SATURDAY, the Aussie Homes Loans Association Cup All Age Men’s grand final was played in freezing conditions with icy rain, sleet, hail and a bit of snow thrown in for good measure. This did not stop a good roll-up of hardy supporters.
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Despite the weather, the game between Stags FC and Goulburn Strikers was one of the best finals ever played in the Cup competition, which dates back to 1971 making it 46 years of continuous Cup competition.
Strikers got off to a great start with a goal in the first 10 minutes of the game. Then in the 35th minute of the first half, Stags FC were awarded a free kick just outside the Strikers’ penalty area. Their free kick was blocked by the Strikers’ defensive wall, but the rebound saw a fierce half volley that saw one of the best goals seen in a Cup final. This goal tied up the scores into the break locked at one goal apiece.
During the second half it would be fair to say that Stags FC had the better of play at times, but could not ram home its advantage.
With the scored deadlocked at the end of normal time, 30 minutes of extra time was played and in this Strikers netted two goals. Their first came at the 10-minute mark then just before the break in extra time, they put the game away with their third goal to clench the Cup with a 3-1 win.
Stags FC mid fielder Ben Stephenson was named Player of the Match, and awarded the match ball.
Stephenson has been around soccer for a long time: he says he is 36 years old. This surprised me as it only seemed like yesterday, that I coached him in the Under-12 Reps. In 1993 Stephenson was selected in the NSW Amateur Soccer Federation Under 13 State Team to tour New Zealand. He is now well qualified as a coach and it would not surprise me if he ends up coach of Stags FC next year. If he does, you saw it here.
Calling all trivia buffs
At the Goulburn Soldiers Club on Saturday night, August 27, the Soldiers Football Club is holding a fundraiser for their teams.
Anyone can join in. You need to be at the Club by 7pm to start playing by 7.30pm.
Cost is $25 per person and there are tables of 8 or 10, so grab nine of your mates to try winning some of the prizes.There will be some raffles and a lucky door prize. Contact Peter Grant on 0402 373 228 for more information.
The STFA presentation night is on Thursday, September 22 at the Goulburn Workers Club, leading up to September 24’s grand finals.
Nominations for awards close Saturday, September 10 and can be left in the team sheets box or at the canteen, with a detailed account of each nominee so the STFA board can decide.
Awards include: Outstanding Services to Soccer/Football, Yvonne Lofts Supporter of the Year, The Lynch Family Clubman of The Year, Fair Play Award, Encouragement Award, Coach of the Year and Rising Star.
The latter is awarded to a junior boy or girl who shows outstanding talent both on the field and off. Clubs nominating someone should include a resume of at least an A4 page detailing that persons past history playing soccer at club or representative level, refereeing and activities outside of soccer such as Scouts, Girl Guides etc.
Cowra Cup Tournament
Last weekend the Under-12, U13 and U15 boys representative teams played in the annual Cowra Cup Tournament, for their last hurrah for the year.
All three teams went well but missed reaching the finals
The U12 got off to a great start with a three goals to nil win, but lost their next game and drew their third game nil all.
The U13 and U15 fared the same on the day to finish off the rep season.
Following the Cowra Cup, nominations for rep coaches for next year are now being called.
Interested coaches should send in their nomination, as well as their resume, to the STFA by Sunday, September 4. All nominations can be left in the team sheet box at the soccer fields or at the canteen.
For more information call Robert Scott Sen on 0407 486 937.