Bert Bampton Cup Final – Wollongong Olympic v Bulli FC

2:30pm Saturday 10 August @ JJ Kelly Park

The 2019 Bert Bampton Cup Final will see two Illawarra footballing heavyweights clash as Wollongong Olympic and Bulli clash to claim another piece of silverware for their storied sides.

Last season’s Bert Bampton Cup victors Wollongong Olympic will be looking to claim their second piece of silverware in the space of a week when they line up against Bulli, with the side claiming their first Illawarra Premier League title since 1994 on Saturday – winning the league with two rounds to spare. George Antoniou’s side downed Kiama Quarriers, Corrimal Rangers and Tarrawanna Blueys to book their ticket in the final as the side seeks to become one of only six sides to successfully defend their Bampton Cup crown.

However, Bulli will be looking to spoil the party with victory on the big day, downing South Coast United, Bellambi and Port Kembla on their route to the final amidst a tough Premier League season which has seen them miss the finals for the first time since 2008. Bulli have also been rocked by the departure of long-standing coach Matt Bailey last weekend, but the side is looking to put that all behind them as they aim to claim their second Bampton Cup in three years.

The last encounter between the two sides was last Saturday at Balls Paddock, where Wollongong Olympic claimed a late 2-1 win to secure the title, with Mark Every scoring a 93^rd minute winner for Olympic. Whether Olympic can again strike to claim victory remains to be seen as Bulli aim to close out their season on as high a note as possible.

Youth Cup Final – Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong United

12:15pm Saturday 10 August @ JJ Kelly Park

The 2019 Youth Cup Final will see Tarrawanna Blueys and Wollongong United face off in a test of footballing strength between two of the strongest youth sides in the region.

Tarrawanna come into the fixture showing considerable defensive form, with the side progressing to the final after downing Cringila Lions, Coniston FC and Balgownie Rangers while conceding zero goals in the process. The Blueys have been more hit and miss in the Illawarra Premier League Youth competition however, with the side losing four of their last five matches in the competition – ensuring the side will not be playing finals football. However, the side will be looking to upset the odds and end their season on as strong a note as possible.

But Wollongong United will be looking to add another trophy to their haul with victory in the Youth Cup on Saturday. The side has claimed the Youth league title – securing top spot last Sunday with a 1-1 draw with Port Kembla – and the 2019 Robertson Cup in July – defeating Glenmore Park FC 3-0 in the final. United took no prisoners during their run to the Youth Cup final, downing Unanderra Hearts, Bulli and Helensburgh Thistle while scoring 17 goals in the process. With finals football already secured for the United Youth side, victory in the Youth Cup final will be another fantastic addition to a phenomenal season by the side.

The last encounter between the sides was in July, where a Daniel Cunzolo goal was all that separated the sides in a 1-0 Wollongong United win at Macedonia Park. While the Blueys will be wanting to avenge that defeat, Wollongong United’s experience at getting results over the line might prove to be just enough to grab them victory in what should be a tight encounter.