Draw enough for Polonia to clinch GSSA men’s division one league title in thrilling last round

Polonia have clinched the Great Southern Soccer Association men’s division one title after a thrilling final round of fixtures wrapped up on Saturday night.

Despite only managing to muster a draw in their clash with Denmark, a Liam Murdock strike in the second half was enough to see Polonia become league champions with a 1-1 result.

Nicholas Bahr-Pike netted the sole goal for Denmark in the second half as they looked to stage an unlikely upset but Polonia held firm to steal a crucial point.

Meanwhile, Caledonians had an opportunity to leapfrog Polonia on the league standings in their clash with Rovers.

In a bruising encounter, five Caledonians players were cautioned with yellow cards as they tried valiantly to snatch a win from the third-placed Rovers.

Michael Draper opened scoring for Rovers in the first half, putting Caledonians on the back foot and leaving their title hopes in serious doubt.

Caledonians’ Dale Bloor emerged in the early stages of the second half to equalise, firing home a powerful strike past the Rovers’ goalkeeper.

However, prolific goal-scorer Justin Bielecki rose to the occasion, netting his first of the game to put Rovers 2-1 up mid-way through the second half.

Caledonians’ Trent Eikelboom, Levi Clay, Cameron Dekker, Nathan Kay and Hugh Price all received yellow cards in the heated affair, along with Rovers’ Draper.

Despite their best efforts, Caledonians weren’t able to find a late equaliser as the Rovers’ back four held up the dam wall and secured second place in the league standings behind Polonia.

In the remaining division one fixture between Bayswater and last-placed Royals, Bayswater cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory.

In men’s division two, Phoenix secured the league title after their come-from-behind victory against Rovers on Saturday.

Rovers managed just three wins all season but a first-half goal to Thobani Hlophe stunned Phoenix who found themselves 1-0 down at the break.

However, two timely goals to Noah Vanderschaaf saved Phoenix from a costly defeat, finishing 2-1 victors after a gritty second-half.

Polonia needed Rovers to snatch all three points if they were to have a chance of securing the title but a 4-2 loss at the hands of Caledonians left them to finish as runners-up.

Scores were locked at half-time but an Oliver Trichilo hat-trick and a goal from Harrison Smith got Caledonians past Polonia.

Archie Smith and James Naylor scored for Polonia.

Royals finished a disappointing season on a positive note, piling on four goals against Bayswater.

Jean-Pierre Folco Telpus scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win.

In the women’s division one competition, Mt Barker strengthened their claims of winning the league title with one round left to play.

A 3-0 result against Polonia on Friday night moved them to 48 points at the end of round 17.

However, Denmark A still remain in the title race after they prevailed over Sonics 3-0 to sit two points adrift of the league-leaders heading into the final round.

Elsewhere, Polonia cast aside Bayswater with a 6-0 victory and Phoenix were 4-2 winners over Caledonians.

Mt Barker and Polonia drew 1-1, Rovers trounced Grammar 6-1 and Denmark D edged Denmark C 2-1 in the women’s division two fixtures on Friday.

Royals had a bye but are 12 points clear of Polonia at the top of the table.

The GSSA cup finals will be played this weekend with rivals Mt Barker and Denmark A doing battle at 7.10pm on Friday in the women’s division one decider.

Polonia and Royals will square off in the women’s division two cup final on Friday at 6.25pm.

The men’s division two final will be contested on Saturday at 4.30pm as Bayswater tackle league champions Phoenix.

In the men’s division one final, the highly anticipated showdown between Rovers and Polonia will be played at 6.30pm.