Hard-fought season opener

Albany-Bayswater have got their season off to a winning a start with a hard fought 2-1 victory against Polonia in the opening round of the Great Southern Soccer Association men’s open competition on Sunday at the North Road soccer grounds.

Aazam Bulbulia opened the account for Albany-Bayswater in the first half to give them a 1-0 lead at the break.

Jared Wiegele found the back of the net for Polonia in the second half, however Bulbulia scored again to ensure Albany-Bayswater claimed the victory.

In the other men’s fixtures last year’s premiers Phoenix secured a 3-0 win over Albany Rovers via forfeit with Rovers using an unregistered player while Caledonians smashed Albany Royals 19-0.

Frazer Childs did his golden boot chances no harm with 11 of his side’s goals.

In the women’s league A competition Polonia outperformed Caledonians to claim a 2-0 victory last Friday night.

An even performance from Polonia had them ahead 1-0 at the half before finishing off with another goal in the second half to secure the win.

Fiona Morrison-Smith and Laura Hunt were the goal scorers for Polonia.

Last year’s runner up Phoenix overcame an even first half to beat newly promoted Grammar Blue 6-1. With scores level 1-1 at half-time Phoenix netted five goals in the second half to run away with the game.

Jasmine Koster and Tianna Korthuis both managed two goals for the victors.

Last Tuesday Caledonians Reserves outclassed Cross Keys United 8-3 in the men’s masters competition to win their first match up of the season.

In the other masters fixtures Denmark defeated The Vets through a forfeit while Albany Rovers Black beat Albany-Bayswater in similar circumstances.

In the women’s league B Polonia dominated Bayswater to win their season opener 15-0.

Denmark White went down to Mt Barker United 3-0 while the remaining matches in the women’s league B were decided on forfeit.

Rovers forfeited to Polonia White, Royals forfeited to Grammar White and Port Albany forfeited to Denmark Black.