Football NSW introduced its first ever Heritage Round this past weekend to great success. All twelve clubs took part in proudly displaying their history and promoting those who have had a long association with the region.
APIA Leichhardt hosted a struggling Marconi outfit, donning specially designed ‘heritage’ kits for the clash, while Marconi had club icon Robert Filippin lead the squad out for the game.
In a one-sided affair, APIA flexed their muscle comfortably. The Leichhardt-based outfit put six into the net, while Marconi themselves scored two consolation goals. Blake Powell scored a double for APIA, while Marc Warren, Nathan Millgate, Franco Parisi and Nathan Elasi also found the target. Anthony Flood and Jacob Ott got the goals for Marconi.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles hosted Sydney Olympic at Bonnyrigg Sportsground. Both clubs paid homage to Heritage Round by promoting lifelong fans, Relja Svitlica and Fotis Papadopoulos.
On the pitch, the White Eagles continued their mid-season resurgence. Dylan Fox opened the scoring with Robbie Younis doubling the lead, before Olympic’s Harris Gaitatzis pulled one back. Yuta Kokada wrapped the game up for Bonnyrigg, adding to the scoresheet to make it a 3-1 victory.
Blacktown Spartans visited an out-of-sorts Sydney United 58. The Edensor Park sides woes continued, with the Spartans coming out on top 2-1. Koen Bosma opened the scoring for United, however Shu Sasaki and Josh Da Silva made sure the points headed to Blacktown.
Both clubs promoted Heritage Round by letting long-serving staff take importance, Ray Gerrie for United and Spartans President Dane Sim.
Blacktown City visited Parramatta FC and picked up a narrow 1-0 win. Travis Major, scoring the solitary goal to clinch the points.
Parramatta FC had former players and coaches in attendance, including Rale Rasic, Raul Blanco, Hector Martinez, Gus Cerro, Hugo Gimenez, Trevor Morgan and Ben Delicata to name but a few. City, like the White Eagles had done, let lifelong fan Don O’Regan take centre stage in Heritage Round.
Rockdale City hosted Manly United at the Ilinden Sports Centre. Manly was no match for a ruthless Rockdale, with Rockdale scoring four goals to zero. Marko Jesic grabbed a hat-trick, with Hristijan Tanovski grabbing the other.
Keith Pester, Manly United President, was given the spotlight to celebrate Heritage Round.
The final game of the round saw South Coast Wolves host Sutherland Sharks. New Wolves manager Jacob Timpano won his first game in charge at the first attempt, overseeing a 3-0 victory. Brendan griffin scored twice, while Peter Simonoski grabbed the other.
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Sutherland Sharks celebrated Heritage Round by celebrating club president, Paul Smith. Meanwhile, South Coast Wolves organised a Champions Dinner for this weekend which will be attended by Paul Reid, Stuart Young and Noel Spencer among others.
It was great to see the clubs get behind the new initiative. Hopefully it continues to grow in the coming years.
Photos courtesy Football NSW
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