Peter Rowney reviews the huge Preliminary Final between West Sydney Berries v St George FC.
West Sydney Berries v St George
It was an utterly dramatic finish at Lidcombe Oval as West Sydney Berries clinched the spot in the Super League Grand Final with an enthralling 3-2 victory over St George.
This game certainly lived up to its billing and when St George drew level at 2-2 in the 89th minute, it seemed that a further thirty minutes was on the cards. The equaliser was nothing short of sensational as Ivo de Jesus let fly from thirty yards or more, the ball screaming into the roof of the net leaving Phil Zabaks frozen to the spot. It was a goal worthy of “Goal of the Season” and seemed likely to shift the balance of the game back to St George.
But the Berries, who had battled through most of the game with ten players, got the late, late winner. A free kick from the sideline was pumped into the area and up popped Steve Wright to knock the ball over the line, in dramatic scenes, as the clock ticked into ninety three minutes.
It was a fantastic finish to a game which promised much and delivered more. Both of these sides have tested each other throughout the season and it was always likely to be a close one. There was certainly no shortage of talent on show and the class of the likes of Ante Deur and Ivo de Jesus was there to see
It was in fact de Jesus who put the Saints in front. Peter Vassilis had challenged expertly down the left winning the ball deep into the Berries half, a quick pass to James Kovas and the tall striker set off. But under pressure in the area, Jack Sobczyk brought down Kovas and referee Jason Blackwood had no hesitation in showing a straight red. Up stepped de Jesus for the penalty and a cheeky chip straight down the middle caught out Zabaks and St George were 1-0 up after sixteen minutes.
With their tails up, and with the Berries down to ten, St George dominated large parts of the first half, and Kovas almost made it two just before the half hour but Stefan de Jesus cleared off the line, in just the right spot at the right time.
The Berries looked a little rattled for a time as St George pressed and found space, Blake Riccituo finding himself clear after a great run through the middle, but Zabaks was out in a flash, and stole the ball from Ricciuto’s toes.
But despite controlling the ball, St George couldn’t get a second goal and for as long as the Berries were only the one down, they were always in with a chance.
The tables were turned somewhat in the second half as the Berries poured forward, their season on the line. St George started to live dangerously, Ryan Emerton couldn’t have come any closer to equalising when he hit the post from distance, the ball stinging the upright. De Jesus had another great chance for St George but was just wide and then, within a minute of coming on, up stepped John Tsironis. A high ball was lofted in the penalty area, headed back across goal and there was Tsironis in the perfect spot. 1-1 and the Berries were back in it.
Now it was the Berries’ turn to have the wind in their sails. And they took full advantage. Dimitri Zakilis put in a perfect cross low from the right, across the face of goal leaving 17 year old Nick Paras to put the Berries 2-1 up, with just over ten minutes left.
St George, now finding themselves looking at elimination, started to reassert themselves, and surged upfield in search of their own second goal. It seemed like it wasn’t going to happen though, despite some good efforts from Brad Gibson.
That was until de Jesus unleashed his thunderbolt, and brought it back to 2-2. The Berries couldn’t believe it, the prospect of another thirty minutes not looking favourable for them
But then Steve Wright got the winner, with only seconds left, ending a riveting match.
Even with ten men, Steve Karavatakis always felt his side could do it.
“I always thought we could win. They didn’t really create a lot of chances and we probably created more to be honest. I definitely feel that we deserved the victory, it was a great match”.
“But credit to Kory, he has done a fantastic job at St George and they play some really good football”.
“Now though we have to get ready for next week, and we will have to do without Jack Sobczyk of course”.
The Grand Final against Blacktown Spartans is something the Berries are looking forward to, though the choice of the Francis Park venue has caused concern.
“”We are not happy with the choice of Francis Park”, said Karavatakis. “For a Grand Final, the competition deserves a better venue, with better spectator facilities and a better pitch. There is not enough seating and the Super League competition deserves more,” he finished.
Match Stats
West Sydney Berries 3 (John Tsironis 71’, Nick Paras 78’, Steve Wright 90+3’) v St George 2 (Ivo de Jesus pen 17’, 89’)
Sunday 11 September 2011
at Lidcombe Oval
Referee: Jason Blackwood
Assts: Christian Mehl and Mike Robertson
West Sydney Berries: 99 Phil Zabaks 2. Steve Wright 4. Jack Sobczyk, 7. Damon Collina 6. Nick Tantalos (15. Nick Paras 60’)) 5. Liam McKenna 8. Ante Deur (c) 12. Stefan de Jesus (10. John Tsironis 70’) 14. Ryan Emerton 9. Kodjo Adjassou 19. Dimitri Zakilas.
Subs not used: 3. Louis Duchesne 27. Alex Becerra 22. George Bouropoulos
Yellow Cards: Damon Collina 16’
Red Card: Jack Sobczyk 16’
Coach: Steve Karavatakis
St George: 1. Daniel Nash 4. Daniel Fallico 2. Michael Smith 14. Mark Bariamis 3. David Smith 10. Peter Vassilis (22. Brad Gibson 71’) 5. Simon Verrender (c) 6. Reuben Lagos 25. Ivo de Jesus 21. Blake Ricciuto 11. James Kovas (36. Jordan Figon 64’).
Subs not used: 8. Jason Gonzalez 18. Luke Turnbull 20. Jason Tack
Yellow Cards: Reuben Lagos 83’, David Smith 85’
Coach: Kory Babington
In the Under 20s final, Spirit FC moved into the Grand Final where they will meet Sydney University, after beating St George 2-1.
Spirit took the lead through Domenic Arcella on the half hour before a late equaliser just before half time by Zac Sampson, drew the Saints level.
A second half goal by Michael Fakiye got Spirit the 2-1 win.
-By Peter Rowney
RSS Feed