Fraternity Club Pre-Season Cup Round 2 Wrap

The 2020 Frat Cup finally got underway following a string of washed out games that saw all teams gain one point in an unplayable first round. This resulted in non-stop Frat Cup action stretching from 9am-9pm on Sunday and on Monday night.

 

Fernhill Foxes 1 (Prenzoski 65’) def. Berkeley Sports 0

Berkeley and Fernhill started the day as the 2019 IPL and IDL last place finishers kicked off the new season.

The game proved to be entertaining one that went right down to the wire. A scoreless draw looked to be the most likely result until Fernhill were awarded a late penalty that saw veteran forward Ilja Prenzoski finish past Brad Fisher to open the Foxes account back in the District League.

The result sees Fernhill push three points ahead of Berkeley to sit in second spot of Pool B.

 

Shell Cove 2 (Ardle 27’, Krkovsi 65’) def. Thirroul 0

Last year’s Preliminary finalists Thirroul took on a new look Shell Cove outfit both looking to start the season with a win.

Shell Cove proved too strong for the Thunder when Shayne Ardle opened up the scoring in the first half before Dean Krkovski added the Cove’s second to give them a well-deserved start in the cup.

Thirroul now fall down to bottom spot on goal difference after Berkeley’s 1-0 loss to Fernhill with Shell Cove now needing a win to top the group.

 

Oak Flats 2 (Del 37’, Bubanja 54’) drew Helensburgh Thistle (McAlpine 11’ 16’)

The only Pool C game on Sunday was a rematch of the 2019 Qualifying Final between Helensburgh and Oak Flats.

The game did not disappoint either, with the Thistle storming out to a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes with goals from new signing, Reece McAlpine. The Falcons pulled one back just before the half-time whistle through their own new signing in Kyle Del. The comeback was then complete midway through the second-half when Marko Bubanja popped up off the bench to earn a point for his side.

The sides are now level on points in the middle of Pool C, setting up an interesting final round tie.

 

Picton Rangers 2 (Hall 21’, Berkeley 30’) def. Kiama Quarriers 1 (Emmerick 55’)

Picton and Kiama continued into the evening of the Sunday where they battled out a physical contest.

The Bushpigs prevailed thanks to first-half goals to Mitchell Hall and their second-top 2019 goal-scorer in Brendan Berkeley in the 21^st and 30^th minutes. Blake Emmerick brought some life back into the Quarriers when he scored with 15 minutes to play to set up a desperate finish, but were ultimately too late as Picton held on to secure a 2-1 win.

Picton now sit in second spot in Pool A, behind Warilla on goal difference as they take on University in the final round on Sunday.

 

Warilla Wanderers 4 (McIntish 6’, Tortorella 11’ 15’, Keating 43’) def. University FC 1 (Martin 56’).

The final IDL fixture at Ian McLennan Park on Sunday saw the Wanderers take on the Students.

Warilla got out to a flying start, scoring inside the opening six minutes with a pearler from Reece McIntosh. The Wanderers weren’t done there either as they stormed out to a 3-0 lead by the quarter of the hour mark thanks to a brace by Nick Tortorella. Chad Keating put the game beyond doubt in the 43^rd minute and Josh Martin pulled a mere consolation goal back for the Students to finish 4-1.

Warilla start their pre-season with a bang as they have their eyes set on the Quarter Finals.

 

Balgownie Rangers 1 (Gonzalez 59’) def. by Unanderra Hearts 3 (Picciolini 3’ 31’, Saverino 29’)

The only IDL game on Monday night came between Balgownie and Unanderra to wrap up the second round.

It was the Hearts who stormed out to a 3-0 lead at the break as Mark Picciolini picked up where he left off at the end of 2019, with two goals inside the opening half-hour. Daniel Saverino also got on the scoresheet with his effort in the 29^th minute but it was Balgownie finishing the better of the two, scoring the only goal in the second half.

The win puts Unanderra in prime position for the Quarter-Finals as Balgownie slump to the bottom of the Pool.

Round Two matches will take place on Thursday night at Crehan Park and at both Memorial and Wetherall Park’s on Sunday to round up the group stage of the Fraternity Club Preseason Cup.

Round Wrap by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_