MATCH OF THE ROUND
Budgewoi 6 – 1 Avoca
Another dominant scoring display from Budgewoi sees Haydn Appo’s side overcome the stern test of Avoca to win the round 8 Match of the Round.
Charlie Entwistle got the scoring underway 15 minutes in with a trademark Budgewoi goal, swiftly working their way up the pitch from their defence with good transitioning before the ball eventually made its way to the dangerous Entwistle.
Charlie cut inside, opening the angle before rifling a shot into the top right corner that left the Avoca keeper no chance at saving.
However, Budgewoi were quick to respond, levelling the game just three minutes later. A scramble on top of Budgewoi’s 18-yard box was picked up by Jackson Carr who shot from distance.
The shot was blocked by a Budgewoi defender, however, a lurking Jesse Parnell was first to react to the loose ball as he guided the ball into the side netting with a superb first-time volley.
Spectators wouldn’t have to wait long for another goal as Budgewoi hit back five minutes later.
Goal scorer now turned provided as Entwistle picked up a loose ball in Avoca’s half, electing to go himself with a dangerous run beyond the Shark’s defence.
Entwistle would dribble all the way into the box before sliding the ball to Stuart Adams who tapped home against his former club to reinstate Budgewoi’s lead.
Budgewoi extended their lead just before halftime. A ball from the back line to attacker Stuart Adams was brought down as he found the oncoming Tajh Werner.
Werner expertly used his speed to get beyond the Avoca backline, dribbling the ball around the oncoming keeper and tucking home confidently into an empty net.
Another swift counterattack saw Budgewoi take a 4-1 lead. After breaking down an Avoca corner, Budgewoi instantly turned to attack as Appo’s men made their way down the field.
A well-placed ball into the box for Entwistle saw Charlie drive home from an acute angle for his second of the day.
Four quickly turned into five as Jamieson Costa pounced on a loose ball in the Avoca box and expertly guided his effort into the top corner from close range.
Tajh Wener put the nail in the coffin when he got his second of the day. A lovely first-time pass from Adams unleashed Wener one-on-one as he made the most of his opportunity, placing the ball into the bottom corner.
“It was a great win if we look at the end result. However, if we were to break it down, there were passages of play, particularly in the first half, that could have been better,” mentioned Appo.
“We took some poor options at times, which led to Avoca running at goal in our defensive third. I thought the scoreline at the break was pleasing, but if Avoca had taken their half chances, it could have been a lot closer. They had some quality ball players through the middle, so our best options were out wide.”
Appo also added, “We are very happy with today’s result, and are looking forward to our next game at home against Berkley Vale in a fortnight time.”
Mitch Harrison also commented on the contest. “Budgie showed a ruthless streak that underlined why they’re having such a good season so far. It was a tough game played in good spirit, and I wish them the best for the season.”
“As players and coaches, we’ve got some areas to improve on but everyone is committed to working hard to improve week on week.”
Match Official – Alexander Robinson
Ourimbah 1 – 0 Woongarrah
More misery for last year’s League Champions Woongarrah who were unable to overcome the newly promoted Ourimbah away from home as Ian McAndrew’s Falcons record their second victory of the 2025 season.
Woongarrah would dominate the first 10 minutes but in that period, Ourimbah would have the first two chances of the match, but Corey Hedges would first deny Jameson Fylnn and then Will Bowden.
Twenty minutes in and a Matt Lewis effort from long-range would only miss by inches. Woongarrah would continue to dominate field possession and Alex Govorcin would have a shot saved from close range, denying the Wildcats captain.
Against the run of play, Ourimbah would have a one-on-one only for again Corey Hedges to save it onto the post and be cleaned up by his defenders.
Woongarrah would counter quickly, and Ridge Mapu would beat the opposition defenders only to be taken down without the ball, but no penalty was given despite shouts from the Woongarrah bench.
Minutes into the second half and the score still locked at 0-0, Joey Lewis would have a great chance to give Woongarrah the lead only for his shot to go wayward.
The visitors would continue to dominate field position like they finished the first half. Multiple half chances would come, then a shot would be saved then cleared off the line by an Ourimbah defender.
From the resulting corner, Woongarrah would have shouts for a handball only for their claims to be denied again.
With time running out, Woongarrah’s missed chances would come back to haunt them.
With only minutes of regular time to go, a free kick would be hoisted into Woongarrah’s box only for the Wildcat players to miss-read the ball and an oncoming Jameson Flynn would use his body to find the back of the net, gifting the home side the lead.
We would push for an equaliser to no avail, and the DMC cup would finish in favour of Ourimbah who claim their second win of the 2025 season.
A proud Ian McAndrew stated, “It was a hard fought win for the Falcons and massive belief builder going into the match of the round against unbeaten southern the form team of the competition!”
“Well done to Ourimbah. Macca has them well drilled and they will win many more games with performances like that,” Voiced Luke Rogers.
“I was worried we could concede the way we did in the second half cause my backyard has better lighting than that part of the field. Unfortunately, that’s what happened.”
“Not much is going our way at the moment but was very pleased with the effort we showed on Saturday night and we will look to build off that.”
Match Official – Preston Lorusso
Kanwal 3 – 0 Wyoming
Kanwal snaps back to winning ways thanks to a Callum Dunkerley brace as the Bulls jump to third, keeping one eye on top of the table as their opponents Wyoming record their fifth straight defeat.
After a string of poor performances, Kanwal were looking to get its season back on track and keep themselves in the title race.
It was an even start to the game with Kanwal’s best chance falling to Logan Moore after just 8 minutes, but his shot was well saved. Logan found himself on goal a few minutes later but his shot was off target.
Kanwal had more possession and looked more dangerous and this was rewarded in the 30th minute when Zac Moore was brought down in the box. Up stepped Logan who made no mistake to give Kanwal a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Kanwal had several further chances to extend their lead, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
Wyoming had a few opportunities to level the scores straight after half-time with some dangerous long throws, but Kurtis Mahon was on hand to deny Wyoming on each occasion.
However, it would be Kanwal next to score from a quick short corner finding an unmarked Cal Dunkerley in the box who made no mistake with his header into the bottom corner to give Kanwal a 2-0 lead.
It would be 3-0 within a few minutes, another corner finding Cal Dunkerley at the back post and again he made no mistake with his header.
Both teams had a few half chances but neither team was able to take advantage. Kanwal walked away with a comfortable 3-0 win.
Ryan Walker was pleased after the game. “It’s the bounce back I was looking for and I thought we controlled the game tonight for most parts. I’m pleased with the clean sheet.”
Post-match, Scott Snodgrass spoke on how team availability hurt them again this weekend. “Again, we played in patches, not taking simple chances and conceding soft goals through non-existent marking.”
“Having twelve players unavailable from the squad again this week really affects our depth. I’m not sure we are getting the rub of the green with some decisions, but we can only control what we can control.”
Snodgrass also noted, “Kanwal have a unique playing style that suits their team. They are hard to break down and have rapid pace up top to keep you guessing. Good luck to Ryan and his team for the rest of the season.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout
Berkeley Vale 1 – 1 Killarney
After ninety minutes of intense, high-level football, nothing could separate these two sides as Berkeley dropped points for just the second time this season and the away side Killarney failed to hold onto another lead and were forced to split the points.
In the local derby, both Killarney Vale and Berkeley Vale headed into the match needing to win this game to earn the ultimate bragging rights.
The game was moved from Mingara to Chittaway Oval, resulting in a great atmosphere for both teams. After a competitive start, both teams were well-matched and fighting hard.
Berkeley Vale were putting a lot of pressure on Killarney who defended with determination.
Against the run of play, Killarney had a swift attack down the right side, resulting in a perfectly timed pass for attacker Declan Ackerley to get in front of the Berkeley Vale defender and tap home, resulting in the opening goal of the game 25 minutes in.
The remainder of the half was continued to play at a high level. The defences of both Killarney and Berkeley thwarted any opportunities, and no other goals would be found inside the opening stanza.
Following the halftime break both teams were neck and neck, with Berkeley Vale pushing for the equaliser.
After a relentless attack, Berkeley Vale got a free kick which rebounded off the wall only for Matthias Palmqvist to quickly respond and powerfully belt it into the bottom corner to tie the game level.
Berkeley Vale held onto this attacking momentum, with Killarney Vale continuing to be well-organised in defence making it difficult for Berkeley Vale to break them down.
In the final 10 minutes, both teams pushed forward and battled it out to try to win the three points but neither side was able to find the winner and the points would be shared.
A pleased Chris Ackerley stated, “A good result against one of the competition favourites, we defended and scrambled really well, with a lot of changes in the team due to injuries and people being away but showed the depth that we have.”
“Pleased to come away with a point, we have been conceding too many goals this year. They are a very good team who I’m sure will be right up there come semi-final time.”
Match Official – Jason Blackwood
Terrigal 1 – 7 Southern
Top-of-the-table Southern continues their reign of dominance, banking another seven goals in victory for the second time this season to keep their lead at the top of the ladder to a comfortable 4 points.
While facing Terrigal at a heavy Duffy’s Oval, Southern also faced a State Cup fixture at the same time leaving their squad thin on the day. However, SEUFC jumped out of the blocks determined to take early control of the game’s tempo.
After some quick ball movement across Terrigal’s defensive line, Jacob Lepre cut inside to his right foot and fired a shot from outside the 18-yard box, seeing the Terrigal Keeper only able to parry the shot into his own net give SEUFC any early lead five minutes in.
Southern would double their lead in the 10th minute when Jack Ellwood rose above the Terrigal defence with a powerful header into the back of the net from a pinpoint delivery from a Jacob Lepre corner.
With all momentum in SEUFC’s favour on the 20-minute mark their Captain Todd Balneaves would add to his season’s tally when he swooped on a loose ball to fire home a half volley giving the Terrigal Keeper no chance to save.
It would only take another 4 minutes for SEUFC to chalk up their 4th for the half when Jayke Browne would be rewarded for his early hard running and was able to clinically side-foot finish after some great lead-up play from Jacob Lepre.
32nd minute in, it was Terrigal who managed to swoop on a loose ball in the midfield and play an early ball into Aidan Bastick to skilfully turn his maker and fire his shot low into the far post side netting to claw one back for the home side 4-1.
Just when Terrigal thought they might be able to fight their way back into the game, the opposition hit back 2 minutes later when a Todd Balneaves long throw saw Theo Forsberg react the quickest and drive his shot low and hard into the Terrigal net giving Southern a lead of 5-1 heading to the sheds for half time.
The second half saw Terrigal more compact in defence and started to grind their way back into the game on a pitch that started to take its toll on both team’s legs.
In the 83rd minute, it was SEU Central Defender Jack Jenkins’s turn to add to his season tally when he was quickest to react after another Jacob Lepre corner delivery.
After seeing six SEU players recording goals, it was Jacob Lepre’s time to secure his brace after some great defensive work by Rhys Owen winning possession from Terrigal’s back line.
Owen’s passed to Lepre who slipped past 2 defenders in a flash and fired his shot across the face of goals into the far post side netting giving the Lions a 7-1 win for the afternoon.
Match Official – Brayden McDonald
Golden Boot Standings –
| 10 | Jacob Lepre (Southern) |
| 8 | Logan Moore (Kanwal) |
| 7 | Christopher Lennon (Budgewoi) |
| 6 | Stuart Adams (Budgewoi), Tahj Werner (Budgewoi) |
| 5 | Todd Balneaves (Southern), Charlie Entwistle (Budgewoi) |
Points Table –
Division 1
Round 9 Results –
Points Table –
