Sport
Shepparton South strikes, while Tatura brings home a baker’s dozen in Bendigo Amateur Soccer League
There’s one number that stands out far and above anything else you’ll see in Bendigo Amateur Soccer League after the weekend’s action.
The round 11 palate was starting to look anything but definitive in terms of providing us answers as finals rapidly near, with a pair of draws in Bendigo offering little movement.
Shepparton South had the chance to turn fortunes around in a Sunday meeting with bottom side Spring Gully United at McEwen Reserve.
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Spring Gully United’s Dylan Avard and Shepparton South’s Joel Aitken contest the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 11
Shepparton South’s Brent Barassi issues directions for the next play. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 11
Shepparton South’s Rohan Byrne was keen to find a pass inboard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 11
Shepparton South’s Liam Nash zips down the flank. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 11
Shepparton South’s Caleb Walmsley gets his full measure for a long throw. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 11
Shepparton South’s Brent Barassi strolls through the park. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 11
Shepparton South’s Liam Nash is set on delivering a cross. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 11
Shepparton South’s Lewis Coyle besieges Spring Gully United’s Josh Woods. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 11
Shepparton South’s Liam Nash sees space to move into. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 11
Shepparton South’s Lewis Coyle drives a lateral ball across. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 11
Shepparton South’s Nicholas Murphy looks to turn defence into attack. Photo by Rechelle ZammitEverything appeared well on course at the main break, with South two goals to the good in a largely expected pattern against a side seriously staring relegation in the face.
At least, there was clear improvement from Lewis Coyle’s men following the hideous 5-1 rout at the hands of then-bottom Epsom a week prior as Stephen Appiah got involved with both strikes.
That said, things soured early on in the second half as Spring Gully, facing just about a certain end to its stay in the top flight without a drastic turnaround, flipped the game on its head in moments to level matters at 2-2.
Set pieces promptly came to the rescue as stoppage time loomed, with a Caleb Walmsley header off a corner securing all three points at the death in a 3-2 thriller.
With that said, while there was no drama in Sunday’s other clash at Howley Oval, there was certainly excitement all the same — and a worthy coronation.
Tatura and Shepparton’s last meeting under lights at Vibert Reserve was hampered by a red card to Shepparton keeper Khan Benice, allowing the Ibises to run riot with the man advantage for 80 minutes.
This time around, even without such controversies, Tatura went about a ruthless shellacking of its red and black foes.
Fraser Gosstray embarked on yet another scoring spree, putting no fewer than six in the back of the net as the premier-elect ran up an 8-0 scoreline by the break, sorting out matters well in advance.
A total of seven Tatura players found the score sheet in an astonishing 13-1 demolition that mathematically secured the minor premiership with three games remaining.
Coach Tristan Zito was, as you would imagine, pleased to wrap it up with such time to spare.
“We didn’t think it was going to be that way going into the day as we figured Eaglehawk would get the result over Shepparton United,” Zito said.
“The boys had a bit more motivation, so we came out all guns blazing and it was probably all over by half-time.
“We knew we could sit back after that and enjoy the second half a bit more to soak it in.
“Having three games in hand to not have to worry about it is definitely good.”
Of course, there had to be some individual praise for Gosstray, now at an astonishing 20 goals from 11 fixtures after a new season-high haul.
From Zito’s perspective, it’s just good to see him regularly on the park.
“He’s had some injuries and illness over the past few years,” Zito said.
“This is probably the first year where we’ve had him all the way through and we love having him firing for us.
“He’s just enjoying his football and having the chance to show out on the park.”
Naturally, questions follow such early success about whether the Ibises might take this extended opportunity to give more youth a run and rotate the starters.
There are no such plans for the final three fixtures, though, according to the boss.
“We’ll be going with the same squad. We still want the unbeaten record and we don’t want to drop points,” Zito said.
“I wouldn’t say we’re planning to change out all the starters.
“They’re three hard games with Eaglehawk, United and Strathdale; the first two usually give us the most trouble.
“I’m sure we’ll be coming up against them again in finals, so to maintain that edge over them would be great.”
Both Saturday fixtures ended level as Epsom picked up a potentially vital point at home to Strathdale, while Eaglehawk’s 1-1 draw with Shepparton United opened the door for Tatura to seal the deal.
On the women’s side of the draw, there is not yet a minor premiership celebration for the still-perfect Spring Gully despite another solid win, this time coming away with a 2-0 result away at Shepparton South.
Matching Spring Gully with a 2-0 win on the road and staying within mathematical distance of top spot for now, was Shepparton United after taking the points home from Eaglehawk.
The seemingly impenetrable top three did suffer a blow, though, with La Trobe University comfortably dispatching Strathsfieldsaye Colts 3-0, while Tatura edged out Kyneton Districts 3-2.