Kemblawarra Click Into Gear And Zero In On Port
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday June 26, 2003
KEMBLAWARRA coach John Fleming has sounded a warning to those who think the Illawarra Premier League championships is a one-horse race.
Fleming feels that his side has found its best form in the past month and is primed to make a run at Port Kembla over the final nine rounds of the home and away season.
``We have scored 14 goals and conceded one in our last four games, I personally think we have turned the corner," he said.
After having won the league and cup double last year, Kemblawarra had struggled to recapture their hunger before they started their recent tear.
They are nine points behind Port after 13 rounds.
``It will be a huge challenge for us now, obviously Port Kembla have been playing very well, they have been great," Fleming said.
``We basically have to win every game from here."
Fleming said he also expects Coniston to return to the form they displayed last year in the coming weeks.
Kemblawarra will face Albion Park White Eagles at Terry Reserve on Saturday, while Port are up against Wests Illawarra in Sunday's match of the round at Wetherall Park.
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When Coniston thrashed Cringila 7-0 back on April 12, few would have thought there would be just two points separating the teams nine matches later.
Coniston looked to be in a different league that day, doing what they wished against a Cringila side that had no answer.
Cono have not won since that day, while Cringila have bolstered their squad and must now be considered an outside chance of reaching the finals.
The addition of David Cervinski and Tallan Martin has given Eric Thompson's side added punch in both attack and defence.
Cringila will be hell-bent on revenge when they clash with Coniston again at Crehan Park next weekend.
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Wests Illawarra are living proof that there is little benefit to be gained from draws.
As the only club in the Illawarra Premier League yet to draw a match this season, Wests find themselves in fourth position despite having lost five of their 13 matches.
Albion Park White Eagles and Dapto have both lost just four times but find themselves below Eddie Hutcheon's side on the competition ladder.
Cringila have the same number of losses as Wests but find themselves 10 points behind the team they beat on Sunday at Unanderra Oval.
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The word is that Dean Heffernan wants to remain with the Wolves.
But if that doesn't work out the club's 2002-03 rookie of the year has a couple of other offers on the table.
Heffernan, who played in both attack and defence, was one of the bright points to emerge from the season.
His speed appears to be just what new coach John Turner is looking for.
Heffernan will join his fellow out-of-contract players at tonight's meeting with Turner.
The meeting, which will start at 5.30pm is sure to be interesting to say the least.
It would be very interesting to be a fly on the wall at this meeting.
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The top four teams supplied two close matches in last Sunday's round of the Illawarra women's soccer season.
Woonona's White and Blue sides, South Coast United and University all went into the match unbeaten through the opening four rounds.
University now find themselves at the top of the standings after scoring a 2-1 win over Woonona White.
Kellie Kopp and Sarah Evans scored the goals for Uni, while Woonona's goal was put in by an unfortunate Uni defender.
Woonona Blue played out a 1-1 draw with United.
Table: University 15, South Coast United 13, Woonona Blue 11, Woonona White 10, Thirroul 9, Kemblawarra 7, Fernhill 7, Razorbacks 6, Shoalhaven 4, Kiama 3, Helensburgh 3, Russell Vale 0.
ILLAWARRA SOCCER TABLES
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© 2003 Illawarra Mercury
