Saturday 4th June

Bellambi (1pt) v University FC (7pts) @ Elizabeth Park

This is a huge game at the wrong end of the table and on the face of it a 'must win' game for Bellambi who are anchored at the bottom and six points behind today's opponents.

The Rosellas are searching for their first win in 2016 and if they are to avoid the threat of relegation then they must win this one or it is going to be a tough second half of the competition.

Uni would be buoyed by their recent turn of fortune in which they beat Warilla Wanderers two starts ago and almost snatched a win last weekend before settling for a draw against Kiama after coughing up a two goal lead.

Goals have been a premium for both sides too date and if ever they needed to find the back of the net this has to be the game to do so.

TIP: University FC

 

Helensburgh Thistle (13pts) v Warilla Wanderers (21pts) @ Rex Jackson Oval

 After starting the season like a house on fire, the goals and points have dried up of late for the Burgh in a five game losing run. Warilla on the other hand are in a decent spell of form having won five from the last six starts with the loss coming surprisingly at the hands of University.
On paper, Helensburgh looked to be a good outfit and Coach Brod Crighton would be scratching his head with the current form. Andrew Paine continues to be the mainstay of the side and he has once again chipped in with his fair share of goals (5). With Andrew Keep getting on the scoresheet last week against Bally hopefully that will be a sign of things to come.
Wanderer's Coach Barney King also has a good outfit at his disposal and they are producing the goods at present. Scoring goals is not a problem with Bojan Caric leading from the front with six goals to his name.

Games between these two sides are generally tight,tough affairs and I expect this one to be no different.

TIP: Draw

 

Oak Flats Falcons (14pts) v Balgownie Rangers (13pts) @ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons were another side that started the season well (3 wins) but their form has slipped dramatically in recent weeks having won only one game (last Saturday v Wests) in their last seven outings. Josh De Gouveia is the shining light in attack with four goals but it is defensively where they need to tighten up (GA 17) if they are going to pursue a finals position.
Today's opponents, Balgownie Rangers have improved in recent times and have gone three weeks without loss including a good win against the Burgh last week, Jordan Scott with an 88th minute winner. Mitch Hoswell leads the goal chart for Bally with four goals but the Falcons won't have to worry about him this week as he will be serving a suspension having been sent off last week.

TIP: OFF to get back in the winner's circle

 

Thirroul FC (15pts) v Wests Illawarra (10pts) @ Thomas Gibson Park

Inconsistent form has probably cost Thirroul a lot of ground in the first ten rounds although they are handidly placed (4th) as we go 'to press'. Coach Garth Bowley will be keen on finishing the first half of the season on a high  and will be looking to his charges to bounce back from a heavy loss in Round 10 v Fernhill. Leading Marksman Luke Mitwollen (6) will be the key here and will need to push onto double figures and beyond to re-inforce the Thunder's drive up the table.

After a solid pre-season, Wests have probably under-achieved too date as we approach the half-way mark of the season and will need to improve further on picking up nine points from the last 15 if they have any aspirations of figuring in the big end of season games.
Coach Arthur Kinnas has a very young side at his disposal and he will be hopeful that their youthful enthusiasm can carry them through when the games are tight. Nick Tortorella is once again amongst the goals (4) and Kinnas will be hoping for Nick to come good on a regular basis.

TIP: Thunder

 

 

Berkeley Sports (14pts) v Fernhill (21pts) @ Berkeley Sportsground

After a slow start to the season, Berekely are another side starting to find their feet having won four of their last six games including a narrow loss to league leaders Corrimal Rangers last Sunday.
Prior to Round One, Coach Paul Mears was confident his side could reasonably well this season and if they can produce a positive result here to complete the first half of the season, then they will be well placed to push on for a finals spot.
Goal scoring appears to be an issue with only 11 goals for from the first ten rounds and Mears really needs one of his front men to put their hand up and take some goal scoring responsibility for that to come to fruition.

Fernhill travel to Berkeley Sportsground on the back of some recent good form having won four of the last five games including a strong four goals to one victory over Thirroul in Rd 10. Coach Daniel McGoldrick will be happy with his sides position on the table and would be confident that the Foxes can 'turn for home' on 24 points to cap off a fine first half of the season. Captain Marc Sergi is having a stellar season and has contributed five goals playing in the heart of the Foxes mid-field.

TIP: Fernhill

 

Sunday 5th June

Corrimal Rangers (28pts) v Kiama Quarriers (13pts) @ Memorial Park

TheRangerswelcome Kiama Quarriers to Memorial Park as they bid to continue their rich vein of form against a side that has won just once in it's last five starts.

Corrimal had a bit of a scare last week and were made to work hard for the three points against a determined Berkeley side before prevailing with two goals in the last 30 mins for a 2-0 victory. That made it nine wins on the bounce with the team's only blemish, being a 1-1 draw against Fernhill in Round One. Since then, the juggernaut has produced 36 goals and only conceded five.

Mark Picciolini leads the line really well and is the leading marksman in the league with 12 goals. It goes without reason that Kiama will need to contain the striker to improve their chances of getting something from this one.

 

The Quarriers fought back well last week against UOW after being behind two goals to nil at the break. Two goals in the last seven minutes from substitute Keegan Beringer (bringing his season tally to 5) ensured a share of the points. More of this fighting spirit will go along way against a side that looks unbeatable at this point.

TIP: Corrimal Rangers

By David Naylor

Photo: Pedro Garcia (archive)