THE Gawler Eagles are through to the second round of the State League Two finals series after dispatching of top-three side Modbury Vista 3-1 in an elimination final.
Eagles captain Iradi Baragomwa opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before striker Benny Kovadio got himself on the scoresheet in the 46th to double to advantage.
Things got nervous in the 70th minutes after Mulongecha Machochi was sent off for a challenge that resulted in a Modbury Vista penalty, which was converted to bridge the margin to 2-1.
But after a Modbury Vista red card, Kovadio grabbed his second goal of the game in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt and setup a meeting with Adelaide University in another elimination final.
Gawler Eagles secretary Peter Broelman said 2020 had been a trying year, but there’s nothing but excitement within the club’s four walls.
“Things were looking a bit dicey earlier in the year, but it’s a credit to Football SA for salvaging the season, and it’s turned out alright,” he said.
“The club has evolved quite nicely over the past few months, and we’ve had some terrific performances on the field.
“The senior boys pumped Mount Barker 10-0 to make the finals, and then built on that with an awesome result on the weekend in the elimination final – we didn’t win a final last year, so that one was sweet.
“Our under-11 boys finished the season undefeated, our under-14s finished in the top two, and our under-15s finished runner-up as well – and word is getting around apparently with the amount of interest we’ve received from new players.
“This was the first season we had an under-11 girls team as well which we’re really proud of, so hopefully the women’s side continues to grow.”
While the club hosted its under 12-17 trials in the past couple of weeks, its Mini Roos trials for younger aspiring players is scheduled for 7pm on November 23, 24 and 25 at Karbeethan Reserve.
“The trials are an open invitation – just rock up, have a crack and have some fun,” Broelman said.
“For parents, if you’re new to the game then it’s to see if your kids enjoy playing a different sport, or it can be about giving them an opportunity to take their game to the next level.
“Either way, it’s not about winning, it’s about development and giving kids a good, positive environment to play their sport in, and help them find a love of the game.”
Gawler Eagles have a proven track record of producing elite footballers, with both Riley McGree and Lachlan Brook going from the Eagles, to Adelaide United before being scooped up by European clubs.
For more information, head to the Gawler Eagles FC Facebook page.