State League One Round 1 Finals Series Preview

Elimination Final
Saturday, August 21 @ CSI Sport Ground
1^st Grade @ 3-00pm
Schofields Scorpions FC ? Inter Lions
The Elimination Final on Saturday afternoon brings together two old Italian backed foes who have shared some great battles over recent years ? Schofield Scorpions and Inter Lions.
The Scorpions were well placed on the competition ladder for most of the season, and even though they were pushed in the final rounds, they finished the season in fourth spot, earning the right for a home semi final at CSI Sport Ground.
Schofields? success was based on the strength of a sturdy and well structured defence, conceding just 26 goals, the fewest in Division One.
At the other end of the pitch, their 40 goals scored this season were spread amongst 15 players, with Boyd top scoring on 8 goals, followed by Simpson with 5. 
Inter Lions did ever so well to squeeze into fifth spot on the ladder, and as a result, find themselves fighting for their season in this week?s do or die clash against Schofields.
Given they had an almost  complete player turnover during the off-season, as well as finding themselves hovering around the middle of the ladder for much of the year, Inter did well to string together a number of favourable results late in the piece, managing to fight off Stanmore Hawks and Mounties Wanderers for that coveted fifth and final spot.
Veteran playmaker, Leo Carle, will no doubt be up to his mesmerizing best, and his experience and technique will help guide the young Lions around the park in this pressure clash.
This week the Lions will welcome back 8-goal top scorer, Dom Dimento, from a rudimentary one match suspension, following 5 cautions.
Also look out for Schofields ?old boy?, Anthony Ucchino, who has been finding the net with regularity lately, and will be out to get one over his old club.
The clubs have met twice this season, with Inter holding a slight edge over Schofields.
The first match was way back on March 28 in Round Two, and that ended scoreless at the Crest Complex.
The return match was on June 12, in Round 13, when Inter prevailed by the lone goal in a seven goal thriller, Nick Rouco grabbing the winner late in the match.
This match is sure to have the usual tension of an elimination final, so get out to CSI Sport Ground on Saturday to see how it all unfolds.
Under 20s
In the Under 20s, Fairfield City Lions will tackle Hills Brumbies, kicking off at 12-30pm.
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Qualifying Final
Sunday, August 22 @ Francis Park No 2
1^st Grade @ 3-00pm
Blacktown Spartans ? Fairfield City Lions
The Qualifying Final on Sunday afternoon brings together two of the competition?s big guns in Blacktown Spartans and Fairfield City Lions.
The two sides are the competition?s top goalscorers, with 113 goals between them, so you can expect the usual goalmouth action that goes hand in hand with that.
Blacktown Spartans had a stellar season in 2010, including a semi final place in the prestigious McDonalds Cup, and went almost the entire first round of the competition proper undefeated before suffering their first loss.
The Spartans ended the season in 2^nd place, only three points behind premiers Hills Brumbies, actually beating Hills in the final match of the season last weekend.
Their 55 goals were shared amongst 15 players, lead by Todd Macrae(13) and Glenn McPherson (12).
Fairfield City Lions have been tagged the entertainers in 2010, a team that every neutral would want to watch if they wish to see goals.
Fairfield had the dubious distinction of having the competition?s best attack with 58 goals, and the second worst defensive record, leaking 46 goals, and managed to finish the competition in third spot.
Yavos Ekinci, their experienced playmaker, lead the Division One goal scoring stakes with 21 goals, whilst also contributing to many of his team?s attacking forays with plenty of assists.
Young Ben Cronk came into first grade during the season and repaid his coach?s faith with nine goals of his own, whilst skipper, Robbie Issa, and brother George, provide additional support and guidance for the team in midfield.
The clubs have shared a win a piece this season, so it?s all to play for on Sunday as both look for a chance to square off against minor premiers, Hills Brumbies ? who have a week off ? in next week?s Grand Final qualifier.
Under 20s
In the Under 20s, Schofields Scorpions will play Mounties Wanderers, the match starting at 12-30pm.
-By Frank Speranza