Local rivals Coniston and Cringila Lions set to face off in Illawarra Premier League grand final
Both sides haven’t been in an Illawarra Premier League final for over 20 years. Now the local rivals are set to face off for the title on the big stage. Hear from both coaches ahead of the blockbuster.
Illawarra Star
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illawarra Star. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There’s set to be fireworks this weekend as Cringila Lions FC prepare to take on local rivals Coniston FC in a blockbuster Illawarra Premier League grand final at WIN Stadium.
For both clubs, reaching this summit has been a long time in the making. Coniston have gone 22 years without making a grand final, while for Cringila it’s been 27 years.
For Jorge De Matos and his Lions side, this grand final berth is a testament to the incredible growth of the club over the past couple of years.
“Two years ago we ended the Covid season just one point above relegation,” De Matos said.
“Where we are now is where we want to be and it’s been coming for a long time.
“We’re kicking and raring to go.”
De Matos has been coaching for over a decade now, reaching grand finals in lower grades previously but entering his maiden first grade final this weekend.
The Lions finished the season in second, defeating Wollongong Olympic in extra-time in the first round of finals, before punching their grand final ticket with a dramatic comeback victory against minor premiers Albion Park White Eagles.
“We showed real character that day, we were down 2-0 in the first 10 minutes but stuck to the game plan,” De Matos said.
“It’s given us a lot of confidence coming into the finals and the boys are fully aware what they’re capable of.”
Leading the charge in the attacking third for the Lions this season has been golden boot winner Peter Simonoski who has netted a whopping 35 goals with the captain’s armband.
Harrison Taranto has been highly touted by coach De Matos all season in midfield, as has Ben Zucco who brings “leadership, tenaciousness and aggressiveness” in the centre of the park for the Lions.
At the back, fresh 2023 recruit Ekoue D’Almeida has been terrific at right back, as well as young defender Jonah Kalmanidis who has been one of the breakout stars of the season.
For Coniston, it’s a bit surreal for coach Franc Pierro to be in the grand final, having only taken over the head coach role halfway through the season.
Pierro already has his name etched in Coniston FC folklore having captained the side from the Community League to the Premier League in his former years, so to cap off a maiden first grade coaching season with a premiership would all but cement him a club and league legend.
“It would be my greatest achievement for sure,” Pierro said.
“I’m honestly just so proud of everyone involved though: the players, fans, sponsors, volunteers, it means so much to everyone around the club.
“The effort everyone has put in this season, the players are fighting for each other at training and on the weekends, pushing each other to be better.
“We’ve peaking at the right time of the season, it’s going to be a final to remember, that’s for sure.”
Coniston qualified for the final with a 1-0 victory against Albion Park thanks to a rare goal from centre back Daniel Loe.
Captain Lukas Stergiou will lead his side into battle this weekend, regarded as one of the best players in the league for his midfield work.
Tobias Norval leads the goal scoring front for Coniston on 11, closely followed by Samuel Matthews on 10.
Daniel Loe and his centre back partner Takayuki Kayano will be tasked with the mammoth job of keeping out Peter Simonoski on the weekend, with coach Pierro backing his duo to contain the goalscoring freak.
It’s set to be a classic in the making as two rival teams look to end their respective premiership droughts on the big stage.
“It’s always a fiery meeting and a game that doesn’t disappoint, so the final should be no exception,” De Matos said.
“We’re not here by click or by chance, we know what we can do, so we’ll be embracing the moment on the weekend and enjoying the moment.”
Fatal crash driver’s ‘bizarre’ court no show
A magistrate and police prosecutor have been left perplexed after a driver charged with fatally hitting a pedestrian in the middle of Wollongong did not show up to court for his first appearance.
Former champion boxer punches woman at country show
A professional boxer who goes by the alias “Miss Business” punched a woman in the face during an altercation while lining up for a ride at a country show in the Illawarra.