Rivals kick off league return

After a pre-season three months longer than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the wait is almost over for Busselton City Football Club.

The club’s five senior teams will find out on Sunday whether their lengthy preparation has been good enough.

CMI Busselton City men’s Premier and Reserve leagues sides will take on traditional rivals Bunbury United at Churchill Park.

The Premier League side showed encouraging form before the break when they defeated South West Soccer Association champions, Dynamos in a FFA Cup encounter.

Much interest will focus on key midfielder, Englishman Craig Barker, who has spent the past few seasons playing in the USA University competition.

With other promising newcomers including winger David McGuiness (Parkhead, Glasgow) and Mat Evans (Dalyellup,) along with the capable John Nguyen and Joel Anderson, City are looking for a powerful display to open the season. Gary Norden’s Reserves side will be a combination of some experienced players along with Youth League players Josh Snow and Lockie Nutarelli-Hall, who are making the transition into senior ranks.

The Woody Nook division two side will meet cross-town rivals Geographe first up in an away fixture.

Stalwarts Dave Wright, Anthony Mills and Romain Trouve will lead the way.

Sportspower Busselton City women’s sides will be full of confidence after recording wins over Dunsborough and Blackwood United last Sunday.

The Premier league side were most impressive in possession against Dunsborough, keeping the ball moving and using the width of the pitch to keep the pressure on the opposition defence.

The locals will start favourites in their encounter with Dynamos after several off-season recruits bolstered their depth. The impressive pre-season drive at training has allowed Busselton City to field a women’s reserves team for the first time in five years and they will open their season with a clash against Bunbury United.