Southern NSW AWD prove two strong for ACT Cobras
A 5-1 rout over the ACT Cobras in the Grand Final helped the Michael Norris-coached side back up their 6-1 victory in the 2011 championships and affirm their status as the most talented side in the AWD (Athletes with disability) category.
Mitch Forrest opened the scoring for Southern NSW with a typical poacher?s goal before captain Rocco Musumeci received something for his efforts, polishing off a finish from close range to give Southern a two-goal buffer. Both sides proved themselves worthy of a place in the penultimate game with strong tackles, fluid passing movements and a barrage of shots.
ACT tried to find a way through the solid Southern NSW defence but the Cobras were unable to squeeze the ball past Australian representative goalkeeper Nathan Whalen. Cameron Gudgeon managed to pull a goal back for the hosts but Southern NSW were too strong for their opponents as Musumeci completed his brace on Southern?s way to a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
The spirit, passion and sportsmanship on display in the final was a testament to the growth of the AWD division in the futsal nationals over the last two decades. Southern NSW coach Michael Norris said the victory was a just reward for his players.
?The whole team has worked really hard over the last 12 months and the guys put their heart and soul into it,? Mr Norris said.
?They showed they can pretty much match it with anyone so I think they are really proud to win nationals and they should be.
?We started up a program through the Disability Trust about three years ago and we would never have imagined that we would go back-to-back.?
The group of players from the Illawarra/Wollongong area also took out the NSW state title in November 2011 and look poised for a stellar 2012.
Southern NSW 5 (Mitch Forrest, Tim Walsh, John Ruiz, Rocco Musumeci 2) def. ACT Cobras 1 (Cameron Gudgeon)
Southern NSW road to victory
Round 1: defeated NSW Storm 20-0
Round 2: defeated Football NSW West 10-0
Round 3: defeated ACT Cobras 6-1
Round 4: defeated NSW Thunder 1-0
Round 5: defeated Victoria 4-0
Round 6: defeated NSW Lightning 7-1
Round 7: bye
Semi Final: defeated NSW Lightning 6-0
Grand Final: defeated ACT Cobras 5-1
By Mitchell Grima
