PRELIMINARY FINAL
Budgewoi 2 – 1 Berkeley Vale
Our reigning League Champions and our defending Premiers went head-to-head this past Saturday with Haydn Appo’s men coming out on top to book their place in the 2025 MPL Grand Final where Budgewoi will meet Southern in the biggest game of the year.
Before even stepping onto the pitch, Budgewoi’s injury toll had taken even more of a hit, losing Olly Appo and standout attacker Chris Lennon who joined key players Stuart Adams and Josh Swadling on the sideline.
Berkeley started the stronger of the two sides, enjoying more of the possession but clear-cut chances were hard to come by for the Wombats. Ashton Hurley was called into action out on the left for Berkeley numerous times as his pace caused havoc, but the final product was lacking early on from the defending Premiers.
Hurley had the first real chance of the game after Berkeley were able to win the ball from Budgewoi as they look to transition. Hurley was played in on goal and rifled a first-time shot that was only denied by the crossbar.
Budgewoi were defending well but struggled to mount any real attack when gaining possession of the ball as the Wombats’ defence allowed the opposition no time on the ball.
Budgewoi’s only real chance in the opening period was from a well-delivered corner as they crowded the keeper and almost steered the ball into the box.
Berkeley Vale had more success going forward but were limited to shots from distance as they were unable to get in behind the stern defence of Budge as the opening 45 minutes played out as a stalemate.
The second half saw Budgewoi come out livelier, and their positive start was rewarded five minutes into the second period.
Budgewoi were awarded a corner and Todd Buxton delivered a deep, bending ball into the box which beat everyone inside the area as he scored directly from the corner, sending the Budgewoi players and supporters into celebrations.
Berkeley showed why there were Champions last season, not allowing the moment of conceding to get them down as they continued to play their style of play and continued creating good chances, but their final product was again lacking.
Jakeb Brownlow was able to play Scott McGinley in on goal as he touched the ball around the oncoming Budgewoi keeper. Unable to get his shot off on an acute angle, McGinley found Brownlow who uncharacteristically blazed the shot over the goals.
Less than a minute later, a poor turnover from Berkeley in their own half allowed Tahj Werner to play Corey Atkinson in on goal.
Atkinson fired the ball into the near post, giving his side a crucial 2-0 lead, making the most of his first start of the season.
With half an hour still to play, Berkeley would again pick themselves up and go again looking to salvage anything from the contest.
This pressure eventually paid off as Berkeley were able to pull a goal back just minutes after conceding their second. A ball out wide to Conor Fitzpatrick saw him deliver a killer ball across the face of the goal which was accidentally turned into his own net by Budge defender Liam Sterrett.
With momentum well on their side, Berkeley hunted for the equaliser as Hurley seemed to be in the middle of the action as he created chance after chance for the Bats.
On another night where they took their chances it would have been a different story for Berkeley Vale, but the League Champions showcased their backs to the wall attitude to grind out the result in their favour and book a date with Southern next Saturday.
“What an incredible night for the club seeing both First and Reserves book their place in next week’s Grand Final,” voiced Haydn Appo.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve been stretched with player availability, and tonight was no different. We needed more than just a good game plan and luck against this quality Berkley Vale squad. Fortunately, for us, the boys showed that tonight.”
Mark Pratt also spoke post-match. “We had our opportunities on Saturday night but as has happened most of the season, we didn’t take them, and Budgewoi deserved the win.”
“I’d just like to congratulate both Budgewoi and Southern on making this year’s Grand Final. They have been the most consistent teams of the year and thoroughly deserved the opportunity to become champions.”
Match Official – Anthony Kabbout