuart Adams was able to tap it past the oncoming keeper.
With 10 minutes left to play in the opening period, Budgewoi was able to get the game back on level terms following a free kick in a dangerous position. Just outside Southern’s 18-yard box, Stuart Adams stood over the ball and delivered a dangerous cross into the back stick.
The ball struck the retreating Southern defender who accidentally turned the ball into the back of his own net, evening the ledger going into half time with the scores locked at 2-2
As was the case last week when locked at 2-2 and needing a goal. A long throw-in from Todd Balneaves found Alfie Martin who was posted up inside the 6-yard box. Martin was able to volley home his chance, resorting Southern’s lead to 3-2.
Budgewoi’s endeavour to fight their way back into the game became a little more difficult in the 79th minute when coach Corey Atkinson was sent from the field.
Both sides kept the high tempo and intensity throughout the whole ninety minutes and certainly entertained both crowds as Southern were able to keep Budgewoi at bay in the closing minutes to record a 3-2 victory
“We entered the game knowing how dangerous Southern’s set plays can be. Unfortunately, we were far below our defensive best.” Reflected Haydn Appo.
“From our general play and buildup, we were very pleased with what we did with the ball. It was a credit to the boys that we got back into the game by halftime. Parts of the first half saw some of the best football we have managed to put together over pre-season and opening rounds.”
“We fielded a very young squad that looked dangerous with the ball. We also showed a lack of experience in critical areas.”
Appo also added, “I don’t think there is ever a good time to play Southern at their home, especially under lights. We are disappointed in the end result and in the way we conceded, but we are happy that this fixture is now behind us, and we still have the majority of the season to play.”
Despite being absent, Matt Page spoke on what the win means against a side like Budgewoi. “The reports I had come back about Saturday night were that the atmosphere was electric and the support was in full force down at The Den.”
“It was an important result for us against a very good Budgewoi side. After watching the match on tape, Budge definitely threw everything at us. They were good on the ball and were very energetic on the defensive side, keeping this up for the full 90mins. To be fair, them walking away with no points was probably a little bit undeserved.”
“But I have to give credit to my lads, whilst we didn’t have our best night, turning the ball over cheaply way too often, we were good on set pieces and the effort from the guys was there for the whole match.
“It’s only early days and we know how much improvement we have left in is, but it’s always nice to get a result when you are below your best.”
“We’ve got two weeks on the training paddock now to try and make some of those improvements before another super tough test against Kanwal, who are flying again.”
Match Official – Miles Allen-Scott
Wyoming 1 – 1 Avoca
A tightly contested battle between Wyoming and Avoca saw the Sharks come from behind to salvage their first point of the season as Wyoming fell just short of recording back-to-back wins to start 2025.
In a game of two halves, Wyoming started the game strong, with Tigers captain Jared McNee causing a number of problems to the Avoca defence.
About 15 minutes into the game a loose ball outside the box fell to McNee who was able to force his way into the box and opened the scoring after a well worked play.
The remainder of the first half was evenly matched with the Wyoming keeper Joshua Byrnes making some crucial saves leading into the break as the scoreline remained at 1-0 after the opening 45 minutes.
Avoca came out with a much better second half, creating several goal attempts, causing the Wyoming defence to scramble with several shots cleared off the line.
Their breakthrough came with roughly 20 minutes left to play, a through ball from Jesse Parnell put Tyler Wade on goal who slotted it past the Wyoming goalkeeper for Avoca’s first goal of 2025.
The remainder of the match saw neither team able to take any of their half chances, with the game finishing in a closely contested draw.
“The boys felt disappointed to not get more from the game, especially after an improved second-half performance, credit goes to the Wyoming defence and goalkeeper with some important saves and goal line clearances throughout the match,” voiced Avoca’s Phil Anderson.
Scott Snodgrass also reflected on the contest. “As in previous weeks, our execution and ability to hold the ball diminished in the second half.”
“Credit to Avoca for applying sustained pressure to get the equaliser with a quality lead-up and a great finish. A draw was a fair result in my view. I wish the Sharkies all the best for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Luke Dunkerley
Terrigal 1 – 3 Kanwal
Despite another daunting road trip for Ryan Walker and his men for the second straight week, Kanwal’s trip to Duffy’s Oval to face Terrigal saw the Bulls claim back-to-back victories to start 2025, ending the round on top of the MPL ladder.
It was a great start to the game by Kanwal with Logan Moore getting on the score sheet after just two minutes. A loose pass by Terrigal was intercepted by Cal Dunkerley and a quick pass to Logan saw him run at goal and calmly slot the ball at the side of the Terrigal keeper to give Kanwal an early 1-0 lead.
A few minutes later Logan got his brace with Zac Moore stealing the ball at half-way and quickly playing to Cal Dunkerley who’s beautiful through ball allowed Moore to run onto, round the keeper and slot the ball into an empty net.
Kanwal taking a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes played, Logan could have had his hat trick inside the opening 10 minutes with another quality ball by Cal Dunkerley played into Logan who unfortunately put his shot over the bar this time.
It took another 20 minutes for Kanwal to get their next and what a goal. A Kanwal corner was defended by Terrigal only for the ball to fall to Rory Rizzi on the edge of the box, who’s left foot shot into the top corner gave the Terrigal keeper no chance.
A lapse in concentration at the end of the half saw Terrigal’s Tion Gerasimou get a goal back to go into the break with Kanwal leading 3-1.
The second half was a quiet affair, with neither team creating too many changes. A combination of the heat and Kanwal having a comfortable lead led to a relatively uneventful second half. Terrigal’s best chance came from a free kick, while Kanwal’s best chance fell to Rory Rizzi who skied his shot over the bar.
Nonetheless, Kanwal were able to cruise to a 3-1 victory, forcing Terrigal to start their year with two losses.
Ryan Walker was impressed with the result but believes the boys can get better. “There are still moments where we switch off or make poor decisions, but overall, it was a good performance.”
“I felt comfortable for most of the game after the great start. Good Luck to Ryan and the Terrigal boys for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Dylan Watson
Ourimbah 3 – 1 Killarney
Ourimbah gets their season up and running with their first win during their first home game of the year, defeating MPL heavyweights Killarney as the Terriers start the season with two straight losses.
With head coach Ian McAndrew away, he left the reins of the squad up to veterans Matt Hall and Blake Small who took control of the squad this past Sunday.
A quick phone call chat between McAndrew and the temporary coaching pair saw them speak about their set-up and how to capitalise on taking their opportunities which came to fruition throughout the contest.
It was already a big day for the club, hosting their first MPL fixture since their return to the competition against the pinnacle team of the league for the last ten years.
Killarney started strong despite being on Ourimbah soil, however the Falcons slowly built into the contest throughout the half, but it would be the Terriers who would produce the game’s first goal through a great strike from Jay Swadling, giving his side a 1-0 lead at the break.
With the second half underway the game opened up, and for the second straight week Killarney were unable to hold onto the lead as Ourimbah scored two quick goals that changed the game.
Ourimbah’s first came through Jameson Flynn who picked a great time to record his initial goal for his new club, bringing the contest on level terms.
Will Bowden was next on the scoresheet for Ourimbah in the 58th minute, giving his side a slender 2-1 lead before doubling their advantage with another goal twenty minutes after his first, making it 3-1 to Ourimbah with just 10 minutes left to play.
Killarney poured it on the opposition in the hopes of salvaging something from the contest as time slowly ran out. But it wasn’t to be for the Terriers who dropped points for a second straight week to start the 2025 season.
“It was great to see the ball go in the net considering how many chances we missed last week,” voiced a delighted McAndrew.
“We welcomed back our centre half for the first time this year and Geezer made a huge difference to our backline along with Cameron. We look forward to also welcoming another four first graders back in to mix over the next few games, which will get us to full strength for the first time this year.”
McAndrew also added, “Good luck to Ackers for the rest of his last season in charge at Killarney, we will see you in the second round.”
“A disappointing day,” noted Chris Akerley. “Two weeks in a row now low we have led yet lost both games. Credit to Ourimbah who seemed to want the game more than us.”
Match Official – Trent Dickeson
Golden Boot Standings –
| 4 | Logan Moore (Kanwal), Braith Hedley (Killarney) |
| 2 | Braith Hedley (Killarney), Stuart Adams (Budgewoi), William Bowden (Ourimbah), Tood Balneaves (Southern), Jack Jenkins (Southern) |
Points Table –
Division 1
Round 2 Results –
Points Table –
