Tatura Soccer Club has repeated its 2022 successes with another Bendigo Amateur Soccer League grand final victory over Shepparton South at McEwen Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
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However, this time Tatura was able to settle the matter comprehensively in the regular 90 minutes, 4-2, rather than being taken to extra time or the dreaded penalty shootout, which decided 2022’s premiership.
In fact, Tatura had put the game on its terms in the first of those 90 minutes, opening the scoring in about 45 seconds through star forward Tristan Zito’s 10th goal of the league season.
Zito, who was always a dangerous task for Shepparton South’s defenders, teed up with ease on his first foray into the box, taking a first-time finish to shock the packed stands.
Within no time Shepparton South picked itself up remarkably, equalising moments later as a trickling attempt from Sean Grant wrong-footed the keeper for his 20th goal this year.
Thomas Leech would prove the difference in a fast and furious opening half-hour with a pair of quick-fire volleys that gave Tatura its unassailable position.
The first was a gorgeous right-footed connection that left the South keeper no chance off a high-floating cross.
The second was considerably less clean, but did the same job, a hit off another high cross that appeared to spike the turf and evade the leaping keeper on a hop.
Aaron Niglia would go on to put the result beyond doubt shortly after the interval, though a South penalty resulted in Grant’s second of the day to give his side something to fight for.
First-time Tatura coach Thomas Corso felt all kinds of familiar sensations, being awarded player of the day for the second straight year in the presentation following the match.
“After the first goal I thought we had it in the bag,” Corso said jokingly after the ceremony.
“Against that team, you never get a cushion, so to be two up for most of the game was really helpful.
“I have to give major credit to our boys for our effort today, because we weren’t in this position by a fluke.”
In recent conversations with The News, Corso adamantly maintained that his side’s preparation would be rigid and consistent regardless of opposition or environment.
This result, he says, is vindication of that practice.
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Getting behind it: Shepparton South's Nathan Radevski carefully scoops the ball away. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 9
Preparing to launch: Shepparton South's Jake Rumble set to strike hard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 9
Turning away: Tatura's Cooper Gosstray protects the space. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 9
Man marking: Shepparton South's Sean Grant is closely guarded by Tatura's Christian Corso. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 9
Get stuck in: Shepparton South's Liam Nash with a hard challenge on Tatura's Christian Corso. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 9
Through ball: Shepparton South's Gerald Corbo curls a pass up the wing. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 9
Eyes on it: Shepparton South's Nathan Radevski positioning against Tatura's Cody Sellwood. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 9
Busy afternoon: A bumper crowd converged on McEwen Reserve. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 9
The celebration begins: Tatura personnel embrace after wrapping up another title. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“I tried not to get caught up in the noise or the fact we had hundreds watching us in the stands, instead the approach has always been one game at a time,” Corso said.
“The only thing that changed this week was practising a couple of penalties in case things went like last year.
“We weren't so concerned about finishing top in the league or the cup final, because today was where we needed to show what we were made of and we got the job done.”
Sports Journalist