ILLAWARRA PREMIER LEAGUE
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No longer the Illawarra Premier League's 'new boys', Woonona start their second season back in the top flight better for the experience of 2013.
The Sharks always maintained survival was their sole goal in their return year and were able to achieve it with a ninth placed finish.
But after flying out of the blocks - undefeated in their first five matches - Woonona managed just six points in their remaining 16 games of the year.
The inconsistent on-field performance after a blazing beginning has coach Rob Bemi aiming higher in the club's sophomore season.
"Last year we threw away a few games where we probably shouldn't have," Bemi said.
"Second year it is always tougher because teams know what you like and that surprise factor isn't there any more.
"I am just hoping to be a lot more consistent than last year and win those games that we didn't.
"If that means we end up in the middle of the table or we end up towards the finals spots then so be it."
While the surprise factor is no longer relevant for the Sharks, Bemi maintains a second season in the Premier League still has its perks.
"You can get on to players nice and early and not be left with whatever is left really," Bemi said.
"It is nice to have. I think we have recruited fairly well and I am happy with what we have got."
Despite losing key playmaker Scott Curran to Bulli, as well as Cameron Banks and Andrew Bradshaw to work commitments, the Sharks have added a list of talent from around the Premier League. Bulli's Pat Morales, Fernhill's Paul Thompson, Port premiership winner Lachlan Fetterplace and Dapto Dandaloo's Ryan Emerton have all arrived at Ocean Park.
"We have picked up guys who are suited to the way we play and have been a straight swap to the guys we lost," Bemi said.
"We took a while to get going in the pre-season Cup but I think we have won our last three games."
The heavy rain has forced the Wests Illawarra vs Balgownie District League clash at Unanderra Oval to be called off.
All other District League and Premier League games scheduled for Saturday need ground inspections on Saturday morning.
Woonona begin their second year against Tarrawanna on Saturday at Ocean Park.
Round 2
Saturday (2.30pm)
Woonona vs Tarrawanna, Ocean Park.
Wollongong Olympic vs Wollongong, PCYC.
Fernhill vs Bellambi, Ray Robinson Field.
Sunday (2.30pm)
South Coast United vs Dapto Dandaloo Fury, Ian McLennan Park.
Port Kembla vs Bulli, Wetherall Park.