Combatants to clash on big stage - September 7 2007
Combatants to clash on big stage
September 7 2007
Shepparton News
The round ball is venturing onto Deakin Reserve - Shepparton's home of Australian Rules - this weekend, the Goulburn Valley's premier sporting venue looks like being a warm host for the world game.
Soccer players from Shepparton United and Tatura got a first-hand look at Deakin Reserve on Wednesday ahead of the North Eastern Soccer League grand final qualifier between the teams on Sunday.
United's Jess Theobald and Tatura's Rosemary Scrimizzi enjoyed a different type of kick-to-kick on the Deakin surface, excited at the prospect of what Sunday would bring.
"It'd be great to play in front of a full grandstand and a big crowd, we get good crowds but here it would really generate some atmosphere," Theobald said.
"Hopefully it's a nice big pitch because that will suit our game."
Scrimizzi said it would be a big stage and a chance to shine for Tatura's team of mostly teenage players.
"We've got a lot of young players and I'm not sure some of them would have even had a run on here before," Scrimizzi said.
League secretary Sam Saracino said the league was thrilled that it had secured a marquee day at Deakin for its players and fans.
"The best thing is that seven different clubs are participating in all the divisions," Saracino said.
"We're looking forward to taking soccer back to Deakin after such a long time, the facilities and parking are first class and the league is hoping for a big crowd and a good atmosphere."
The pitch has been drawn on the J.G.B. McDonald Stand wing, into the pocket in front of the Shepparton United club rooms.
"We're happy with the surface and we understand that it will be watered again between now and Sunday," Saracino said.
NORTH EASTERN SOCCER LEAGUE FINALS
Qualifying finals (first v second)
Sunday at Deakin Reserve
8 am: Under-13s, Shepparton v Tatura
9.15 am: Under-11s, Shepparton v Cobram Victory
10.30 am: Under-17s, Shepparton South v Yoogali
noon: Under-15s, Shepparton United v Hanwood
2 pm: Men's seniors: Shepparton v Yoogali
4.30 pm: Women's seniors: Shepparton United v Tatura
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