SFL Rd9: Stirling Spaniards Slip Out Of The Playoffs

Fremantle Muita Calma 8 defeated Stirling Spaniards 2

Before the game started Tiago Fracasso, Fremantle Muita Calma, was told he was only 1 goal clear at the top of the goalscoring table and unfortunately for Stirling he was about to make his intentions very clear as to what his goal for the season was. It was almost as though his team mates had decided that they would assist him achieving that goal with most of the shots being set up for him. He finished with 4 for the day and his team mates still chipped in with a goal each as they calmly went about dismantling the Spaniards with an aggressive attacking display.

Stirling’s new signing, Dennis Hayworth, was very impressive but unfortunately for them was not able to help their current leading scorer, James Forman, with the weight of scoring most of the team’s goals. Even with the one sided score line Stirling will only improve with this new signing as they push for a spot in the October SFL Competition. For this season it seems making the top 4 will be tough but by no means impossible.

SFL Rd9: Belmont Still Without A Win

Scaborough Samba Boys 5 defeated Belmont Nile Flow 0

The positive sign for Scarborough was that they had kept a clean sheet. The worry was that they were not able to score as many as they would have liked. This was because Belmont have been improving. After struggling for players they are now having to rest players for some games as their roster increases. Team captain Raj Albuquerque has built up a young side that will be looking to be very competitive in the 1st Division of the October season.

Victor Brauner was the MVP for this game but the fact that he hasn’t played many games means his chances of winning the MVP trophy for the Winter season will be very slim.

This Scarborough side with him in it though will be the team to beat come the playoffs and also in October.

SFL Rd9: Calibre 12 Melville Again In The Match Of The Round

Calibre 12 Melville 3 defeated South Fremantle MC 2

As we have always come to expect when watching Diego Garcia play, something special is bound to happen and his 2 goals this round were the difference. If not scoring, then of course he has to make that final pass for the winning goal.

A must win game for Melville, they looked towards their leader to once again take control of the game and weave his magic, and weave his magic he did. Even a second red card of the season for team mate Sachin would not stop Calibre 12 from what will be their destiny. A playoff spot for that chance to take out the SFL title for the first time.

This game also saw the welcomed return of Francis O’Dong to the South Fremantle line up, as a late signing from Fremantle Muita Calma. He was indeed an asset in this game but the real concern is whether they will be able to keep him playing regularly. A committed Francis O’Dong would be a real asset for any team. Let’s hope he is there come playoff time in 3 weeks.

SFL Rd10: Stirling Finish The Season Off With A Win

Stirling Spaniards 5 defeated Belmont Nile Flow 2

The improvement from Belmont Nile Flow continued into the final game of the season as they recorded their second best result since the start of the season when they only lost 2-1 to South Fremantle MC. Unfortunately they went through the season without a win, but the enthusiasm and commitment of the youngest team in the competition, to grow and become stronger has been very impressive and it will be good to see how they perform in the October Div 1 season of the SFL.

For the Stirling Spaniards, to end with a win wasn’t as rewarding as making the playoffs would’ve been, and to fall just short as they did was a bitter disappointment. Still there was some much improvement in the side and we saw some real stand outs within the team. James Forman led the team in goals scored, Alex Soares was the General that was able to control the games from the Pivot position and the late signing of Dennis Hayworth really looked like they were coming together nicely. The great form of Julius Ko in goals and the consistency of Adrian Lee and Jason Wilson completed a side which next season should really cause some problems and may even finish in the top 4.

These two sides finished, Stirling Spaniards 5th and Belmont Nile Flow 6th on the table for the season.

SFL Rd10: Calibre 12 Beat Samba Boys By One To Finish 2nd

Calibre 12 Melville 2 defeated Scarborough Samba Boys 1

This game was only going to determine where these teams would finish in the last 3 positions available in the top 4. As it was Calibre 12 edged out the Samba Boys with a last minute winner by Adriano Martino, who has signed for Fremantle Muita Calma for the October SFL season.

Due to the other results on the day Calibre 12 Melville, who 3 weeks earlier were placed in the relegation zone of second bottom, have clawed their way up the table and with 3 wins in their last 3 games they have finished in second place, ahead of Scarborough Samba Boys and South Fremantle MC. Another fairy tale finish to the season topped by a great performance by Calibre 12 Melville, which doesn’t end there.

This amazing game will continue on the 25th August as these 2 teams have been drawn against each other for the SFL Semi Finals. Not only will there be bragging rights up for grabs but also a spot in the Grand Final. Having only ever met twice in the SFL, head to head they are locked at 1 win each. Saturday will be the decider.

SFL Rd10: Fremantle Undefeated for the Season

Fremantle Muita Calma 9 defeated South Fremantle 1

It’s amazing what derby games bring out. Regardless as to what’s on the line, Fremantle will never do any favours for their neighbours, South Fremantle. For the second season in a row, it has come down to the final game and South Fremantle have come up short in avoiding the defending Champions in the first Round of the playoffs. The unfortunate thing was that Tiago Fracasso was going for the top goalscorer award and for the second game in a row finished with 4, to take his season tally to 19.

South Fremantle MC will have available to them in the semi finals their new coach for the October season, Darren Blankley. They will also hope to have Francis O’Dong available to them for the rematch on Saturday 25th August. In this game, which they were totally out classed, expectations were not high but next weekend we will see a real Fremantle derby.

Semi Finals: 25th August

11.30am Scarborough Samba Boys vs Calibre 12 Melville

12.30pm Fremantle Muita Calma vs South Fremantle MC