THE race for the minor-premership in 2017 is now wide open, following Bomaderry’s sensational 3-1 victory against league-leaders Gerringong at the weekend.
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The win by Nathan Aldridge’s men moves them into equal first place, alongside the Breakers, on 46 points, with just four rounds remaining.
After losing the reverse fixture 5-2 at Bomaderry Oval earlier in the year, the Tigers used a brace from Brendan Kellett and a third from Nick Evans to secure the win at Gerringong Oval.
“It was a good win on Saturday – all the boys stood up and did the job that I asked of them,” Alridge said.
“We dominated the middle of the park and off the back of that, were able to push forward and take our chances.
“Gerringong pushed hard in the second half, chasing a result, but our defence held firm and helped us get all three points.
“The three points is obviously massive and goes along way to securing the minor-premiership but we aren’t looking that far ahead and are just taking each game as it comes.”
In the loss, Kane Rowe scored the goal for Jadon Lavington’s men, who will learn from this defeat.
“We just were not good enough - I put our best team on the park, and it didn't come close to them,” Lavington said.
“We saved a bit of pride with a lucky goal but they could have scored a lot more if it wasn't for our goalkeeper Joel Lockard.
“Nathan Aldridge is a very smart coach – he has completely changed the way they play, compared to our last meeting.
“They were clinical and they shut down our strengths and exposed our weaknesses.
“I can't see any teams beating them again this season.”
Manyana kept their fourth place aspirations alive, defeating Illaroo 1-nil – moving onto 30 points alongside Andrew Timbs’ men. Two points behind these two are Huskisson, who kept their finals dream alive, by defeating Milton 4-3 – thanks to braces from Gary Neimeier and Josh Hawker.
“It was another great weekend for the club getting three wins from three games,” Huskisson coach Rob Hawker said.
“First grade started pretty strongly creating some very early chances which we didn't finish but eventually the shots found the target.
“We looked pretty comfortable at one stage leading 4-1 but to Milton's credit they pushed us right to the end but fortunately we just got the win.”
Elsewhere, St Georges Basin and Culburra drew nil-all and United defeated Sussex 3-2, as Shoalhaven Heads-Berry had the bye.