Waratah Cup to reach climax all over Seymour

Seymour Shaw Park will host the 2013 Waratah Cup Final, with Sutherland Sharks playing host to APIA Leichhardt Tigers in what will be a climactic finish.

Sutho captain Nick Stavroulakis and APIA stalwart Stephen Kayes with the Warratah Cup. Credit: Football NSW

Both Cup Final clubs currently play in the National Premier Leagues Mens 1 and, having seen off their lower division opponents, will hope to claim top honours in what is New South Wales' premier knock-out competition (It's a Knockout reruns notwithstanding).

APIA Leichhardt haven't had the best of seasons and sit languishing second-last. A change of coach, shallow squad depth and a mediocre pitch have all taken their toll. Despite the obstacles however their poor regular season form hasn't carried into the Waratah Cup and a string of wins culminating in the defeat of Bonnyrigg White Eagles sees APIA an outside chance to take the silverware.

Sutherland are the antithesis. First on the competition ladder and defeated only once so far this season (by second placed Bonnyrigg in round five) the Sharks are outright favorites. Plus they're playing at home and a bumper crowd is expected for the fixture. So it should be all academic, right?

No. APIA seem a different team in this cup format. a demonstration of how lesser teams really can win out on the day and offering a glimpse of the future FFA Cup.

It's effectively a repeat of Man City vs Wigan in that cup they play for in England. Top of the pops Sutherland should dismantle the relegation-battling Tigers. But will the events at Seymour Shaw echo those of Wembley?

Head along and find out.

3pm Sunday July 7th, Seymour Shaw Park, Sutherland, NSW.