New-look cup action to kick off 2011 season

ILLAWARRA FOOTBALL BY JOEL RITCHIE
17 Feb, 2011 04:00 AM

The 2011 football season will kick off with a slimmed-down Fraternity Club Cup, which starts tonight.
The traditional preseason tournament has been abbreviated, with separate competitions for Premier League and District League clubs.

Illawarra's 12 top-flight outfits have been split into four three-team groups, with the 16 second-tier sides in four pools.

Tonight at Ray Robinson Field, newly promoted Wollongong Olympic will make their return to the big time against Dapto after Berkeley meet Kemblawarra in an all-District League affair.

The group stage will continue until March 6, with group winners advancing to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for March 8 and 9.

The finals will be held on Sunday, March 13.

Football South Coast has also released the draw for round one of the Bampton Cup, which will kick off on March 19.

Defending champions Dandaloo will meet Cringila in an intriguing all-PL match-up, with 2010 runners-up Dapto to face Fernhill and South Coast United drawn against Albion Park.

Reigning league premiers Port Kembla will meet second-tier strugglers Shell Cove, Bulli face Warilla, Picton take on Highlands and Wollongong United are up against Balgownie.

Meantime, the Peoplecare Youth Cup will continue this weekend - 18 clubs from the Illawarra are taking part. The finals will be held on March 5 at Ray Robinson Field.


http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/newlook-cup-action-to-kick-off-2011-season/2078632.aspx