Northern rivalry brings out competitive streak

Report by Alasdair Beer

Both coaches from ECU Joondalup and Sorrento expect a fiery encounter when they face each other in the PS4 National Premier Leagues WA Rilvary Round on Saturday.

ECU boss Dale McCulloch said the match, known as the Northern Derby, always brought out the competitive streak in both clubs.

“There is a little bit of spice in the northern rivalry,” he said.

McCulloch, a former ECU player, said matches between the sides had been some of the best of his career.

“I loved playing against them as a player, it’s something that I always enjoyed,” he said.

“It was always fierce.”

However, McCulloch said the rivalry was built on a healthy respect between both participants.

“I say fierce, but there’s also a lot of friendships between the two clubs as well,” he said.

“A lot of it is about the bragging rights you get when you’re sitting together having a beer afterwards.”

Sorrento coach Jamie Harnwell said his side was looking to atone for a disappointing 2-1 loss to ECU in their first meeting this season.

“We were very poor in the first game, so we’ve got a bit to prove coming up against them again,” he said.

Like McCulloch, Harnwell played for the side he now coaches, and has similar memories of past derbies.

“There was always a bit of bite in the game, and a little bit of extra niggle,” he said.

“Watching ECU develop the way they did through the 2000’s, it was great to watch the rivalry grow.”

Harnwell said he expected a big contingent of Sorrento fans to make the trip to ECU Joondalup Football Stadium for the match.

“A lot of people have been at both clubs and gone from one to the other, so both sets of supporters and both sets of player recognise what each club means to each other,” he said.

“It’s always one of the best crowds for the year, and a lot of people who wouldn’t come down always make sure to get there for the ECU game.

“It’ll be a good crowd and a really good atmosphere.”

Match details
ECU Joondalup v Sorrento
Saturday, July 18
Kickoff: 3pm
ECU Football Stadium




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