ALTHOUGH the competition has just passed its halfway mark, the Shoalhaven Football top four has started to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$1/
(min cost $8)
Login or signup to continue reading
Bomaderry (34 points), Culburra (29), Gerringong (26) and Huskisson-Vincentia (25) have more than a two game advantage on the next closest side, St Georges Basin (19), meaning the current top four might be the four finalists that will contest the Bolden Blackmore Shield finals campaign in September.
This divide between the sides was set up by all four of the aforementioned sides claiming at least a point from the weekend’s matches.
Leaders and reigning premiers Bomaderry were made to work hard in their match against Shoalhaven United at Lyrebird Sports Park.
Although Nathan Aldridge’s troops were pushed by the Bears, the difference was Jordan Haddow, who scored a brace against his former club.
In the loss, Alex Dicker’s side found the back of the net through Shane Button, following strong lead up work from Kaine Good.
The second placed Cougars shared the spoils with the improving Basin Dragons at Culburra Oval.
The hosts goal was scored by Mitch Blundell, while Connor MacQueen continued his purple patch for Paul Cubbo’s men, scoring once again.
“Saturday was another strong performance by the boys, showing that we can match it with the top teams in this league,” Cubbo said.
“Dropping points against Shoalhaven United early in the season and those two double headers really hurt us, but now we’ve been able to steady the ship a little and start to hit our straps.
“We know our fate is in our hands and it’s up to us to keep winning and playing strong football, if we want to play finals.
“That starts this week against a very classy Bomaderry side, who are well and truly the benchmark at the moment.
“In saying that, I’m confident my boys can rectify the earlier loss to Bomaderry and get a result this Saturday.”
Jadon Lavington’s Breakers, who sit in third, made it 12 goals in two weeks, when they smashed northern rivals Shoalhaven Heads-Berry 6-nil at Gerringong Oval.
Leading to way once again for the hosts was Kane Rowe, who made it 10 goals in his past six games, with a brace on Saturday.
Others to find the back of the net for the red, white and blue were Jake Packham (two), Andy Lockard and Joshua Maranesi.
The last member of the top four is the Seagulls, who earned a hard fought point at the Manyana Sports Field against the Wanderers – thanks to a goal from Jayden Lee.
The final match of the round was won by Sussex Inlet, defeating Milton-Ulladulla 1-nil at Lighthouse Oval.
The Seahawks third win of the season was secured by a goal from Mark Whipp.
Andrew Timbs’ Illaroo had the bye in round 12.
