After the deluge last weekend and the washout of all Football in the Illawarra, it will be interesting to see if the strong winds have been sufficient to dry the grounds out to allow for some Round 12 action which technically is the commencement of the 'second half' of the competition.

Saturday 11th June

Kiama Quarriers (9th -13pts) v Bellambi (12th -1pt) @ Kiama Leisure Centre 

Kiama will go into this game as strong favourites to pick up the three points on offer as they strive to consolidate their position on the table and much needed if they are to push on for a spot in the top five as the season progresses.

The Quarriers had an 'up & down' first half of the season but fought back well last start 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.

The Rosellas on the other hand are searching for their first win in 2016 and will be desperate to win this if they are to avoid the threat of relegation hanging over their heads.

In the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, Kiama were victorious at Elizabeth Park by three goals to nil and it is difficult not to see a similar result this time around.

TIP: Kiama Quarriers

 

Helensburgh Thistle (8th - 13pts) v University FC (11th - 7pts) @ Rex Jackson Oval

 After starting the season like a house on fire, including a thumping six goals to two victory over today's opponents in Round One, the goals and points have dried up of late for the Burgh in a five game losing run.
On paper, Helensburgh looked to be a good outfit. 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 Round 10 against Bally hopefully that will be a sign of things to come.

Scoring goals is not the issue for Thistle, it's defensively where they need to tighten up if they they are to get back in the Final Series Race.

Uni would be buoyed by their recent turn of fortune in which they beat Warilla Wanderers two starts ago and almost snatched a win in Round Nine before settling for a draw against Kiama after coughing up a two goal lead. However, if the Burgh have any an issue defensively, Uni have a real problem having conceded a whopping 29 goals in their 10 games too date.
This trend needs to be reverted and quickly if 'The Students' are to move away from the relegation zone.

TIP: Helensburgh

 

Oak Flats Falcons (5th -14pts) v  Warilla Wanderers (2nd -21pts)@ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons beat The Wanderers two goals to nil on their home patch in Round One and started the season well (3 wins) but their form has slipped dramatically in recent weeks having won only one game (Rd 10 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.

After suffering that first round loss, Warilla on the other hand are in a decent spell of form having picked up 21 pts from a possible 27 including five wins from the last six starts with the loss coming surprisingly at the hands of University.

Wanderer's Coach Barney King 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 and defensively they have conceded a miserley nine goals.

TIP: Wanderers to reverse the first round loss and win a tight local derby.

 

Thirroul FC (4th - 15pts) v Balgownie Rangers (7th - 13pts) @ 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 starting the second 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.

Today's opponents, Balgownie Rangers have improved in recent times and have gone three rounds without loss including a good win against the Burgh in Rd 10, Jordan Scott with an 88th minute winner. Mitch Hoswell leads the goal chart for Bally with four goals but Thirroul won't have to worry about him this week as he will be serving a suspension having been sent off last time out.

The first round encounter was won by the Thunder away from home by a convincing three goals to nil with Mitwollen scoring a brace that day.

TIP: Draw

 

Berkeley Sports (6th -14pts) v Wests Illawarra (10th - 10pts) @ Berkeley Sportsground

After a slow start to the season, Berkeley 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 two weeks ago.
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 start the second 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.

After a solid pre-season, Wests have probably under-achieved too date as we start the run home 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.

The two sides shared the spoils in the opening round in a 1-1 draw and another draw looks the likely outcome this time around.

TIP: Draw

 

Sunday 12th June

Corrimal Rangers (1st - 28pts) v Fernhill (3rd -21pts) @ Memorial Park

Sunday provides us with the feature match in Round 12 of the WGC District League fixtures.

The Rangers welcome Fernhill to Memorial Park as they bid to continue their rich vein of form against the only side that was able to take any points off the runaway leaders in the opening ten rounds. Way back in Round One the two sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Ray Robinson Field which on the opening day of the season was a fair result.

Corrimal had a bit of a scare last time out 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 juggernaut producing 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 Fernhill will need to contain the striker to improve their chances of repeating their first up effort or perhaps going one better.

The Rangers have a 'deep' first grade squad and they have also strengthened off the park with the addition of John Fleming to the coaching ranks after a bit of an uphieval in the camp over the last three weeks. The experienced Fleming takes his second game in charge in today's fixture.

Fernhill travel to Memorial Park 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 will have a game plan in place to ensure he gives his charges every chance of taking something from the game and perhaps bridge the gap on the runaway leaders.

Captain Marc Sergi is having a stellar season and has contributed five goals playing in the heart of the Foxes mid-field and it is this area of the park where his colleagues need to offer strong support if the Foxes are to have any hope of containing the attacking force that the Home Side will bring to the game.

Even with this being a 1v 3 contest, it is difficult to see anything but a Rangers victory but if the Foxes are 'up for it' then we just might see some interest thrown back into the League Title race.

TIP: Corrimal Rangers

By David Naylor

Photo: Pedro Garcia (library archive)