By Chris Curulli
Curl Curl came from behind twice against a ten-man Belrose-Terrey Hills side to snatch a 3-2 victory at Terrey Hills on Saturday.
A brace from Matt Cooper proved the difference for the visitors after the hosts found themselves 1-0 and 2-1 up thanks to goals from Charlie Cox and Bryce Harry.
The challenge of facing last year’s grand final winners was made all the more difficult for the Raiders after they were reduced to ten men during the first half.
Cooper was pleased with his side’s character that saw them battle hard and come away with the three points.
“It was pretty challenging conditions and with both teams suffering a number of injuries,” the Curl Curl striker said.
“They did really well to take the lead in the first and second half but in the end I think we were just the better team on the day.”
The former Dee Why captain, who won back-to-back Golden Boot awards in 2016 and 2017, has made the move over to Anthony Seminara’s side this year.
He appeared destined to partner another dual Golden Boot winner Tyson Masters in a formidable strike duo however his season appears to be over after suffering a torn hamstring.
But with Cooper now fit and firing, Curl Curl have embarked on a run of four straight wins and have set their sights high yet again this season.
“I’ve got four 90 minutes under my belt so I’m definitely feeling a bit more acclimatised to playing football again,” he said.
“There’s been a number of players in the team who have also made the move across from Dee Why as well as some of my other friends there as well so the transition has been easier than I thought it would be.
“I think we have a really strong squad and a good chance of winning the competition this year.”
In other results, an in-form Pittwater prevailed 3-1 over Wakehurst, CC Strikers returned to winning ways with a 4-0 triumph over Harbord, and Seaforth enjoyed a 2-0 home win over Narrabeen.
Elsewhere, a seven-goal thriller between Manly Vale and St Augustine’s went 4-3 the way of the Saints and Brookvale made it three wins on the bounce with a tight 2-1 victory over Mosman.