SOCCER
GIPPSLAND UNITED
By ALANA RIESS
SATURDAY was a day to remember at Baxter Park as Gippsland United Football Club celebrated its past and present.
Gippsland United claimed victories in both senior men’s matches against Peninsula Strikers while celebrating the club’s Past Players and Supporters’ Day.
The Seniors produced another impressive home performance, defeating Peninsula Strikers 4-1 to remain within touching distance of third place. Bayden Heusmann was the standout, scoring all four goals, including two spectacular strikes in the space of just two minutes to put the match beyond doubt. The victory made it six consecutive home wins for the Seniors, who now enjoy a bye before a crucial final month of the season.
The Reserves produced a superb comeback, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a gritty and well-deserved 3-2 victory. David Pop scored a brilliant goal, while Brody Demogistris netted a brace to complete the turnaround and earn Gippsland all three points.
Off the field, the club was thrilled with the outstanding turnout for its Past Players and Supporters’ Day, with past players, supporters and families creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout Baxter Park. Members enjoyed catering provided by past player Manny Gelagotis and Michael’s Golden Hen in Moe.
The day also showcased the strong family culture that continues to define Gippsland United, with brothers from the Colantuono, Nardone, Dastey, Pop, Hili, Heusmann and Jones families featuring across the Senior and Reserve squads.
The club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success. Celebrating those who have helped shape Gippsland United’s history while supporting the current generation of players is something the club is incredibly proud of.
The Boys Youth State League sides hosted Ashburton United SC, producing several impressive performances across the age groups.
The Under 18s produced an outstanding result, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Ashburton United SC, with goals from Mitchell Dastey, Patrick Frayne, Max Wookey, Nick Gafa and Declan Ryan.
Gippsland went down 4-1, with Avan Macdonald scoring Gippsland’s lone goal in the 16s.
The Under 15s produced a dominant display to record a 5-0 victory, with five different players finding the scoresheet: Arlo Court, Beliu Belieu, Jack Marino, Sidney Box and Isaac Sharp.
The Under 14s secured a convincing 3-0 win. Alexander Olijnyk delivered an early corner that found Ryder McGregor, who powered home a header to open the scoring. Shortly after coming on as a substitute, Brody Sherburn made a strong run down the left before finishing brilliantly from a difficult angle to double Gippsland’s advantage. The third goal came from a Logan Scott free kick, with Yen Ruey heading home to complete the victory.
Despite controlling much of the match and creating the better chances, Gippsland found it difficult to convert their opportunities. Ashburton struck first before Riley Nankervis produced a composed finish to level the scores in the 13s.
Ashburton defended well in the second half, preventing Gippsland from finding a winner as the points were shared.
Gippsland’s Under 12 boys went down 5-3 to Dandenong City in a hard-fought contest in pre-boys youth state league.
Across the club, it was another positive weekend, with strong performances, plenty of goals and a fantastic celebration of Gippsland United’s proud history and bright future.
_________________________________________________________________________
SOCCER
LATROBE VALLEY
By LAURIE WILLIAMS
ROUND 15 of Football Victoria Latrobe Valley officially ruled Falcons out of the running for the title.
Elsewhere, Fortuna defeated Noble Hurricanes 1-nil in state league.
IN Traralgon, the 86th derby match between the two Traralgon teams Olympians and City turned into somewhat of a fizzer as Olympians romped home 8-2 winners over their neighbours.
Olympians now claim bragging rights with their big win, setting their sights on a championship win with three rounds to play.
They lead the pack from Churchill by two points.
On Saturday night they left no doubt with their intentions when leading goal-scorer Moni Eliaser scored within a minute to register the first goal of the game and his 31st which was the fastest this season.
Three minutes later the City fans were off their deck chairs to celebrate a cool Trent Frost equaliser but their elation turned sour as Olympians regained the lead through Alradi Ali only a few minutes later.
Warning bells were starting to ring for City as Olympians piled on the pressure, Alradi Ali celebrated his second goal at 21 minutes then Jake Dunstall scored at 39 to ensure Olympians went into the break in a healthy position leading 4-1.
It was still all one way traffic after the break as Olympians took control, Riduan Sobari scored at 48. Daniel Cooper chipped one in on the hour, Jake Dunstall made it a double at 75.
Zac Anderson got his third goal for the season with much celebration as Olympians jumped out to an 8-1 lead, but the game wasn’t over yet with City’s Trent Frost having the final say scoring his second goal right on the 90 minute mark to end the match with Olympians 8-2 winners.
SALE went into the match knowing that Pegasus were going to be a worthy opposition but by the finish Sale were the stronger of the two sides.
Injuries have caused Pegasus to be underwhelming over the last few weeks.
In their first meeting this season Pegasus won 5-4 but this time round Sale reversed the result to win 5-0 in a landslide.
Two goals within the first ten minutes from Sale United’s Thomas Garner started the agony for Pegasus but they held under pressure to half time.
After the break Sale’s top scorer this season Isaac Jondahl added another goal to his already impressive 18 goal tally.
Luke Wilson who had been warming the bench for the best part of 67 minutes replaced James Penn and he got into action with two late goals at 76 and 89 minutes to stitch up Pegasus 5-0.
IT was never going to be easy for East Gippsland travelling to the Valley and Sunday was no exception as Churchill completely outplayed and outscored the flightless Eagles.
It was sweet revenge for Churchill as the East defeated them 3-1 earlier in the season.
This time round Churchill won 11-2, scoring their highest against the East and also was their biggest win.
Leading the charge against East Gippsland was striker Germaine Otierno who banged in another four goals for a total of 27 goals so far, Logan Winter scored three, Ryan Ayres a brace with Conner McGivern, and Isaac Burgoine rounding out the goal scorers for Churchill.
Andrew Chapman scored for East Gippsland and the East finished on a high with a last gasp goal from Conner Andrews with Churchill running out winners 11-2
Golden boot: 31-Moni Eliaser (Olympians), 27-Germaine Otierno (Churchill), 19-Jake Dunstall (Olympians), 19-Isaac Jondahl (Sale).
This week: Saturday 7pm Newborough/Yallourn v Olympians. Sunday (all 3pm). Moe v Churchill, Monash v Traralgon City, Pegasus v East Gippsland, Sale v Falcons.
