Wild first weekend of football

JOEL RITCHIE

DEFENDING champions Bulli survived a major scare from Kemblawarra in round one of the Corrimal Leagues Club Knock Out on Sunday.

The Illawarra Premier League (IPL) heavyweights scored a 4-3 win over the recently relegated Kemblawarra outfit.

New recruits Dave Buchanan (Kiama) and Sasho Dimovski (South Coast United) both scored for Bulli.

Meanwhile, Wests Illawarra stunned IPL outfit Warilla Wanderers 3-nil thanks to a double from former Bulli player Shane McGirr and another goal from Michael Cox.

Fernhill made a solid start to their first IPL campaign after promotion, thumping Ruse 4-1.

Port Kembla also flexed their collective muscle, defeating Balgownie Rangers 5-1.

Man of the match Matt Sini netted a double for Port.

Wollongong United were another IPL outfit that scraped home in round one, defeating Shellharbour City 4-3.

Cringila Lions didn’t have many problems, thumping District League side Bellambi 5-nil.

IPL champions Dandaloo scored a regulation 2-nil win over Woonona, while Picton Rangers were held to a 1-all draw by Highlands United.

Helensburgh Thistle scored a 2-1 win over Kiama in the remaining game on Sunday.

The tournament opened on Friday with Albion Park White Eagles scoring a 3-2 win over University.

South Coast United scored a 2-1 win over District League side Wollongong Olympic.

District League side Berkeley defeated IPL heavyweights Dapto 3-nil, Corrimal Rangers scored a surprise 2-1 win over the IPL’s Coniston Lions and new boys Thirroul went down to Tarrawanna 2-nil.

The tournament resumes tomorrow (Friday) with Dandaloo facing Bellambi (6.30pm) and Cringila Lions meeting Woonona (8.15pm) at Ray Robinson Field.