Berkeley Vale defeated Killarney Vale in the 2024 Men’s First Grade Association Cup Final on Easter Monday to become five-time winner of the competition.
The ball went back and forth in the early stages, with both teams earning corners while trying to play in behind the opposition’s defensive lines, but Berkeley Vale soon took the ascendancy.
A sly piece of footwork from Connor Fitzpatrick down the left wing allowed him to put in a pinpoint cross that Tristan Bellemore brilliantly thrashed home on the volley only eight minutes in.
It was an uphill battle for Killarney from there as the Berkeley defence calmly stopped everything thrown at it.
Killarney had plenty of possession and, on multiple occasions, managed to make it deep down the wings, but they struggled to earn anything more than a swiftly diffused corner or Berkeley goal kick.
A long ball from Killarney keeper Declan Drake finally caused trouble for the Berkley defence when it was headed on to the feet of Declan Ackerley, who beautifully laid it off to Cameron Brown.
But Brown’s shot only managed to hammer straight into the palms of Steven Grimmitt – a save that sent Berkeley into half-time leading 1-0.
It was more of the same for Berkeley as the second half commenced, with Jakeb Brownlow scoring a goal in the 53rd minute after a piece of individual skill.
Not long later, Berkeley briefly thought they were in for a third goal, but a foul was called on Brownlow for throwing his defender to the ground.
The blue wall in front of Killarney remained steadfast, leading Berkeley Vale to a 2-0 victory.
In the women’s grand final, Terrigal won 6-0 over East Gosford.
11 words for the women’s game – disgusting coverage ! why bother.
Thanks Gabrielle, we agree, yet we rely on the local association to provide us with full and detailed results and commentary – we would welcome more details on the women’s games and we will maintain our commitment to women’s sport stories.