By Chris Curulli
Brookvale FC sent out a sign that they may be starting to hit their strides under new coach Steven Riches after a comfortable 5-1 victory over CC Strikers on Saturday.
A second half hat trick to Joshua Ciabatti inspired the defending League and State Champions to a statement result at St Matthews Farm.
After a few shock results following the competition’s return, Riches’ side have now enjoyed back to back victories, with the added bonus of many key personnel beginning to return from injury.
“I think that sort of result was coming,” the Brookvale coach said. “The last few weeks we’ve played well without those results.
“But yesterday it all clicked a lot more, especially going forward, so the boys are very pleased and I was happy with the three points because they (Strikers) are always tough to play against.
Riches is confident that his outfit will use this weekend’s result as a springboard back towards the top of the ladder.
“We’re looking to get right up the top again,” he explained.
“We’ve got team for it, and a couple results haven’t gone our way, but we’ll be right up there come the end of the season.
“Obviously we can’t aim for Champion of Champions like last year, because it’s not available, but the squad still wants to win and we’re going to be pushing for the top.
“The next few weeks are going to be critical for that, coming up against Pittwater and Wakehurst.”
In other results, Seaforth prevailed 3-2 over St Augustine’s and Narrabeen came out on top with a 3-1 away victory against Wakehurst.
Curl Curl edged past Manly Vale 1-0, Belrose-Terry Hills returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win of their own over Harbord FC and Pittwater dropped points for the first time since round one as Mosman managed a 2-2 draw at Kitchener.
