ST Georges Basin caused the upset of the 2017 Shoalhaven Football season at the weekend, when they defeated league-leaders Gerringong 2-1 at Gerringong Oval.
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Two goals from the penalty spot from Brendan Hobbs proved the difference, as the Dragons ended the Breakers win streak at 10 games while keeping their own finals chances alive.
“It was a great game against an incredibly classy opposition on Saturday,” Basin coach Paul Cubbo said.
“We were fortunate that they had a player sent-off in the second half but they were still dangerous with only 10 players.
“Both our goals came from legitimate penalties, which were convincingly finished by Brendan Hobbs.
“As a coach, I challenged their mental toughness and to show grit for the full 90 minutes and they responded well.
“All the guys stepped up with three starting first graders out, with special mention to our two 17-year-olds Fraser McQueen and Connor McLean, who played their hearts out.
“Hopefully this result will help kick start the second half of the season, with an eye on finals.”
With the Breakers dropping points, second-placed Bomaderry closed the gap to just two points in the race for the minor-premiership.
At Bomaderry Oval, Nathan Aldridge’s men used goals from Nick Evans and Brendan Kellett to fuel their 2-nil victory against Illaroo.
“I thought our boys played pretty well on Saturday and dominated the play for the majority of the contest,” Aldridge said.
“We missed a few chances that we should have finished, which was a little disappointing.
“But I was glad that we were able to keep a clean sheet, with Scott Fagerlund having another strong game between the sticks.
“It was a good tune-up for our clash with Culburra, which all the boys are looking forward to.”
Bomaderry’s opponents this coming Saturday Culburra, who currently sit in third, also continued their strong form going of late, winning their third straight match by defeating Shoalhaven Heads-Berry 2-1 at Vic Zealand Oval.
While not convincing, Cougars coach George Kulcsar said the victory, set up by goals from Kieran Witt and Doug Gray, is just what his team needed ahead of their clash with Bomaderry.
“Against Heads, the danger signs were there, of us underestimating them but thankfully we started the match well,” Kulcsar said.
“We didn’t have that sharpness and drive to completely punish them in certain areas but we did enough to get two goals in the first half.
“Unfortunately, we took the foot off the pedal after Doug Gray scored our second, which allowed them to score a soft goal.
“Thankfully, the boys dug deep and got all three points, which keeps us in the hunt for second and even first place, following the weekend’s results.
“The boys know the importance of the Bomaderry game, especially as they got the better of us last game.
“I know the boys will rise to the occasion on Saturday, as they thrive in big matches like these – we are looking forward to the clash on our home pitch.”
Elsewhere in round 12 action, Milton defeated Shoalhaven United 3-2 at Lighhouse Oval, while Huskisson lost 2-nil to Manyana at Huskisson Sporting Complex – as Sussex had the bye.