 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||
THAT ONE'S FOR YOU DEAKSY!
Venue: Tompkins Park, Alfred Cove 2.00pm Conditions: Fine, Warm BankWest Saints Social Premier Half Time: Scorers: R Clausse 30' Bookings: None
Report: Ben Fitzpatrick
Perth Saints Masters Premier claimed their first ever Deaks Cup only five weeks since David Deakin, the man who the cup was named after, tragically passed away after a heart attack.
The Masters triumphed 2-1, a reverse of the 2006 score line after goals from Tony Cairns and Peter Murphy had cancelled out Renaud Clausse's first half opener for the Social side.
Players from both sides formed a ring around the centre circle for a minutes silence in memory of Deaksy, with only the referees whistle bringing a halt to the sobering silence before a round of applause from all those in attendance.
The match was off to a frenetic start, a pace much quicker than usual Masters league matches and it was the Social side who dominated the opening exchanges.
New Masters keeper Jamie Ellis was looking nervous from a string of corners and from a half cleared Vaughan corner, Frankie Ferreira spanked a 22 yarder that cannoned off the upright to serve the first warning to the veterans.
Minutes later and Renaud Clausse curled one in from distance only to see Jamie Ellis tip the ball onto the upright at full stretch.
The Social lads continued to attack and got their rewards after Renaud Clausse launched a 25 yard dipping rocket that flew over the head of Ellis in goals.
The Masters enjoyed more possession as the half wore on, however their final ball into the box was bringing no rewards with new Social keeper Simon Musson only called upon once to make a smart block from close range to deny Stevie Walker.
It was a deserved first half lead for the Social side, however it was a different story in the second, with the Masters lifting a gear and closing the game down.
The whining Kenny Lowe became more influential and set up Peter Murphy for the equaliser. Murphy attempted the take on Fitzpatrick in the Social box, the young defender winning the ball with an excellent tackle but then miscontrolling the loose ball into the path of Tony Cairns to round the keeper and slot home.
It was a cruel blow to the Social side and they soon found themselves behind for the first time in the match after some more sloppy defending from the Social defence.
A misplaced pass from Hodnett presented the ball to Murphy who audaciously chipped the ball into the top corner from 22 yards, with Musson only able to launch himself into the net in vain.
As time wore on, Social pushed forward with Ben Fitzpatrick stinging the hands of Ellis with a well struck effort from distance before Sean Morgan was dubiously called offside when through on goals.
Tempers started to fray 10 minutes before full time after Robbie Dunn clattered Dave Murray on the edge of the Social box. The Masters protested that they won the ball but the free kick was given and after Fitzpatrick saw his effort blocked by the wall, hacked down Kenny Lowe as he tried to counter attack.
An incensed Dunn then sprinted towards Fitzpatrick and shoved him in the back before launching a verbal tirade at Fitzpatrick and fellow defender Dusan Sevo.
There was still one last chance for Social after a delightful through ball from Fitzpatrick was dummied by Morgan, deceived a lunging Robbie Dunn and sending Frankie Ferreira through on goals but with just the keeper to beat from a 50 degree angle blasted his effort well over the bar.
A breakthrough win for the Masters side and one that was not begrudged by anyone in a Social shirt. A game of two halves that saw Social dominate the first, and the Masters the second with experience proving the winner on the day.
Social Squad: Musson (GK), Hodnett, Fitzpatrick (c), Sevo, Hartman, Walker, Vaughan, Murray, Morgan, Clausse, Ferreira, Triscari, Hartnoll
March 27, 2006
