The 3XY Cup will culminate with a Grand Final match on Sunday, separating the boys from the men in the the Victorian NPL and State League pre-season.

12 Greek sponsored teams have been battling to stay alive in the Cup which started on Tuesday, with big names like South Melbourne and Bentleigh Greens joining the ranks of division two league teams like AEK Wavery and Western Suburbs Panelinios.

The whole cup is an initiative by Heidelberg United Alexander and FC Clifton Hill and Greek radio station 3XY and provides all teams despite their level a chance to test out their pre-season training and donate to some worthy causes.

Also joining the Victorian teams is West Adelaide Hellas, who have made the trip down after their very successful season last year.

The Grand Final on Sunday will have live music, food and activities for the kids to keep fans happy in the half time, and spectators will be asked to donate a gold coin on entry that will go towards helping three local Greek charities, Agapi, Fronditha and the Australian Greek Welfare Society.

On Saturday, the last of the group stages will be played in the morning, before the quarter finals start at 1:00pm.

Already during the week, a big upset was South Melbourne’s 2-0 loss to Heidelberg United, on Wednesday. Another NPL team, Port Melbourne failed to secure a win against their State League opponents, Malvern City, falling 0-1.

Bentleigh Greens and Oakleigh Cannons both managed a win, with the Greens progressing 2-0 agaisnt Clifton Hill and the Cannons just getting ahead 1-0 against South Springvale.

The teams played again on Friday, against newcomer West Adelaide Hellas and AEK Waverly. The winner on Sunday will receive $5,000 in prize money.
Clubs participating:

Heidelberg United Alexander, FC Clifton Hill, West Adelaide Hellas, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne Sharks, Oakleigh Cannons, Bentleigh Greens, Western Suburbs Panelinios, South Springvale Aris, Malvern City, AEK Waverly, Darebin SC.

Games will be played at Olympic Village, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe from 9:30am till 5:00pm Saturday and 10:00am till 3:00pm on Sunday.