GSSA 2024: Polonia salvage draw against Bayswater to remain in men’s top four, Rovers women snap losing streak

Caledonians notched their third consecutive victory with a resounding 5-1 win over Rovers Gold in round 17 of the Great Southern Soccer Association men’s division two competition on Saturday. They were leading 2-1 at halftime and put their foot down in the dying stages, netting three goals in the final 15 minutes to secure a big win and hand Gold their eighth consecutive loss. Ladder leaders Phoenix handed Rovers Black a 3-1 defeat, while in the other match of the round, Polonia eased past Bayswater to register a 3-0 victory. In men’s division one, Bayswater’s Fredrick Opuni looked to have snatched a last-gasp win and elevate his side into the top four when he scored a goal in the 85th minute. But late heroics from Polonia’s Sam Jackson, who scored in the 88th minute, evened the scores to salvage a rousing 1-1 draw, keeping them in fourth on goal difference. Rovers made it four wins on the trot after defeating a determined Phoenix 4-2. Justin Bielecki converted from the spot and then added his second a minute later to give the Rovers a handy halftime lead before Oliver Chetwin scored off the bench at the start of the second half to give his side a healthy three-goal buffer. Phoenix’s Jason Bosch and Malcolm Van Burgel sparked a late comeback when they combined for two goals in as many minutes before Malachi Tsuki netted a dagger in the 83rd minute. Bottom-placed Stirling Rangers caught Caledonians napping early when Caelen Lambe scored in the opening 15 minutes to take a 1-0 lead before the ladder leaders pounded on the next eight goals to win 8-1. Rovers snapped a three-game losing streak in the women’s division one competition by defeating Polonia 4-0 on Friday night. Georgia Whitelaw scored a brace to steer her side to the strong victory, while Kristen Pyrz-Brown and Rebecca Crotty each netted a goal. Denmark cruised past Mt Barker with a consummate 5-0 victory courtesy of a brace from Abby Carter and Caledonians drew 1-all with Phoenix. In the women’s division two, Bayswater secured a 4-0 victory over Rovers, while Phoenix and Mt Barker won on forfeit against Sharks and Denmark Rezzies respectively.