Cobram Roar set up mouthwatering home semi-final

By Daniel Webb

Aug 29, 2022

On the run: Cobram's Mohd Hizam makes a move in the Division One Men (Photos: Christine Osborne). Photo by Christine Osborne

It was a massive weekend for Cobram Roar, with quarter-final action across the divisions.

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The Roar had five teams play Albury Wodonga Football Association finals on the weekend, with three securing a place in the next round.

One team that picked up a win was the Division One Men’s side, with the team simply too strong for Melrose in Albury.

Silky smooth: Cobram's Spiros Vourgaslis scored a goal on Sunday in the Division One Men. Photo by Christine Osborne

The 2-1 result was driven by a strong team performance, with goals to Spiros Vourgaslis and Nathan Thomas in each half enough to get the job done.

Roar coach Vince Iannucci said while both sides had chances, it was Cobram that was the better side across the day.

“I didn’t think we were in any danger,” Iannucci said.

“We had four players come back in on the weekend and we’ll get another one back on Saturday so we’ll be at our fullest strength, except Jackson (Temarkon) isn’t available and Jack Dovey went overseas.”

Focus: Cobram's Bill Puckett looks to beat his opponent in the Division One Men. Photo by Christine Osborne

Iannucci highlighted the performances of Jack Smith, Anthony Corso, Marius Williams and Martin Louchet on Sunday, with each playing a key role in the result.

The victory sets up a mouthwatering home semi-final against Wangaratta this Saturday, with proceedings set to get under way at 4pm in Cobram.

Defensive duties: Cobram's Jack Smith and Jake Kearing look to stop a goal in the Division One Men. Photo by Christine Osborne

“There’s some real animosity and rivalry between us and Wangaratta,” Iannucci said.

“We are really looking forward to it.

“We want to try and get everyone from Cobram there if we can.”

There will be plenty of action for supporters to sink their teeth into over the weekend, with Cobram hosting the semi-finals on Saturday at Apex Reserve and Sunday’s semi-final matches set to be played at Willow Park in Wodonga.

– Daniel Webb

Eyes on the ball: Cobram's Tom Corso makes his way down the field. Photo by Christine Osborne

Division Two Men

Cobram Roar 2 lost to Albury City 3

The reserves come up against a top-of-the-table Albury City in the quarter-final match. A cagey start saw chances come for both sides, with some great saves from Jordan Kelly, before a leaping Paul Diretto header sent the team in to the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.

A slow start after the break saw Albury City score two quick goals. The young Cobram team pushed for an equaliser with some great work by Layne Haley, Jackson Koopman and Saif Alibraheem going unrewarded before the Roar were caught on a break going 3-1 down. With 10 minutes to go a great goal to Nazz Corso saw a glimpse of hope, but ultimately the team ran out of time for the equaliser, ending the team’s season.

Plenty of growth and experience was added to the team this season in what will be a positive in years to come.

Shoulder to shoulder: Cobram's Martin Louchet performed well on the weekend in the Division One Men. Photo by Christine Osborne

Division Two Women

Cobram Roar 10 defeated Boomers 0

The Roarettes took on Boomers in the first round of the finals series and stuck with their winning mentality and class to put Boomers away with a convincing 10-0 win. The women played some excellent football, and the win was very well deserved for the effort the women have been putting in, both on and off the field. The Roarettes take on a strong Wangaratta team in the semi-finals this Sunday at Willow Park in Wodonga.

Goals: Marlie Noonan 3, Laydah Samani 2, Elle Lissington 1, Jenna Mason 1, Talia Ellis 1, Bella Pardy 1, Kylie Wooden 1.

Tracking back: Cobram's Aaron Feltmann defends in the Division One Men. Photo by Christine Osborne

Under 16

Cobram Roar 3 defeated Myrtleford 0

The Under 16 boys headed to Aloysius Park for their qualifying final match-up with Myrtleford. They started the game strongly and soon dictated the majority of the play. The boys, however, lacked poise in the attacking third and a number of clear chances were missed, leading to a 0-0 half-time scoreline.

After the break the boys finally found the back of the net, which seemed to calm the team down, with many more chances flowing and a few more well-worked goals resulting in a solid 3-0 win.

Next up we have Wodonga Heart at home in what promises to be a cracking semi-final.

Happy days: Cobram's Nathan Thomas celebrates a goal in the Division One Men. Photo by Christine Osborne

Under 14

Twin City forfeited to Cobram Roar in the U14 mixed — they will play in the semi-final on Saturday. The Under 14 girls were on a different draw and will also play in the semi- finals next weekend.

Under 12

Cobram Roar 1 lost to Albury Hotspurs 2

Cobram Roar U12s arrived at the quarter-final feeling pumped, excited and ready to go. The game kicked off and Cobram moved the ball well through Jeremy Egan and Lachlan Pardy trying to create a chance to get the boys in front.

Centre-back Andre Coro defended very well trying to keep the opposition goalless, unfortunately Cobram Roar conceded a goal just before the half-time break.

The team started the second half determined to fight back, trying hard to level the score — but Albury got their second taking them to a 2-0 lead.

With little time left Cobram Roar received a penalty and Jeremy Egan slotted a nice goal. Unfortunately, the clock ran out and Cobram fell short, losing 1-2.

The boys had a fantastic season and should be very proud of themselves — they showed immense improvement and displayed great teamwork and sportsmanship. Well done, boys.