With wet weather threatening several more games this week, it is already creating a bit of a log jam of rescheduled games. Despite the big wet last week, we still got four games in last week. We look ahead at the scheduled games this weekend.

Saturday 1st of April

Berkeley Sports vs Thirroul Thunder at Berkeley Sports and Social Club 3 pm kickoff

Berkeley suffered a 3-2 defeat in their opening round encounter with Oak Flats in a game where they were up 2-0 after 24 minutes. Berkeley followed this up with an equally heartbreaking 2-1 extra time defeat to Wests Illawarra on Wednesday night, however, in both games showed glimpses of their potential. Wednesday night also saw the return of Justin Mears, a centre back who is comfortable playing the sweeper role, a key part of Paul Mears back 3 system.

Thirroul's opening round clash was a demolition job of University to the tune of 5 goals to nil. This result was blunted on Tuesday night when they lost 2-1 to Oak Flats to see them fall out of the Bert Bampton Cup. It is likely their true form is closer to that of the University result and they will be a tough prospect for Berkeley.

Prediction - Thirroul

 

Bellambi Rosellas vs University FC at Elizabeth Park 3 pm kickoff

Bellambi's season got off to the worst possible start when they were thumped by Wests 8-1. The result means the Rosellas have conceded 7 or more in their last 3 league games. The only source of hope for Bellambi was their competitive first half performance.

University had a similarly humiliating opening day of the season, losing 5-0 to Thirroul. While the result was not a surprise, the scale must certainly be a cause of concern for Student's coach, Brod Crighton.

It will be crucial for both teams to bounce back as a second defeat, particularly a heavy one, would put either side under tremendous pressure. Uni's preseason form was solid and I think that indicates they may have too much for Bellambi.

Prediction - University

 

Balgownie Rangers vs Wests Illawarra at Judy Masters Oval 3 pm kickoff

Balgownie started their league campaign with a solid showing away to Coniston, where they were ultimately defeated by a stunning strike by Dinko Terzic. Balgownie has the players to hustle any team especially if Anthony Vardareff is fit to start.

Wests had a resounding 8-1 win over Bellambi in their opening fixture and backed it up with a 2-1 extra time victory over Berkeley in the Bert Bampton Cup on Wednesday night. They are showing the form that should see them vastly improve on last seasons 11th place finish with new signings Diogo Andrade and Chris Twigg being influential in their matches so far.

These two sides met in the group stage of the Fraternity Cup with Balgownie finishing 3-2 winners. Jackson Dummett was the star performer on that occasion and he’ll be wanting to get back to his best after underwhelming against Coniston. It is not beyond Wests to secure a third win on the bounce but after a sapping 120 minutes on Wednesday night, it will be a huge ask.

Prediction - Balgownie

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Warilla Wanderers at Keith Bond Oval 3 pm kickoff

The Falcons recorded a miraculous win over Berkeley in the opening round. Down by two goals after 24 minutes, a Michael Wilson double helped Oak Flats secure a 3-2 victory. They followed this up with a 2-1 win over Thirroul on Tuesday night in the Bert Bampton Cup and combined with their 2 wins in the Fraternity Cup, Mark Vinton’s side are in solid form.

Warilla’s opening match against Helensburgh was postponed due to the weather so boss, Barney King has had over 2 weeks to mull over their 6-2 thumping by Coniston in the Fraternity Cup semifinal. They will do well to earn a point off an in-form Oak Flats outfit who have already got 2 90 minute matches in their boots.

Prediction - Oak Flats

 

Kiama Quarriers vs Coniston FC at Kiama Sporting Complex 3 pm kickoff

The Quarriers’ opening match against Fernhill was postponed due to the weather and their 3 group stage defeats in the Fraternity Cup represent abysmal form.

Coniston, on the contrary, followed up their Fraternity Cup success with an opening day win over Balgownie. Coniston backed this up with a 3-2 win over Helensburgh in the Bert Bampton Cup but this result proved bittersweet with Alex Makin, the man of the match against Balgownie, picking up a groin injury that is likely to see him out for at least a couple of weeks.

Coniston should still have too much quality for Kiama but it will be interesting to see if Kiama are able to capitalise on the incoming goalkeeper with Willy Alarcon likely to call upon reserve grade keeper, Frank Gaudiosi or youth grader, Jared Cabor.

Prediction - Coniston

 

Helensburgh Thistle vs Fernhill Foxes at Rex Jackson Park 3 pm kickoff

Both teams had their opening round matches postponed due to the weather making this their quasi-season opener. Helensburgh picked up 1 win in the Fraternity Cup but produced a spirited performance against Coniston in the Bert Bampton Cup on Wednesday night where they went down 3-2.

Fernhill was the best 2nd placed side in the Fraternity Cup and the backed that up with a 4-1 win over Thirroul to reach the final. This shows Dan McGoldrick’s side have the pedigree to match it with anyone in this division but match fitness will be the ultimate test in this tie.

Prediction - Draw

 

Bampton Cup - Round 1
University FC v Balgownie Rangers at Kooloobong Oval - 2.30pm Kick off

After this match was washed out last week, these two sides double up this weekend and look to progress to Round 2 of the Cup competition.

Preview written by Dylan Arvela.