Bill Turner Cup

MATCH REPORT

After the passing of well know School Teacher Ron Anschuetz in 2015 a trophy has been put in place to honour Ron and his contribution to School Boys and Girls Football (Soccer). The two team that make the final of the Wagga Region of the Bill Turner Trophy, play off for the Ron Anschuetz trophy and the honour of being cowed Wagga best.

Mater Dei Catholic College (MDCC) has a strong line up with players playing for the Wagga City Wanderers under 18’s and the Riverina Rhinos. This depth in the team gave MDCC favouritism coming into the match but it was predicted it would be close. MDCC got off to a perfect start with Luke Stevens scoring the first goal of the game after only 4 minutes from a superb pass from Zac Rudd. Four minutes later it was Cooper Stormonth combining with Luke who slotted the second goal for a 2 nil lead after only 8 minutes.

The game then flowed freely with Wagga Highs talented midfielder Kein Grevatin combining well with Damon Thirst only to be denied by an excellent save by Mater Dei's goal keeper Adam Stevens who had to dive full stretch to his left in order to touch the ball around the post. Wagga High continued to attach but the rock solid centre back combination of Lewis Crowley and Callum Woods forced back any centre attacking moves. Wagga High switched their attach out wide but Oscar King and Ben Duff combated any challenge, and after winning the ball counter attacked with style.

MDCC striker Tom Walker continued to hustle for the ball and after a strong pass to Charlie Conway in midfield who beat three players before offloading to Cooper who slotted in his first goal and the 3rd for the match. Wagga High never gave up and with smart passages of play by Kein and Damon, Wagga High created chances only to see desperate defence shut down the play. With ten minutes to go till half time Wagga High goalie Conrod Eyles made several outstanding saves to keep the score at 3 – 0 at half time.

The second half started at a cracking pace with replacement back Kieran Eady working hard on the left to keep Wagga High out. With Emillio coming off for a drink break Jacob Ferguson returned to the pitch and within minutes he found himself open in front of the goals only to see the ball narrowly miss the top of the net. For the next 10 minutes the ball travel

led from goal to goal only to see strong defence shut down play. With the injection of Nicholas Unwin into the mid a few quick passes and again we saw Cooper score his second goal for the match to make it 4 – 0. Suddenly the gates opened and MDCC scored a further three goals in four minutes to blow the game out to 7 – 0. Wagga High played very well and the score is not a true reflection of their play, but Mater Dei were worthy winners and have now won the shield for the second year in a row.

For Wagga High Conrod, Kein and Damon played well while for Mater Dei, Cooper, Luke and Oscar shined. Goal Scorers: MDCC Cooper Stormonth 4 (18m, 46m, 48m, 49m), Luke Stevens 3 (4m, 8m, 38m).