Semi Finals Preview – Week 2 – Men’s State League 1
This weekend brings another mouth-watering round of finals football. Premiers North Shore Mariners host Hills Brumbies as Balmain Tigers look to continue their run against Rydalmere Lions.
Rydalmere Lions v Balmain Tigers, Saturday 5th September, Arlington Reserve, 4pm
Rydalmere Lions attempt to rebound from their qualifying final loss against the roaring Balmain Tigers.
Balmain Tigers edged out Dulwich Hill 1-nil whilst Rydalmere fell 4-1 to Hills Brumbies.
Rydalmere Lions striker and Men’s State League 1 top-scorer Zakeriya Elrich has scored four goals against this weekend’s opposition including a wonderful curled effort back in round three.
Joe Di Giulio has praised the substitute efforts of Scott Tonkin. The tall striker has sparked the Balmain Tigers revival in the last few weeks.
Tony Basha will need to rely on his defense can keep Tonkin in check despite shipping 15 goals in August.
There is some hope for Rydalmere Lions though, as they welcomed back several injured layers including former Adelaide United man Lloyd Owusu.
Balmain Tigers have been on a roll in the last few weeks against a fighting Rydalmere Lions team will produce an engrossing contest.
Tale of the Tape
Round 3: Balmain Tigers 1 v Rydalmere Lions 3
Round 14: Rydalmere Lions 4 v Balmain Tigers 3
North Shore Mariners v Hills Brumbies, Sunday 6th September, Northbridge Oval, 4pm
The Premiers start their Finals Series campaign as hosts to the rejuvenated Hills Brumbies Sunday afternoon.
Two long range strikes set Hills Brumbies on their way to a 4-1 win last weekend while North Shore Mariners enjoyed a well-earned rest.
The Brumbies rebounded from their mid-season slump to plunder 16 goals in their last four games led by Christopher Bedzo.
North Shore Mariners were the model of consistency throughout the season, only losing their first game in round 20.
Captain Coach Gregory Giovenali has been pulling the strings in the Brumbies midfield and need a big performance to lead his side over the premiers.
Joe Haywood will welcome back marauding left back Lee Jones and striker Thomas Bentham after their trial with Central Coast Mariners.
Besides those two – Brumbies have to remain solid at the back to prevent the highest scoring State League 1 team making back-to-back grand finals.
Tale of the Tape
Round 2: Hills Brumbies 0 v North Shore Mariners 1
Round 13: North Shore Mariners 5 v Hills Brumbies 3
By Justin Davies, Men’s State League 1 reporter
