The CSL Cup for 2011 starts this weekend with 28 games played with all teams from all divisions competing except the 4 seeded teams. The teams seeded with a bye for round 1 include Windsor Gardens, Mercedes A, Sacred Heart A and Pembroke A. Windsor Gardens as holders of the cup gain a bye along with the cup runner up Mercedes 1A. Pembroke won the division 1A title last season and with it gain a bye and runner up to that title last season Sacred Heart also received a bye into the second round of the CSL Cup.
The results of last years cup weren’t just a trophy and some byes for next season. It was a fantastic tournament with some upsets and some predictable results but last years cup also proved that clubs across all the CSL divisions had a realistic chance of competing late into the competition.
The quarter final stage last year only had two results that were double digits to love or few and it included 4 results within a goal and one penalty shoot out between Pembroke 1A and Regency Eagles 2A who beat the eventual division 1A league winners in a massive upset. The semi final stage included Mercedes 1A 4-3 win over Regency Eagles 2A and a 2-1 win for Windsor Gardens over Unley 1B at a midweek night fixture at Santos Stadium. That all lead to last years CSL Cup Final that was an amazing affair with division 3 side Windsor Gardens defeating Mercedes 1A side 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Its a new season and last years form counts for nothing in 2011 and round 1 of the cup is always interesting, with teams and clubs from across the divisions facing off in some exciting cup ties. The picks of the bunch in 2011 are probably Scotch 1A v Norwood 2A – last years relegation rivalry is revived. Whilst Uni White 1A v UniSA 2A should be an intriguing tie, with the current top of division’s 1A and 2A playing off after good starts to the season. There are many other games which should provide some teams and clubs with the opportunity to take out a scalp from a higher division or at least see where they fare across the whole of the CSL. There are always some great upsets throughout the competition along with some nail biting penalty shoot outs and extra time results. So to all clubs keep the drinks and bbqs going a little later than usual just in case your teams’ game ends up going the distance.
LATE CHANGE TO FIXTURES
As promised the Collegiate Cup Round 1 fixtures have been re-issued accounting for change of ground for Scotch 1A and 1B matches.
These fixtures will now be played at Unley High School – Western Oval (beside the Life Be In It Gym)
Norwood (2B) v AUSC White (3) will now be played at Park 10 in the Adelaide University Grounds.
Finally and importantly the Collegiate Cup Rules – 2011 are now available to download from the Docs Page. For all clubs this is important as it outlines the latest information on player eligibility, suspensions, match payments and many other rulings that differ from the league.
So good luck to all teams, clubs, players, coaches, spectators and referees on the weekend.
Luke Hylton
CSL Executive Committee Member
