While most of our loyal supporters were enjoying the Australia Day quasi long weekend, our senior men’s team was slogging it out in Wollongong for bragging rights at the Maso Cup 2016. Co-hosts, Wollongong United and Cringila Lions put on an amazing weekend, and despite what seemed like monsoonal rains that hit the Illawarra just prior to the tournament starting, all enjoyed themselves at this festival of football.
PLFC’s first match was against Arncliffe and in the pouring rain, the Lions managed to etch out a draw after a last minute goal mouth scramble. PLFC 1-1 Arncliffe was how it ended.
In the second match, PLFC was drawn against co-host Wollongong United. Under lights at Macedonia Park and with everything to play for in heavy conditions, the Lions from Melbourne lost 3-1, after going up 1-0 thanks to a Tony Sterjovski goal early in the second half. PLFC 1-3 Wollongong United.
Unfortunately due to the other results in the group, all chances of PLFC making it out of the group stage were gone. Head coach, Zeljko Popovic decided to give the young guns a run on the Sunday morning against Cringila Lions, and they certainly impressed, winning 2-0. Young striker Dejan Blanusa scoring a brace of goals. PLFC 2-0 Cringila Lions
“Overall the boys performed well, and enjoyed themselves. These were our first competitive matches, and it was a good start to what will be an interesting season ahead” said Popovic at the airport as he touched down in Melbourne. “The conditions were tough, and the boys showed good spirit to come back on Sunday against Cringila. Overall the tournament and the concept is great, the two host clubs really put on a great weekend, so a big thank you to all involved”.
Congratulations must go to the overall winner of the Men’s competition, Rockdale City Suns, retaining bragging rights for another 12 months. Plaudits also to Bankstown City FC (over 35’s Men’s) and Illawara Stingrays (Women’s) who were winners of their respective competitions.
PLFC Committee representatives and families were also honored to attend the new concept of the “Maso Cup Gala Ball”. This was a great opportunity for all club participants to come together and celebrate the event. The night itself and the hospitality from the host clubs was fantastic and we extend our gratitude for this.
Rockdale City Suns FC and Bankstown City FC will be co-host the 2017 Maso Cup and the Lions of Melbourne are looking forward to participating again. Furthermore, as was decided at the post tournament meeting of all club representatives the Cup will be heading to Melbourne in 2018 for the first time adding a new exciting dimension to the ever expanding tournament.
The Committee of PLFC wants to thank it’s partners that made it a successful weekend, namely Ljupco Kociski of Legacy Plastering.
