Premier Select rule in Australia

The team claimed the Australian Beach Soccer Cup in Wollongong, after edging Sporting Melbourne in the final

Premier Select claimed the prize in the Australian Beach Soccer Cup, held this weekend in the seaside resort of Wollongong (New South Wales). The 6-7 victory over Sporting Melbourne in the final got the cup to their hands, in a tournament experiencing its third edition this year, with six teams involved.  

A big crowd was on hand to witness the two heavy weights of the Australian Beach Soccer Cup. Sporting Melbourne and Premier Select both showed their class and experience throughout the round stages and it was no surprise they found themselves up against each other in the biggest and final game of the weekend.  Run away golden boot winner David Zdrilic got Mebourne off to a great start making it 1-0 within the first few minutes. Premier Select veteran George Souris then leveled the scores. Zdrilic was again on hand to take his side into the first break with a 2-1 lead. He completed his hat-trick just after the first break making it 3-1.

Premier Select were never going to let the game get away from them when De Sousa neatly finished reducing the margin 3-2. Ritchie Cardozo then gave Sporting some breathing space making it 4-2 just before the last break.

Heading into the last third of the weekend, both teams were physically tired but never going to give up. Premier Selects Peter Crevani got them back in the game, again putting them one goal behind at 4-3.

It was game on when Panni Nikas equalized. Jim Bakis then put them ahead for the first time in the match, but that did not last long when Alvin Ceccoli got Melbourne back on level terms once again. With only a few minutes remaining, the match looked like heading into extra time. That was not the case as  Nikas scored again which looked likely to be the winner.

Though Bakis gave them some breathing space making it 7-5 as Premier Select could just about start celebrations. In the last play of the game, Zdrilic slotted home a penalty but that was to be it. Premier Select taking out the 2013 Australian Beach Soccer Cup 7-6 in what was arguably the most entertaining match of the weekend. Panni Nikas was the star for Select not just this game but all tournament resulting in him being named MVP of the cup. Zdrilic was at his goal scoring best taking his tally to 19 goals for the tournament, giving him his third golden boot in three consecutive years.

Jacob Timpano reports.
Pic: Dream Catcher Creative Media