NEWS & INFORMATION Frankston Outlaws In
Focus In the cup competitions the Frankston teams did very well as they have won the Sands Hotel Challenge cup three times along with two Trophy-Wise League Cups. In 2001 the Frankston Outlaws won the Division 2, the then second tier league. This unfortunately was the clubs last trophy in all competitions. In all, the Frankston Strikers efforts in the Bayside League are very impressive and are considered one of the most successful clubs in the leagues history. Currently the Frankston Outlaws competes in the Division 1. The second tier league behind the Bayside Premier. Laurence Hall of the Outlaws was able to give us an insight into the Outlaws with the following Q&A Q, It took the third round, but The Outlaws got their first win of the season in the Division 1 away to Monash. Was it somewhat a relief to get that first win? A. Yes it was a great relief for the boys to finally get on the winners list, they thought it was going to be a long year, but a lot of positives came out of the game. They have a number of players who have only played for the team this year, and the first couple of games where the first time they have played as a team, hopefully now that we know how everyone plays we can keep on winning. Q. The Frankston Outlaws and other teams that made up the Strikers efforts in the Bayside League in years gone past are considered one of the perennial clubs in the Bayside League, yet times are tough at the Strikers with only one club now represented in the Bayside League. Where do you see the clubs future and do you foresee resurgence in the Bayside League? A. The club financially is very strong, the committee is working hard on improving the club, work on updating the rooms is always going on, we have a Legends Room showcasing our clubs past and present, the ground is looking the best it ever has. Our Senior squad is in a rebuilding phase with new coach Billy McArthur working hard with a number of junior players, we have just entered a female team which is proving to be a big bonus for the club, and we are trying to build our junior ranks which are about to kick off aswell. In terms of the Bayside many players have stopped playing for many reasons, some because they got married, had kids, moved away from the area, got too old, changed clubs etc, like in any sport people stop they may eventually go back and play again. Hopefully down the track we can see more Frankston Bayside Teams. Q. What is some of the memorable moments that you can recall with the Striker’s Bayside efforts? A. As a Bayside Club we have had lots of success, from the early days at the start winning the 3MP Cup in 1979 and again in 1980, as well as the league in 1980, The Outlaws winning the league in 2001, the Cowboys winning the league and cup many times, and the Young Guns coming Runners Up in the Div 1 Cup in 2000 Q. In regards to yourself, what was your most memorable moment? A. My most memorable moment in Bayside Soccer was captaining the Young Guns in the 2000 Division 1 Cup against Hampton Park at Langwarrin, unfortunately though we lost on penalties. In VSF Soccer it was winning the Provisional League Division 1 Reserve League in 1993. Q. What do you considered as some of the positive aspects of participating in the Bayside League? A. Some of the positive aspects are that it is a social league therefore you are able to play but also have a kick and giggle with your mates. Its still very competitive despite being a Sunday Comp. You don't have to travel very far for some games. And you even might play against English Premier League players eg Doug Hodgson. Q. What areas of the Bayside League do you believe needs improving? A. I think the Bayside League is running fairly smoothly, its great to see a female league and sub junior comps. One aspect though I would like to see, is that a complete history of the League be found ie past tables, results etc, the league has been going for 28 years and little history is left apart from current years. More information on the Frankston Outlaws can be found
at http://www.frankstonstrikers.com
|