THE Academy Boys and Girls competition teams went in to their first round of finals football over the weekend.
THE Academy Boys and Girls competition teams went in to their first round of finals football over the weekend.
On Saturday, the Grade 18 Boys travelled to Garside Park at Granville to play Fraser Park in the Super Youth League Elimination Final. Stakes were high with the losing team out for the season. Unfortunately, the Academy Boys suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Despite the loss the 18s season will be one to remember with their fine performances in the early season NSW Men-s Waratah Cup, and a convincing win against the New South Wales Institute of Sport Boys team.
Sunday saw three Mariners Academy teams in action with the Boys 13s and 14s at Mt Pritchard to play in their qualifying finals. The Grade 13 Boys faced Macarthur Rams but were beaten 1-0. The Grade 14 Boys played Granville but were beaten 2-0. Both Academy teams, having placed second in this year-s competition, will be back again next week playing for places in the Grand Final.
The Grade 15 and 16 Boys teams both enjoyed a weekend off after winning their grade Minor Premiership. They will be back in action again next week playing for a position in the Grand Finals to be held on Saturday 15 September at Sydney United Sports Centre.
The Grade 16 Girls played on Sunday at Homebush against Manly FC in their qualifying final. With scores locked at full time and then extra time, the teams went through to a penalty shootout. Manly won on penalties 8-7 which means the Academy girls are back to play again next weekend against Sutherland.
For the non-competition Academy teams, the Grade 9 and 10 Skills Acquisition Teams travelled to St Mary-s on Saturday to play Nepean, whilst the Grade 11 and 12 Boys welcomed Sutherland to Pluim Park on Sunday.
Donna Slater
****
Western NSW Mariners FC had a mixed weekend in the first round of the 2012 SYL Finals Series.
Fourth placed WNSW Mariners in the Under 14s came up against Macarthur Rams. A strong first half with a goal to Sam Smith had the team 1-0 up at half time. A rejuvenated Macarthur Rams came back strongly in the second half and suddenly were up 2-1.The Mariners tried everything to get another goal to force extra-time but were unable to do so and unfortunately dropped out of the competition.
The Under 15s had beaten Sydney Uni once during the season and lost once. Another tight encounter was expected. The scores were locked at 0-0 at half time after Western NSW dominated the opening 15 minute. Sydney Uni grabbed the lead midway through the second half from a corner and grabbed another when Western were pressing to find an equaliser. The 15s stay alive and face Mounties Wanderers next Saturday.
Some joy for Western NSW Mariners FC was found in the 18s with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Northern Tigers. Without getting a win against the Tigers in the normal season, the 18s had something to prove. They won the game through a superb defensive effort, containing everything that Northern Tigers could throw at them. The second half saw Western NSW lift with their attack and Northern Tigers were lucky to still be at 0-0. The continued pressure led to a penalty, which Jacob Tratt smashed into the net. The boys will be greatly looking forward to a re-match with Sydney Uni next week to get into the grand final.
Andrew Fearnley
