BY the admission of both coaches, Saturday’s nil-all draw between Shoalhaven Heads and Culburra was a game that never scaled any great heights.
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Normally Culburra have no issues finding the back of the net, but for the first time this season, they were held to nil for 90 minutes.
Heads coach Ross Tasker thought a draw seemed fair, but had mixed feelings about the result.
“On one hand it was pretty disappointing that we couldn’t beat them, but I was also happy not to lose,” Tasker said.
“There were some chances, but we didn’t really look like scoring, it was a pretty average game really.
“If there’s one positive, it’s that we’re the first team to hold them scoreless this season.”
Tasker said Tim White and Dane Tasker both had good games, along with their back four, particularly Brad Page, who did a great job of marking danger man Corey Ryan.
Culburra were rocked by the news of the double-fatality on Culburra Road before the game, which their coach Tony Gauci said definitely played on their minds.
“Everyone was hearing about it on Facebook before the game and I think they were all a bit worried a family member might be involved,” he said.
“One of our players, Dale Blundell was actually in the car behind when it happened, so he was there trying to help out at the scene and didn’t make it to the game,” he added.
Gauci said he thought his side probably looked more like they could win it, but admitted it was a pretty dull game.
“It was just one of those games I couldn’t get excited about,” he said.
“But we got a good hit out and that will have us in good stead for the semi finals,” he added.
Gauci named Blair Sutherland, Aaron Mason and Scott Merivale as his best players.
Heads will play their final game against Illaroo, where they will be hoping to secure fourth place with a win.
Even if they were to lose, Bomaderry would still need to beat United to snatch fourth place, but Tasker is not taking anything for granted.
“It’s never over till it’s over, so I’m not assuming anything,” he said.
“Illaroo are a good side, but if we can’t beat them we probably don’t deserve to be in there anyway.
“But we are in pretty good shape, so hopefully we put in a good performance and it will take care of itself.”
Culburra are now looking forward to next week’s top of the table clash with Manyana, which he knows will be another big challenge ahead of the finals.
“They’re in second at the moment, so there’s every chance we could have to play them again the week after,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the battle between Corey Ryan and Rohan Daley for the golden boot. Corey still has him by one goal and he’s pretty determined not to lose it, so the challenge is on.”
On behalf of the club, Gauci said their thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved in Saturday’s accident.