In a gruelling clash filled with highs and lows, Bunbury United’s men’s premier squad edged out Dalyellup Rangers to take out the 2018 South West Cup.
Making the most of the Dalyellup Rangers’ home ground, the South West Soccer Association was excited to see sportsmanship and enthusiasm from players and fans alike.
The two evenly-matched teams fought for possession in the centre, with neither side able to penetrate each other’s defences.
Goalkeepers Blaze Rosinski and Muhsen Kazemi were unstoppable in denying the opposition at every turn.
The clash heated up after Bunbury’s Graeme Millington and Dalyellup’s Maxwell Ababio both received yellow cards 10 minutes in.
Ababio found gaps in Bunbury’s defence while landing crosses and through balls around the park.
Rosinski’s intimidating presence in goals, however, prevented Bunbury from conceding.
Later in the term, a strong effort from Bunbury’s Bob Hoveling was called offside.
Despite the number of shots on goal, both sides went into half time without scoring.
The tug-of-war continued in the second half, with both sides narrowly missing the back of the net.
Dalyellup’s Terrence Mukuka shrugged off a suspected ankle injury before putting in a solid performance for the home side.
Ranger Kyle Neacy’s efforts were blocked by Rosinski, after a header from Bunbury’s Aaron Brittain sailed over the crossbar.
Missed attempts from both sides ensured a 0-all scoreline at full time.
The score remained 0-all after both rounds of extra time, forcing the clash to be decided on penalties.
Two misses from Dalyellup saw Bunbury lift the South West Cup at the end of a long, hot day of football.
Hay Park’s ladies’ premier side dominated from start to finish in its showdown with Busselton City.
Busselton’s defence failed to prevent Hay Park’s Megan Zahra from claiming the game’s first goal.
Two more to Hay Park, booted in by Louise Drury and Annie Sheahan, gave their side a commanding 3-0 lead before half time.
Despite Busselton’s courage, the side could not catch up to Hay Park in the second half.
Hay Park later celebrated a 3-0 victory along with Lily Page’s Fairest and Best win.
Busselton’s men’s reserves fared better in their clash with Bunbury United.
Up 2-1 late in the game, Fairest and Best winner/Busselton star Mike Newell slotted in one more to gift his side a 3-1 win.
The men’s division two final was a closer affair, with the Dynamos forced to contend with a spirited Harvey line-up.
The Dynamos edged out Harvey on penalties (4-3), while Bishen Patel was awarded Fairest and Best.
Football Margaret River took home the men's masters silverware with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Blackwood.
Blackwood’s division one team booted the winner in the 90th minute to defeat Collie 4-3.
Ladies’ reserves premiers Geographe earned another title with a 1-0 victory over Australind.
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