Shepparton South has put last year’s grand final defeat behind it as it topped Tatura 3-1 in the opening round of the new Bendigo Amateur Soccer League season.
The Ibises defeated South in a penalty shoot-out in last year’s Central Victoria League One decider, but it was the Shepparton club that flipped the script in the grand final rematch on Sunday afternoon.
Justin Cirillo put the visitors South in front in the eighth minute, before Brent Barassi put the ball in the back of the net shortly after to extend the advantage.
Tatura pegged one back just before half-time after Thomas Leech converted from the penalty spot, but a red card early in the second half put the host behind the eight-ball.
South capitalised on its player advantage almost immediately.
William Keenan scored moments after Tatura’s Thomas Corso was given his marching orders, with his goal sealing the three points for South.
South gaffer Rob Harmeston said he was glad to come away with the win.
“It was a very good result, it was a very good performance,” Harmeston said.
“The work rate and the desire, everyone was on. I could not fault a single person who was on the field.
“We didn’t talk about the grand final, but I think there were a few people who had that in their heads. The intensity was very high and it was great to see.
“We went in with a game plan and it worked really well. I gave a few simple instructions about how I wanted the team to approach it and they delivered it brilliantly.
Harmeston said one player in particular stood out to him on Sunday afternoon, adding that he thinks there is more his side can offer moving forward.
“Justin was the man of the match, he was the best player on the park. He stood out like a sore thumb. He was flying into tackles and winning the ball, then he got a goal,” he said.
“I didn’t think we were as prepared as we should be at this stage of the season. We haven’t had one session this pre-season where we have had the whole squad together. So to be able to put that sort of performance in is great.”
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On the hunt: Tatura's Mason Hamilton moves to chase the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Big bomb: Luke Viney gets ready to pump the ball forward for Shepparton South. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
On the run: Cooper Gosstray dribbles the ball forwards. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
First touch: Justin Cirillo brings the ball to ground. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Throw in: Brent Barassi gets set to put the ball back into play. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Feeling the heat: Tatura's Tristan Zito holds off his opponent as he controls the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Return to the pitch: Justin Cirillo back in action for Shepparton South in round one of the new season. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
Game face: Shepparton South's William Keenan heads the ball clear. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
Evasive action: Tatura's Tim Lardner avoids a tackle. Photo by Megan FisherMeanwhile, Shepparton United started off the 2023 campaign in winning fashion after sinking Eaglehawk 4-1.
Eaglehawk had a one-goal advantage at the break, but United stormed home to victory in the second half thanks to a brace from Toby Azhar and goals from Ryan Brooks and Thomas Raditsas.
“It is a very pleasing result. A lot of hard work has gone into the pre-season and getting the boys to where I want them mentally and physically,” United coach Lewis Coyle said.
“I thought everything went well. We had a game plan and we stuck to it.”
Trailing at the half, Coyle said his message to the team during the break was to be more relaxed on the ball and make cleaner passes and the goals would come from there. He was right.
“Five minutes into the second half we got a goal back and the floodgates opened,” he said.
“It was really pleasing to see. We controlled possession which was another bonus as well.
“We didnt change anything tactical, it was more just relaxing on the ball and having that confidence to play through the lines and get our playmakers on the ball.”
Coyle said the side’s mentality, the way United controlled the game and the team’s defensive effort were three of the things that were most pleasing about the performance.
Strathdale belted Strathfieldsaye Colts United 5-0, while Epsom topped Spring Gully United 3-0 in the other division one match-ups.
In League Two, Shepparton Soccer Club marked its return to the senior men’s competition with an impressive 5-0 win over Golden City.
It was the Reds’ first game back since 2021 after the club elected not to field a side in 2022.
The Shepparton Jaguars were unable to make a positive start to the new campaign, falling to La Trobe University Black 3-0.
Elsewhere, last year’s premier and champion Swan Hill had to come from behind to rescue a 3-2 win against Border Raiders, while La Trobe University Red powered past Deniliquin 7-2.
La Trobe University and Golden City have two teams in the League Two competition. The two clubs were relegated from the top flight last season.