Former premier league rivals Wallis Lake and Tuncurry Forster ZPL have enjoyed strong wins in their opening games in the Men's Southern League competition.
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Relegated to the Southern League in 2020 after the cancellation of the Zone Premier League, both teams drew on their considerable depth to score a flurry of points against their respective opponents on Saturday, July 18.
Despite coming out on top 8-2, Tuncurry Forster ZPL coach Scott Fletcher said his team's away clash against Wingham FC ZPL was actually a lot more competitive than the final scoreline suggested.
"Wingham certainly were in the game," he said.
"We got away from them in the last 15 minutes. It was our fitness I think that proved the difference."
Levi Barclay was a standout for Tuncurry, nabbing a hat trick on his way to being named the team's top player.
Mr Fletcher also praised Blair Smith for his work in the mid-field, as well as newcomer Lachlan France, who stayed busy all game.
Meanwhile, at Boronia Park, Wallis Lake defeated Tuncurry Forster 9-0 in a one-sided affair.
Great Lakes United Football Club secretary, Kevin Stevens, said the scoreline could've been greater if Tuncurry hadn't put in such a dogged effort.
"To their credit, Tuncurry parked the bus and had a really good go," he said.
Despite the coronavirus disruption and the club's decision not to take part in the newly-formed Coastal Premier League (CPL), Mr Stevens said Wallis Lake had managed to retain the majority of its players from last year's premiership-winning team.
Notable absences include prolific striker, Roan Whiteman, who has joined Port Saints in the CPL, and Ethan Perry and Bayden Schumann, who have done the same with Port United.
Mr Stevens said Wallis Lake's remaining players were using the disrupted 2020 season to stay active while the club explored its options for next season.
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They're also looking forward to next weekend's cross-town clash with Tuncurry Forster ZPL, who they view as their most significant competition in the Southern League.
"The boys always look forward to playing Tuncurry," Mr Stevens said.
"That should be a good game."
For Mr Fletcher, the match stands as a real opportunity to see if Tuncurry Forster ZPL has what it takes to take out this year's competition.
"It's going to be a tough game," he said.
"We've struggled to get any results against them in recent years."
The match will be played at Tuncurry Sports Complex at 3pm on Saturday, July 25.
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