APIA Leichhardt and Sutherland Sharks will battle it out for the 2012 Waratah Cup at Cromer Park on Sunday afternoon (8 July).
APIA Leichhardt and Sutherland Sharks will battle it out for the 2012 Waratah Cup at Cromer Park on Sunday afternoon (8 July).
The two NSW Premier League outfits will lock horns aiming to add silverware to a trophy cabinet that has been a little bare in recent seasons.
The Waratah Cup Final will kick off at 3pm but gates will open bright and early as three NSW Premier Youth League fixtures will act as curtain raisers prior to the big match between the two NSW Premier League clubs.
APIA-Leichhardt has shown its ability to play good football this season under new coach John Turner, something that has perhaps been missing in recent campaigns.
Turner-s arrival has brought about a new attitude and football principles to the club, and the side has definitely grasped these.
The quality of football has been impressive, and even though the League results have been a little indifferent, the run in the Cup has shown the side means serious business in its quest to claim silverware in 2012.
Perhaps the realisation for success in 2012 arrived in the quarter-final tie against Marconi Stallions.
The Tigers handed out a hefty 5-0 hiding to their perennial rivals, paving the way then for a workmanlike performance against Bankstown Berries in the semi-final to secure a spot in the showpiece encounter on July 8.
Sutherland Sharks has provided followers of both the Waratah Cup and NSW Premier League with some exceptional displays this season, testament to the hard work and belief of coach Robbie Stanton in the football philosophy he has instilled at the club over the past few seasons.
The Sharks have maintained their physical style of play, all in the while ensuring to keep playing the ball out from the back and avoid being forced to change their style when pressured by their opponents.
The Cup run has been great for the Sharks with some impressive results to-date, even though the semi-final tussle with Dapto Dandaloo FC proved to be a big test at a busy time of the season with a heavy fixture list.
Cromer Park, home to 2011 Waratah Cup Champions Manly United, recently converted to a synthetic grass surface which has been a huge hit with all teams that have participated on it since its introduction this month.
The surface was constructed by Warringah Council which invested more than $3 million on improving the area-s sports fields this financial year – it also becomes Australia-s first ever Fieldturf revolution synthetic playing surface.
Admission on the day will be $10 for adults, $5 for students and concession while children under 16 are free.
WARATAH CUP FINAL 2012
Sunday July 8th – Cromer Park, Cromer
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sutherland Sharks
Kick-Off 3pm
Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Students & Concession, Children Under 16 free
Gates Open – 1.15pm