Well this was the day… the day we all bid farewell to our home of 69 years! An emotional day for all involved… committee, players, fans and anyone involved in the club over the last almost 7 decades!

After a tough 0-0 contest last week against the Comets, the Kings looked to cement their spot in the top 4 with a win against old rival, Adelaide Raiders. A win would see a big shake up in the top half, so Costanzo’s men knew what to do.

You’ll have to excuse the length of this report as i was running around most of the day- as were all of the committee! But its a good wrap up!

Both sides were greeted to the pitch by over 700 fans as they walked out with 2 junior teams and my proud as punch 3 year old son! Coin was tossed by 2 legends of the club, Marian Kolecki and John Kosmina… a wonderful moment for all involved.

The Kings dominated the first half, peppering ex Croydon custodian Nick Munro’s goal. Pacey winger Masahiro Haruoka and VC James Skeffington were causing havoc down the wings- whipping in dangerous crosses to tall timber Nathan Munro in the box. Not much work to do for keeper John Hall to do down the other end! At one stage in the first half, we struck the crossbar twice- bouncing straight up and back down again… the ball just didnt want to go in!

Shot after shot, attack after attack, the Kings just couldnt find a way thru and both teams went into rooms and out of the pouring rain at the break with scores locked at 0-0.

Second half was a lot more even… Raiders getting on the front foot and making the Kings defense earn their pay! Then finally on the stroke of 67mins, Patty Caraccia perfectly struck a long range effort just outside the 18 yard box and into the corner of the next.. sending the home fans wild!

Unfortunately for the boys in white, celebrations were short lived as Raiders got back into the game with one of their few attacks…5 mins after taking the lead, Croydons defense wasnt able to clear a dangerous cross into the box and was tucked away by the Raiders striker. 1-1 with 20mins left to play.

Both teams gave it their all… tough, hard, fair challenges were coming in left right and centre… long balls and shots from range were flying in…but with the sky getting darker and the cold breeze kicking in (tho most didnt feel it after all the beer and Krupnik shots), the referee blew the full time whistle for the final time at Polonia Reserve.

A huge round of applause for both teams as they walked off… and special mention to Adelaide Raiders who waited at the race and clapped the Kings off the park as a team- well played lads.

Celebrations, presentations, mixed grill plates and plenty of alcohol was to follow in the club rooms! Almost every person came back in for a drink or 2 (or 10) and reminisced about the memories at the ground. A long and enjoyable night had by all!

Both the under 18’s and Reserves sides picked up valuable wins and have cemented themselves in the top half of the ladders- ensuring finals football for those 2 teams! Extremely well done to Steve Pepper and Adam Vizzari and their sides for a fantastic season so far!

This week sees the Kings travel to Newton to take on Champions Campbelltown City who secured their 2nd consecutive title. A must win game for the senior side who need at least a point to play finals football. This is the last league game of 2019, so make sure you get down to the Steve Woodcock Sports Centre Saturday night! 7pm kick off for seniors.

Finally, i want to acknowledge the hard work of the committee who organised Saturdays game. All the planning leading up to the day and the running around on the day was all worth it. A successful day for the club… so thank you Julie, Angelo, Maria, Mark, Andrew, Roger, Simon, Brad, Fran, Theo and of course Eddie!

ROUND 21 RESULTS