To all the Minotaur Family,
It is with mixed emotions that I write this update again with some success and some disappointment.
Our U/14's played their Grand Final yesterday at Ron Dine Reserve at Camden against Mt Druitt. They took the lead in the first half by a screamer from Massimo but Mt Druitt equalised early in the second half. Both teams were not able to break the deadlock and the game went into extra time and then penalties. Unfortunately, we lost 4-2 on penalties. Congratulations for a very successful season should go to the coach Rob Seib, the manager Chris Leech and ofcourse all the players and parents and I'm sure we will go one better next season.
Later the same day, our senior teams were doing battle in the preliminary finals at Belmore Sports Ground. The reserve grade team kicked off at 12.30pm in perfect conditions on a perfect pitch. We hit the lead with a well taken goal from Haisan Morhi in the 15th minute but Fairfield Wanderers equalised a minute later. It was unfortunate to see one of the stalwarts in Manuel Heretakis taken off late in the first half with what is a suspected torn knee ligament. We wish him all the best. In the second half the mighty Hurstville City Minotaurs came out stronger after some harsh words and immediately took the lead again from Morhi in the 47th minute. Haisan capped off a great win by getting his hat-trick with 10 minutes to go and therefore sealing the win which send the boys into the Grand Final next week against the Fairfield Bulls.
First grade then took to the field in their do or die match with Luddenham. We controlled the game in the first 15 minutes but could not convert our chances with Michael Di Meglio going closest with a freekick which hit the crossbar. Luddenham then lifted and our boys looked a bit lost at times but ended up keeping the score 0-0 at half time. At the half time break the General pointed out the weaknesses in the opposition and instructed his players on how to take advantage of them. This seemed to do the trick and the mighty Minotaurs showed their strength and eventually opened the scoring after a floating freekick from big Terry Sidiratos found an unmarked Stefano Marconi to head into goal in the 68th minute. A defensive lapse saw Luddenham equalise 2 minutes later but this day was always going to be a black and white day and was proved to be that when Nick Goumis smashed the ball in from close range after a well worked move between Angelo Vagenas and Michael Di Meglio down the left side. A disgusting tackle on Dimi Konstantinou forced him to be substitued and has now left him with a fracture in his ankle (he still wants to play on Sunday). Star striker Di Meglio then put the final nails into the Luddenham coffin by outsmarting their slow defence on two occassions in the last ten minutes with two well taken goals showing once again his quality. The score ended up a convincing 4-1 hammering and 1st grade now joins reserve grade on Grand Final Day.
The scenes in the changeroom after the match will be remembered for a long time. Players from both squads, officials and supporters all sang to the beat of the bongo drums which could be heard all over Sydney. It was nice to see a lot of ex-Minotaur players come and show their support (and some wishing they had never left the club).
Both grades are playing against Fairfield Bulls in the Grand Final this Sunday 19th September at Jensen Park in Sefton. Reserve Grade starts at 12.30pm and First Grade at 3pm.
Let's make it another black and white day. Please come and support your club.
The General