The Illawarra District League Finals Series got off to an exciting start last week as reigning champions Fernhill earned the chance for a historic third consecutive title, while the theme of goals continued elsewhere.
Here is how last week’s action played out.
Round 1:
Unanderra Hearts FC 6 Gerringong Breakers FC 1
Unanderra and Gerringong got the Finals series underway in the District League on Wednesday at Terry Reserve, with just two points separating the teams across the regular season.
The Breakers came into the match missing some of their firepower, with their top goalscorer, Alex Galbraith (18), unavailable for the midweek clash.
Unanderra made the most of a blistering end to the first half as Oscar Mari broke the deadlock before Dion Avouris notched a brace to give the Hearts a commanding lead.
Jason Baxter gave Gerringong a glimmer of hope, scoring from the spot, but that was extinguished by experienced forward Mark Picciolini’s second hat-trick of the season for the Hearts.
Round 2:
Berkeley Sports FC 1 Fernhill FC 3
The weekend’s finals action saw the top two District League teams go head-to-head as league champions Berkeley took on Fernhill at Tarrawanna Oval on Saturday.
Despite Berkeley’s flying regular-season campaign, they had yet to score a goal against the reigning champions in 2025, and the Foxes quickly asserted their dominance.
Mitchell Turner and Aiden Breslin sent Fernhill into a two-goal lead late in the first half, but Preston Ridley quickly pegged them back for Berkeley to set up a thrilling second half.
In a fierce battle, Turner confirmed Fernhill’s place in the Grand Final with his second goal in the 77th minute.
Picton Rangers 3 Unanderra Hearts 0
Picton Rangers and Unanderra Hearts concluded Round 2 of the Finals, going head-to-head at PCYC on Sunday.
The Rangers managed to hold off the previously ruthless goalscoring of the Hearts in midweek and hit the front 41 minutes in through Jayden Russell.
Dayne Morley doubled Picton’s lead soon after the break before Russell bagged his second in stoppage time, making it 17 goals for the striker this season.
Picton will now face Berkeley for a spot in the Grand Final.
In Second Grade, league champions Thirroul made it through to the Grand Final, while Gerringong take on Berkeley for a spot in the big dance this weekend.
In Youth Grade, Berkeley earned their place in the Grand Final, with Unanderra and Shoalhaven are in action in the Preliminary Final this weekend.
DISTRICT LEAGUE PRELIMINARY FINALS
Saturday 13 September @ Wetherall Park
10.00 am Shoalhaven FC v Unanderra Hearts (Youth Grade), with the winner to play Berkeley Sports
12.15 pm Berkeley Sports v Gerringong Breakers (Second Grade), with the winner to play Thirroul FC
2.30 pm Berkeley Sports v Picton Rangers (First Grade), with the winner to play Fernhill FC
Review by Tim Gibson
Photo courtesy of JK Media
