South Armidale are set to head into the inaugural Sport UNE Football League first grade season as favourites after dominating the pre-season Belgrave Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Scorpions entered four senior teams in the competition with their first XI scintillating; scoring 15 goals and keeping a clean sheet defensively throughout their seven undefeated matches.
They capped off a brilliant tournament with a 2-nil victory over Demon Knights.
Coach Josh Fern was most impressed with his side's defensive effort.
"The way we played; not getting sucked into their game play, keeping the ball on the ground, playing the way we wanted to play," he said.
"[They are a] great bunch of blokes and deserved to win. I am glad they did, I am very proud of them."
The season commences this Friday with Souths and DK facing off in a Cup final rematch.
Fern said they're excited to get on the park.
ALSO IN SPORT:
"Looking really forward to it, the boys are keen and I think we are probably favourites to take it out, it is theirs to lose," he said.
The consolation cup final was an inter-club event with Armidale City Westside's first and second grade teams facing off. The first grade team managed to come away with a 1-nil victory.
Captain Alexander Williams was happy with the way they played and congratulated their second grade side for making the final.
"Going into the last round we had a deficit of eight goals for our second grade to play our first grade, our first grade were going to play already," he said.
"Our second grade managed to beat Uralla 5-nil and then our first grade beat Norths first grade 4-nil so we had a turnaround of nine goals which brought us both into the final.
"In the final, our best aspect was moving the ball around, playing to our capabilities. Kept a clean sheet and defence was solid."
Williams said the carnival gave a glimpse into some promising signs for the season.
"It is an exciting year with the new competition so it was a good hit out this weekend to get some minutes in the legs and try out some new players that have come to the club as well," he said.