Round 13 of the National Premier League saw six clubs travel to regional South Australia for the Football Federation SA Regional Round.

Following the success of the inaugural Regional Round in 2013 with Raiders and Adelaide Blue Eagles in Whyalla, an additional two games were added to the initiative in both Mount Gambier and Roxby Downs.

Taking the National Premier League competition to regional South Australia provided the perfect platform to expand participation and lift the profile of Football in the regions. Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Roxby Councils embraced the Regional Round concept and their commitment is a clear endorsement of the code.

Adelaide Blue Eagles and Raiders travelled again to Whyalla where underdogs Raiders claimed a 2-0 win, with Raiders Dylan Pickert claiming Man of the Match in front of a strong crowd at the Whyalla Croatia Soccer Club.

West Torrens Birkalla and Adelaide Comets made the voyage to Roxby Downs where the league points were shared following a 0-0 draw and a strong performance from Comets Matthew Bouraee saw him awarded Man of the Match.

West Torrens Birkalla Captain Ryan Veitch told that his side saw great value in their first Regional Round.

“The Regional Round was a good experience for the boys and we all really enjoyed the trip.

“Both the FFSA and the Roxby Council should be congratulated on how well they organised the weekend and how well they looked after the entire Club.

“We are looking forward to travelling back there next year and hopefully the people of Roxby Downs had a good taste of local football in South Australia.”

Cumberland United recorded a come from behind win against Para Hills Knights with a 4-1 score line at the end of 90 minutes. Man of the Match in Mount Gambier was awarded to Justin Davies of Cumberland.

The Foxes Captain Robby Lippett applauded the Regional Round initiative.

“The weekend was a great experience for our club, in particular the younger players in our squad who haven’t experienced something like this previously.

“The FFSA and the Gambier Centrals Soccer Club put on a very well presented event and we all felt very looked after, we are definitely looking forward to being involved again in the future.”

Football Federation SA congratulates all involved in the 2014 Regional Round – Roxby Council, The City of Whyalla and Mount Gambier, Adelaide Blue Eagles, Raiders, Cumberland United, Para Hills Knights, West Torrens Birkalla, Adelaide Comets, the Whyalla Junior Soccer Association, Whyalla Croatia Soccer Club, Western Border Soccer Association and Gambier Centrals Soccer Club.

For a full range of photos from all three Regional Round fixtures, visit the FFSA Facebook page - HERE