The final match played between Tarrawanna Blueys and Cringila Lions at Tarrawanna Oval at 2:30pm Sunday afternoon put two sides against each other, both bruised after a tough season of Premier League football. But it was the Blueys who finished the season with a confidence boosting 8 goals to 1 against the Lions.

The action began right from the get go with both teams looking to attack setting the scene for a high scoring game.

The Blueys opened the scoring in the 9th minute. The Lions lost the ball in the middle of the field and the Blueys were hot on the counterattack. Samuel Isabella crossed the ball towards the goal, but it seemed that the Lions defence would hold up – unfortunately a scramble caused the Lions’ Joel Taddeo to bump the ball in – causing an own goal for Cringila.

Only ten minutes later and the Blueys were at it again. Tarrawanna countered quickly after an errant Lions corner; Sangyu Park brought the ball down the left side who in turn crossed the ball to Darren Stone who scored skilfully placed the ball under Alexander Boullosa’s diving body.

In the 29^th minute, Samuel Chapple was upended in the box gifting the Blueys a penalty kick. Chapple duly stepped up and converted giving the Blueys a comfortable 3-0 lead on the half hour with things starting to look ominous for the visting side as they started showing cracks through their defence.

They did hold on for the half with no further score added.

Just two minutes into the second half though and the Blueys were once again dominating the attack. After what looked like a long clearance from Daniel Chapman from half way, the ball bounced over Boullosa who appeared to be somewhat blinded by the sun in his eyes. Everyone was surprised yet pleased for this goal.

It was the 62^nd minute and once again the Blueys were dominating the midfeield intercepting passes from an ailing Lions side. This time it was Rick Goodchild who finished off a breakway awith a nicely placed shot to the bottom right hand corner of the goal after a precision ball by Matthew Mazevski. It was 5-0 to Tarrawanna at this stage.

Just two minutes later, Cringila looked to get a consolation goal through Cristian Cavenini who placed the ball past the flying Christian Pretto.

Tarrawanna got their sixth goal in the 76^th minute when Matthew Mazevski beat a defender before unleashing from 20 yards and nestling the ball in bottom corner of the goal.

Four minutes later, Goodchild scored his second of the afternoon after Boullosa looked to come out of the box too far leaving plenty of room for Goodchild to pass him and tap the ball in quite easily.

By this stage the Blueys were dominating with the Lions desperately looking for the final whistle.

Tarrwanna though were not finished yet. The Blueys scored their 8th goal for the game as Sangyu Park's shot looked to decieve and surprise everyone including the goalkeeper from 20 yards out as  it found the bottom left of the goal.

The game ended with a final score of 8-1 to the Blueys who were pleased with final result but were left to rue a few games this season where they dropped points late and lost a couple of crucial games. This would have been a learning experience for the young side as they look to better their position next season.

For the Lions, the season end probably could not come quick enough despite last weeks spirited performance against Bulli but today they were always second best as they look to rebuild for next year.

Tarrawanna Oval – Sunday 28^th August

Tarrawanna Blueys: Christian Pretto, Allister Carrigan, Bryce Dolinscak, Daniel Chapman, Samuel Chapple (30’, 47’), Matthew Mazevski (76’), Darren Stone (20’), Rick Goodchild (62’, 80’), Bradley Welch, Sangyu Park (85’), Samuel Isabella, Jacob Fryday, Jake Morlando, Sam Onana Awono, Wesley Van Rempan, David Hamilton.

Cringila Lions: Alexander Boullosa, Todd Sparks, Daniel Wagus, Joel Taddeo (OG 10’), Joel Craig, Alexander Brbevski, Esala Ali, James Eldred, Cristian Cevenini (64’), Jacob Martin, Mikal Awad, Hironini Kobayashi, Michael Stojanoski, Tony Tupanceski, Kieran Gorgievski

Report by Lauren Ferri (@lauren_ferri)
Photo courtesy of Pedro Garcia (library image)