Korumburra City Soccer Club played host to the South Division Grand Finals this weekend in not so perfect conditions. Although the pitches looked good the rain over the last few days has taken its toll.

Senior’s Grand Final

With all the games so far having outright winners and no extra time, the seniors game of Drouin vs Mirboo North kicked off on time and in conditions that had improved all day, it didn’t take long for Drouin to take control of the match early. It only took till the 13 minute mark for Drouin to kick the first goal through Nick Woodson. Mirboo North lifted a little but it was Drouin with most of the play having some good shots at goal. A great save from the Mirboo North keeper Andrew Soplakow saw Drouin deprived of a sure goal. With Mirboo North lifting and getting their game play together the intensity of the game lifted. With both teams going hard at the ball Mirboo North were awarded a penalty five minutes before the half time break but a great save from the Drouin keeper Dave Edwards saw them denied a goal. Minutes before the half time break Drouin with a great run down the wing from Arjay Frillones, saw him go all the way and score Drouin’s second. Drouin went into the half time break 2-0 up. The second half saw both teams come out and play a more physical game of soccer and it was Mirboo North who broke through with Salah Eliaser scoring a great goal. At the 70 minute mark. Mirboo North kept the pressure on the Drouin defence desperate to score again. Despite the ressure from Mirboo North. Drouin held on to take out the game 2-1 and become the well deserving 2012 champions.

Women’s Grand Final

In the women’s game the two teams who finished 3rd and 4th on the ladder played off in the Grand Final. First half was a game of procession and neither side got any good shots at the goals with the ball staying in the middle of the pitch. The second half was no different to the first, with both teams’ defenders playing tight and keeping the ball in the middle away from the goals. Leongatha finally broke through at the 20 minute mark of the second half with a great pass to Jess Burrows who made no mistake and put the ball into the back of the net. Leongatha held on to this one goal lead to finish the game 1-0 winners.

Under 19’s Grand Final

The under 19’s drew the short straw being the third game on the heavy muddy pitch. Although it has been worse. Leongatha took on Drouin. In a one sided first half  Leongatha with the wind scored the first goal in the first minute. It took another 23 minutes to score their second goal from a free kick. Four minutes later Drouin scored their first also from a free kick putting the ball into the net. Leongatha scored their third before half time breaking through the middle to score. Half time score 3-1 to Leongatha. Second half saw Drouin pick up the pace and match Leongatha in the play. Drouin finally broke through to score only to be disallowed for offside. Minutes later Drouin did score to bring the score back to 3-2. Leongatha not to be out done lifted and kicked their fourth goal at the 40 minute mark of the second half to leave the final score at 4-2 to Leongatha.

Under 16’s Grand Final

In the second game of the day under 16’s Wonthaggi versed Leongatha. With the pitch getting heavier again all the play was in the middle. Leongatha were first to break through with Kevin McGavin scoring the first goal. Ten minutes later a penalty awarded to Wonthaggi was put into the back of the net only to be disallowed and taken again. Second time not so lucky with the Leongatha keeper James Kelly pushing the ball out to the side of the goals. Minutes later with the momentum going Wonthaggi’s way, Xavier Hughes scored to level the game. Leongatha minutes later through Fergus Warren scored their second to go into the half time break 2-1 up. Second half Leongatha came out and started to take control of the game and scored two more goals one through Fergus Warren and the other through Michael Cravin from a free kick outside the 18 yard box squeezing the ball into the corner of the net. With only minutes left Wonthaggi scored two quick goals through Mathew Lowe and Jon Bulbulian. But Leongatha hadn’t finished and at the 69 minute mark scored their fifth goal through Fergus Warren. Final score 5-3 to Leongatha.

Under 13’s Grand Final

The under 13’s kicked off first with top side Drouin playing Wonthaggi. Much of the play was played in the midfield and it was Drouin who broke through first with an unlucky own goal with the ball deflecting off a Wonthaggi player. The second half with the pitch getting heavier the play was again centred around the midfield. Wonthaggi got a good break through the middle to score through Nicky Lawson to level the game. Not long after Wonthaggi’s Alex Lowe kicked a lovely goal over the keepers head to score from a free kick outside the 18 yard box. Drouin tried hard to get the score back to level but it was Wonthaggi who held on to win the game 2-1.

 

Well done to all teams today who played off in the finals. Again it is great to see soccer growing in South Gippsland. To all clubs in the South division well done on keeping soccer alive in South Gippsland. It will be great to see all clubs and sides back again next year even stronger again.