The final matches of Western Border Soccer Association's 2009 season will be played this week at the home of Gambier Centrals on Bishop Road. The Final of the Shadows / Belgiorno Cup will be played between Blue Lake and Apollo.

Blue Lake will go into this game full of confidence after knocking Inter out in the semi final by three goals to two in a thrilling encounter last Sunday. Apollo had a slightly easier victory against a gallant Millicent, winning five goals to two.

The Blues have been on the improve all year and will be satisfied that all their hard work has given them the chance to win the cup for the first time since 2003, while Apollo has been runners up to Inter in both the Premiership and the Top four competition this season and will want to go one step further here.

There are many similarities in these two teams which should make for a terrific grand final.

Neither team lost in the qualifying rounds and both teams have a current league medallist in their teams. Youngster Callum Ferguson for Blue Lake and Adam Hodge from Apollo shared the medal. Both teams have a blend of youth and experience.

Apollo has a strong defence led by Luke Odgers who is surrounded by the likes of George Panagopoulous, Dwayne Johnston and Chris Bytheway. They are impressive in the midfield with Paul Prentice, Marcus Wallis, Stewie Wallace, and Brett Stephenson. Up front they have Adam Hodge and Ash Stenner.

Blue Lake is marshalled at the back by Blair Branstone and Kyle Reiner and has the youth of Alex Domaschenz and Jacob Phillips. Their midfield is also strong with Bryce Strachan, Michael Davison, Justin McRostie and Callum Ferguson, throw in Mitch Thomson and Tristan Guess up front and they look a very strong team. both have very capable goal keepers, Andy Armandi for Blue Lake has been in good form after injury and Colin Smith for Apollo is one of the most experienced players going around.

The coaching staff is as good as it gets with Sam Ferguson and Dante Pepe for Blue Lake and Derek Ferguson and Darren Ripper for Apollo.

This could be one of the all time classics and I would urge all sports fans to take the trouble of going out to watch this one. It is very tough to call but I am leaning towards Blue Lake in a very close contest.

In other grades ...

• In the B Grade Apollo meet Centrals in another close match with Apollo the likely winners.
• Centrals take on the in form Inter in the under 17s which should go to Centrals.
• In the under 14s it is again Inter and Centrals, this time I think Inter will come out on top.
• Portland make the trip for the under 12 final against Apollo and I think that they will get up in a tight one.

Contributed by Lew Ferguson