Laurie Williams
SOCCER
LVSL
For the first time in league history two hat-tricks were scored from opposing teams in the same game between Sale and Fortuna at the weekend, 5-4.
After half-an-hour of back and forth soccer, the Swans made the initial breakthrough when newbie McAuley Lawrenson beat the Fortuna keeper.
Fortuna, however, on the rebound found space and Hayden Cook put it away for the equaliser only two minutes later.
Sale were busy around the box and a good pass found Jacob Richardson who put it in for Sale’s second.
It was goal-for-goal as the Lions upped the ante and scored again just before the half-time whistle with a second goal from Hayden Cook to level scores at 2-2.
Fortuna broke the deadlock with a goal from Jonathon Cook on the hour and another at 78 minutes from Oliver Spiteri saw the Lions go to a 4-2 lead.
Sale came back hard at Fortuna with two goals within two minutes from Lawrenson to post his hat-trick and equalise with six minutes to play.
The weather turned and there was one last gasp by Fortuna when Hayden Cook scored his third to post the winner at the 90-minute mark.
Newborough/Yallourn v Traralgon City
League champions Newborough/Yallourn expected a hard clash against Traralgon City and got just that on Sunday.
NYU got out to an early lead after 20 minutes with a goal to Shayne Pavich.
The home side doubled their score after a fine shot by Pavich for his second at the 71-minute mark.
Traralgon City went down fighting and clawed back a goal at 78 minutes through coach Mark Bruzzese to go down, 2-1.
Moe v Falcons
Moe had a confidence-boosting win over Falcons, beating them 2-0 with both goals coming in the first half.
The Devils set up a good pattern of play and were rewarded with goals to Ty Georgiou and Harley Robinson coming within the first half hour.
The second half was a pressure pot with neither team able to score as the wind intensified, making it difficult to pinpoint passes.
Trafalgar v Olympians
Trafalgar threw an early spanner in the works for Olympians, scoring the first goal of the match before being outdone, 3-1.
Yet to gain any points this season, the home side jumped ahead eight minutes in when Logan Winter beat the keeper.
Their joy didn’t last too long, however, as Olympians equalised at 38 minutes from Henri Scott and again at 65 minutes from Jayden Steele to take the lead.
A further goal at 78 minutes from Jayden Steele put the game beyond doubt as Olympians ran out winners, 3-1.
Monash v Churchill
For the second time this season Monash went down to Churchill, this time 2-0 at the weekend.
Scores were nil-all at half-time before Churchill broke the deadlock at 56 minutes from Corey O’Shea.
The visitors posted another right on the half-time whistle with a classic from Majok Deng.
LVSL women
The top two teams had hard matches but came through winners with Traralgon City having a 3-2 win over Newborough/Yallourn and Fortuna fending off Sale by the same 3-2.
Trafalgar got home with a 2-1 win over Olympians while Monash beat Churchill 3-1.
Round 18 preview
Newborough/Yallourn (1) v Fortuna (3)
The final round should see some exciting finishes as clubs jockey for positions within the final six. The game of the round could be at Burrage Reserve where Newborough/Yallourn take on Fortuna. NYU have won the last six matches against the Lions.
Games played: 41, Fortuna 32, Newborough/Yallourn 7, drawn 2.
Last time: Newborough/Yallourn 3-1
Trafalgar (10) v Sale (9)
In the battle at the bottom Sale has a good chance of adding to its points tally for the season with a win over Trafalgar. The Swans played well against Fortuna last week and were unlucky not to force the draw.
Games played: 9, Sale 8, Trafalgar 1.
Last time: Sale 2-1
Moe (5) v Traralgon City (3)
Moe and Traralgon City will provide many highlights as they set up positions within the final six.
Games played: 92, Moe 52, Traralgon City 27, drawn 13.
Last time: Traralgon City 3-1
Churchill (7) v Falcons (4)
Falcons shouldn’t underestimate Churchill who are trying to finish the season on a high with successive wins. Falcons will finish lower than expected but will still be a force in the finals.
Games played: 40, Churchill 21, Falcons 12, drawn 7.
Last time: Falcons 3-1
Olympians (2) v Monash (8)
Olympians have a big winning history over Monash and should continue their run.
Games played: 76, Olympians 45, Monash 12, drawn 19.
Last time: Olympians 2-1
