Pre-season Knockout Champion

Woonona's Kristy Steele heads the ball during the Grand Fuinal of the LOCAL cup which Woonona won 1-0.

LAST year it was Tarrawanna, this time it is Bulli as in 2005 previously wining the Corrimal Leagues Club- sponsored tournament. Checking the archives since the inauguration KO kicked off in 1962, the Bulli Football Club has won the trophy and prize money in 1968, 1969, 1987, 1992 , 2005 and this year for the 6th time. With coach Adrian Alston going into his second season with the club, he has attracted a quality squad – the winning side this time was Alan McLeish (keeper), Rohan Daley, Ben Smith, Matthew Naylor, Luke Zadkovich, Matthew Callaghan, Shane McGirr, Michael Clare, Kane Maccabei, Matthew Bailey, Marcello Guerrero, plus subs Rod Paterson. Toby Napper, James Wood,, Dane Hamilton and Mitchell Cooper. Even though inclement weather conditions hampered all best intentions, Bulli won convincingly 3:1 over last year’s league champion Dandaloo, always in control. In the first half some pressure was placed on Bulli’s defenders and Dandaloo took the lead in the 15th minute however it did not take too long for Bulli to equalise from the penalty spot. With favourable wind-conditions in the second half Bulli scored twice and really should have converted several more opportunities. The battle for third place prize money went in favour of Port Kembla winning 4:1 against Albion Park WE. Preview Round 2 Premier League on the weekend sees Dandaloo v Coniston Lions at Dandaloo Sports Ground, with the host favoured. Bulli v South Coast United at Balls Paddock, on paper looks like a win for the home side. Tarrawanna v Dapto at Tarrawanna Oval, could be a tough struggle for the host. Picton Rangers v Kiama at Hume Oval, will see the host favoured against a newcomer to the league. Warilla Wanderers v Kemblawarra at King Mickey Park, must be a clear win for the home team. Port Kembla v Wollongong United at Wetherall Park, could develop into a close battle. Cringila Lions v Albion Park WE at Crehan Park, seems to be wide open for both in with a chance. First Division draw Corrimal Rangers v University at Memorial Park, Shellharbour City v Highlands United at Keith Bond Oval, West Illawarra v Bellambi at Unanderra Oval, Helensburgh Thistle v Berkeley at Rex Jackson Oval, Fernhill v Woonona at Ray Robinson Field, Balgownie Rangers v Wollongong Olympic. To judge an outcome this time of the season is very hard with all teams trying to find their best combinations yet. Wolves Stay Positive This does apply to the struggling club after losing three home games. Encouraging is the support of the fans – at Crehan Park well over 1500 spectators tried to lift the boys to greater efforts. Despite starting off brightly the Wolves could not score against a well-organised Sydney United team. The Wolves can only hope to achieve a better outcome in the next two games in Sydney.