EA SPORTS Champion of Champions Final Reports 2012 (Men)
U/12 Boys: Marconi Juniors too classy for brave Seaforth
Marconi Juniors were a class above in the U/12 Grand Final, a 4-0 win against Seaforth underlining their quality and dominance of the match.
Marconi Juniors started strongly with Fabian Monge and Alessi Jafari controlling the game in midfield.
The first genuine opportunity fell their way when a delightful turn from Rory Jordan on the edge of the area took him into the area, only to fire his shot wide of goal. Jordan had another chance a few minutes later and although this time he shot on target, Ben Rymill showed safe hands in the Seaforth goal.
Jordan was looking to be the major threat, his pace causing problems for the Seaforth defence and the service from Monge was exemplary. Fortunately for Seaforth though, Rymill was standing strong in goal.
The pressure eventually tolled in the 17′ minute when Billy Nunes ran at Joe McCauley down the right and when he stood a ball up to the back post it slipped through Rymill’s hands and found the back of the net.
The wind was in their sales now and they doubled their lead almost immediately. Rymill made a good low stop to deny Muhammad Michman, but Jordan was on hand to slid home the rebound.
The match was disrupted by injury stoppages throughout the half but when the game finally did get into a good rhythm, Marconi Juniors scored a glorious third.
It seemed ambitious when Corey Cuelho lined up a shot from 30 yards, but his strike arrowed past Rymill and into the top corner. It was a spectacular goal and one befitting the occasion.
Seaforth came out for the second half playing with renewed ambition, despite the herculean task ahead of them.
Nick Bannigan and Mathis Guichon were threatening in the attacking third, but they lacked a killer pass to break open the Marconi defence. Mikey Howie showed some nice touches in midfield though and looked the most likely source of creativity for the Manly-Warringah representatives.
Marconi though, put the game to bed in the 35′ minute with a goal beautiful in its creation. Gian Sacco split the defence with a pass that released Cuelho down the left and his square ball was tapped in by Michman, who was left with the simplest of tasks thanks to the wonderful work of his teammates.
Seaforth battled gamely in the knowledge that the game was out of reach. Nunes nearly put the icing on the cake when his beautiful free kick hit the crossbar in the final minute, but once the threat to goal was cleared the referee blew for full time, the scoreline confirming the class of Paul Okon’s Marconi Juniors side.
Match Stats
Marconi Juniors 4 (Nunes 17′, Jordan 18′, Cuelho 30′, Michman 35′)
Seaforth 0
Marconi Juniors: 1.D Lopez, 2.Thomas Draca, 3.Alex Tourgelis, 4.Jared Dulaurent, 5.Alessi Jafari, 6.Corey Cuelho, 7.Thomas McPherson, 8.Fabian Monge, 9.Adrian Valenti, 10.Billy Nunes, 11.Gian Sacco, 12.Muhammad Michman, 13.Rory Jordan
Seaforth: 2.Liam Burke, 3.Joe McCauley, 4.Tom Dubourdieu, 5.Nick Bannigan, 6.Mathis Guichon, 7.Ben Rymill, 8.Josh McMenamin, 9.Harper Macris, 10.Mikey Howie, 11.Alex Giles, 12.Alex Reidy, 14.Joa Aitken, 15.Evan Peake, 16.Arttu Piislia
– By Matthew Connellan
Under 13 Boys: Figtree put Rangers to the sword in five goal rout
Figtree defeated North Epping Rangers 5-0 in the Under 13 Boys EA Sports Champions of Champions final showcasing some excellent finishing by the South Coast side for everyone to see.
Daniel Carella opened the scoring for Figtree after shooting first time into the roof of the net from a Daniel Chicharo pass inside 10? minutes.
North Epping Rangers midfielder Joshua Stern tried his luck from an acute angle moments later with a free kick, but his effort ruffled the side netting.
Luke Skrivancic made an encouraging run down the sideline and delivered a neat cross into the box that was smothered up by the alert Figtree custodian Jarrod Twigg on 15? minutes.
Emmanuel Kamara made it 2-0 after 20? minutes, smashing home a wonder strike from 20 yards out that gave Rangers goal keeper Christian Knezevic no chance.
Joshua Stern tried his luck from some distance in the 30? minute but Jarrod Twigg made an excellent save to keep the ball out of the net, parrying the ball to safety while tracking backwards.
It was end to end action as Figtree?s Emmanual Kamara smashed his shot just wide before the stroke of half-time.
North Epping failed to find a way into the match following the break with Figtree getting the second-half underway in similar fashion by adding a third goal via the boot of Daniel Chicharo in the 40? minute after some brilliant build up play.
Figtree were gifted a penalty in the 45? minute and Josh Head calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, only for the referee to order a retake due to a Figtree player entering the box before the kick was taken. Unfortunately the retake wasn?t successful and blasted over the crossbar.
Depsite the missed penalty, Figtree got on with the job and Manny Hondroudakis made it 4-0 with a wonderful shot outside the 18 yard box after 52? minutes before Daniel Carella slotted home to make it 5-0 with the last kick of the game in what was a rock-solid effort by Figtree against a very competitive North Epping Rangers side.
Match Stats
North Epping Rangers 0
Figtree 5 (D Carella 10/60? E Kamara 20? D Chicharo 40? M Hondroudakis 52?)
Sunday October 21st, 2012
Valentine Park, Glenwood
North Epping Rangers: GK.C.Knezevic; 2.D.Hempill, 3.M.Muranty, 4.J.Parkinson, 5.M.Knight, 6.K.Thornton, 7.H.Joslin, 8.A.Sandhu, 9.N.Stubbs, 10.J.Stern, 11.H.Foristal, 17.L.Skrivancic, 19.L.Carfax, 24.W.McLachlan
Figtree: GK.J.Twigg; 2.J.Kalmanidis, 3.T.Rutty, 4.T.Maclou, 5.J.Head, 6.M.Hondroudakis, 7.M.Faulkner, 8.A.Gallo, 9.E.Kamara, 10.R.Akhurst, 11.D.Carella, 12.C.Popovski, 13.D.Chicharo, 14.W.Ramsay, 15.C.Graham
-By Dean Southern
U14s boys: Putney Rangers too slick for Connells Point
Putney Rangers have been crowned Champions of the under 14s boys competition at the EA Sports Champions of Champions tournament thanks to a Jayden Baikie goal in the 35th minute.
Battling the early heat as well as vocal supporter on the sidelines, Gladesville Hornsby District side, Putney Rangers took on the St. George association winners Connells Point in what proved to be a feisty affair.
Thanks to a mixture of nerves and excitement, both sides struggled to get control of the ball in the opening ten minutes however it was Connells Point who had the better start with front man Stefan Sarandopoulos narrowly shooting wide of the goal after some fantastic build up play from winger William Monaha.
Heading into the break, Putney Rangers started to hit their stride playing a pretty passing game mixed with a strong counter attacking brand of football. It was the young winger come striker Jayden Baikie who was the bright spark for the team in red with his pace down the flanks as his willingness to take on his defender.
The first half might have remained scoreless but the final seconds of the half were filled with Connell Point hitting the side netting twice sending shock waves through Putney’s defence.
The team in red got the game under way for the second period of play and were instantly on the attack. Whatever the pep talk was that these boys received was obviously a meaningful one as only Connell Points’ goalkeeper was able to deny an opening goal just moments after the restart.
In the 35th minute of play, Putney took the lead. A lovely through ball from Cameron Court playing Jayden Baikie into space through the middle meant Jayden was able to knock the ball into the back of the net beating the Connells Point keeper, Christopher Keryakos.
Connells Point had a golden opportunity to find an equaliser with ten minutes remaining to play through Reece Gledhill however some brilliant last ditch defending from Ethan Harris was enough to block the shot.
With the clock ticking down, the frustration started to settle in with Connells Point?s centre forward Stefan Saradopoulos sharing some choice words with Putney Rangers left midfielder, Haydn Houssenloge. Both players lucky to escape a yellow card from referee Toby Williams.
The final kick of the game came from Connells Point?s Cooper Lean who volleyed in a low, hard ball aiming for the bottom corner of the goal but only found the Putney Rangers goalkeeper James Conagham.
Match Stats:
Putney Rangers 1 (Baikie 35?)
Connells Point 0
Saturday 20th October, 2012
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
Referee: Toby Williams
Assistant Referees: Jack Morales and Aleesha Morales
Putney Rangers FC: 1. James CONGAGHAN, 2. Cameron COURT, 3. Tony CHEN, 4. James HANLON, 5. Haydn HOUSSENLOGE, 7. Ethan HARRIS, 9. Jack ARMSON, 10. Jayden Baikie, 11. Nathan GREEN, 12. Andrew CHAPMAN, 13. Jarrod CHATER
Substitutions: 6. Caleb PURCELL, 8. Morgan LING, 15. Michael NGO
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.
Connells Point FC: 1. Christopher KERYAKOS, 2. Cooper LEAN, 3. Mark MIFSUD, 4. James SAAB, 5. Nicholas RUSSO, 6. Brian KONG, 7. Tivon MEGASE, 8. Reece GLEDHILL, 9. Stefan SARANDOPOULOS, 11. William MONAHA, 14. Anthony KHOURY
Substitutions: 10. Daniel MACRIS, 12. Ryan MUSGRAVE, 15. Steven CASH, 16. Billy RICHARDS.
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.
– By Pete Nowakowski
Under 15 Boys: Fairfield Hotspurs too strong for Hawks
Fairfield Hotspurs put in a dominant display to defeat a resilient Menai Hawks side 3-0 in the Under 15 Boys EA Sports Champions of Champions final.
Fairfield Hotspurs jumped into the lead as early as the 8? minute, with Nathan Irusta showing great composure to slot home a penalty.
It was end to end action early in the piece with both sides trading attacking blows with Menai Hawks looking to make use of the height of Jack Thorne with a high ball into the box, but the striker was unable to direct his effort on target.
Nathan Irusta did well to dispossess his marker and deliver a tantalising cross into the box to find Peter Khouchaba free at the far post on 25? minutes, but his glancing header finished on the wrong side of the post.
Following the break, Fairfield Hotspurs doubled their advantage just after the restart. Some great footwork by Brendan Warda saw him create space inside the area, letting fly a shot that Hawks shot stopper Dylan Sutic could only parry ? with the rebound falling to Anthony Zappia who tapped into the empty net.
Despite falling behind, Menai Hawks refused to give up and some great passing and movement saw the Hawks bomb forward into Hotspurs territory on numerous occasions in search for a goal.
The Hawks best chance came in the 60? minute, after a scramble ensued inside the box with Rody Dawood making a string of fine saves to keep the Hawks scoreless.
With literally the last kick of the game, Peter Khouchaba made sure of the result by scoring with his head after peeling off to the back post unmarked to make it 3-0 in what was a truly entertaining clash.
Match Stats:
Fairfield Hotspurs 3 (N Irusta 8? A Zappia 37? P Khouchaba 69?)
Menai Hawks 0
Saturday October 20th, 2012
Valentine Park, Glenwood
Fairfield Hotspurs: GK.R.Dawood; 2.B.Kirby, 3.D.Lilly, 4.J.Cunico, 5.N.Irusta, 6.L.Ferreira, 7.M.Hanna, 8.A.Zappia, 9.B.Warda, 10.J.Lepore, 11.P.Khouchaba, 14.J.Kosso, 23.M.Ciarleglio
Menai Hawks: GK.D.Sutic; 2.L.Azzopardi, 3.J.Williams, 4.N.Samios, 5.L.Basic, 6.B.Barlow, 7.J.Thorne, 8.L.Sparke, 9.A.Agius, 10.J.Locaputo, 11.R.Brissett, 12.S.Stratton, 13.M.Downes, 15.J.Towell, 23.J.Coelho
-By Dean Southern
U16s boys: Extra-time winner gives Bellambi JSC thrilling victory
The Grand Final of Grand Finals.
A win for either team would provide hero status amongst their footballing peers; a loss would leave nothing but tears and sleepless nights. After all, this is why we love the round ball game so much. This is the Champions of Champions.
Bankstown Sports Strikers in their traditional green and yellow kits got the ball moving and were instantly on the attack against their red and green counterparts, Bellambi JSC.
From the moment the starting whistle blew, it was obvious who the architect of Bankstown Sport Strikers play would be, centre forward Brennan Fussell. The tall, pacey attacker was the perfect link between the midfielder and the final third of the field whilst also providing plenty of entertainment for those on the sidelines with his ability to beat a defender with ease.
Some desperate defending from Bellambi?s Jesse Tyssen in the opening ten minutes of play was enough to deny Mahmoud Elomar an opening goal for Bankstown Sports Strikers. A fantastic strike on goal but an even better save was the proof of both teams? focus and dedication towards this fixture.
Bellambi?s Franco Ledesma found himself in a shooting position midway through the first half however a less than pretty challenge meant Bellambi were awarded a free kick in a prime position. Daniel George stepping up to take the free kick which clipped the crossbar much to the surprise of the Bankstown Sports goalkeeper who predicted the ball to sail over the goal.
With just three minutes before half time, Bankstown Sports Strikers found themselves in front. Youseff Nasreddine firing in a long range free kick forcing the Bellambi keeper Billy Deniz to come off his line to collect the ball. Unfortunately for Bellambi, Billy Deniz couldn?t hold onto the ball which in turn dropped in front of midfielder James Miotto who pumped the ball into the back of the net to put his side in front just before the break.
Two minutes into the second half and Bellambi got themselves an equaliser, putting a smile back on the faces of the boys in green and red. With a long ball over the top of Bankstown Sports Strikers? defence, Bellambi?s captain Daniel George found himself with space and time to catch the Strikers? goalkeeper in no-mans-land before nudging the ball into the back of the net.
Both sides got into some good positions however were unable to capitalise on their chances. With the scores level at a goal each, extra time and the pressure filled golden goal time started.
Bellambi looked the better of the two sides during extra time with Junior Mushaba a bright spark up front as he linked up with James Wakeling time after time in the final third of the pitch. Bankstown Sports Strikers on the other hand were really struggling with the demand of extra time and it wasn?t long until players started dropping likes flies due to cramps and niggling injuries.
With the scores still level and just seconds left on the clock, a penalty shoot-out looked likely. That was until Bellambi?s captain Daniel George managed to get the winning goal in the 95th minute of play by scoring off a corner.
A well-deserved win for Bellambi who are a small club based in the Illawarra made famous for two things. Firstly producing one of the best left sided players to ever grace the Australian National Team, Scott Chipperfield. And Secondly, Mark Tyssen?s 2012 under 16s squad who were crowned minor premiers of the Football South Coast competition, winners of the Robert Brown Cup, Champions of the State Cup and finally the Champions of Champions winners.
Match Stats:
Bankstown Sports Strikers 1 (James Miotto 32?)
Bellambi JSC 2 (Daniel George 37?, 95?)
Saturday 20th October, 2012
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
Referee: Brett Lorimer
Assistant Referees: Keith Yau and James Ford
Bankstown Sports Strikers: 1. Christopher BUTLEY, 4. Jay PHOUISANGIEM, 2. Frank FERRANTE, 6. Jackson RYAN, 29. Evan LOIZOU, 12. Bennan FUSSEL, 7. Zac BELANI, 20. Youseff NASREDDINE, 28. James MIOTTO, 8. Jason HOOPER, 9. Alex GHABACHE.
Substitutions: 13. Hassan EL CHEIKH-ALI, 10. Mahmoud ELOMAR, 14. Adam IACONA, 11. Adam TAHERE.
Yellow Cards: Evan Loizou 33?
Red Cards: Nil.
Bellambi JSC: 1. Billy DENIZ, 2. Jesse TYSSEN, 3. Kevin ANDERSON, 4. Chris ZANETTI, 5. Curtis GUNES, 6. Jean BUKASA, 7. David DIEUDONNE, 8. Francesco LIBERTI, 9. Jamie WAKELING, 10. Junior MUSHABA, 11. Daniel GEORGE
Substitutions: 12. Matthew WALLACE, 14. Brendon FROOM, 15. Des BAROS, 16. Franco LEDESMA, 17. Imran AGAS.
Yellow Cards: Nil.
Red Cards: Nil.
– By Pete Nowakowski
Under 17 Boys: Awesome Auburn Districts spank Figtree
Auburn Districts showed why they have remained undefeated in all competitions over the past two seasons, putting in a fine display to defeat Figtree 6-0 in the Under 17 Boys EA Sports Champions of Champions final.
Moustafa Rifai wasted no time to open his account and had his side up within the first 30 seconds of the match with a well taken goal.
Despite the hot conditions, both sides started the game at a frantic pace but it was Figtree?s custodian Aydin Basoglu who was certainly the busier of the two early on, making a string of early saves to keep his side in the contest.
Auburn Districts made it 2-0 in the 20? minute, as Moustafa Rifai pounced on the loose ball following a corner.
Just moments later Auburn?s Yasir Naderi made a rampant run towards goal, letting fly a shot that deflected just over the crossbar.
Down the other end, Luke Simon showed great pace and composure to deliver a magnificent near post cross that Hassaniyan Alzaidi smothered up comfortably.
Following the break, Figtree won a penalty not long after the restart. Bradly Cascio stepped up to the plate but slid his shot across goal, missing the target.
Just some moments later Auburn were gifted a penalty after some nice footwork by Haidar Al Shinawa saw the striker brought down in the box. Elli Esber stepped up and made no mistake ? slotting the ball into the bottom right hand corner in the 49? minute to make it 3-0.
Less than five minutes later Elli Esber was at it again, scoring in the 55′ minute after winning the ball deep inside Figtree?s box and taking Basoglu by surprise with a clever near post finish.
Figtree had an opportunity to pull a goal back in the 60? minute but Ben Goodhew?s effort packed too much power as it blasted over the crossbar from close range.
Omer Elustu made it 5-0 with a clinical finish after 63? minutes, slamming the ball into the back of the net after finding space inside the box.
Less than five minutes later Elustu finished a superb half volley from 25 yards out into the back of the net only to be called back for off-side.
Auburn were still not finished though, and made it 6-0 after Haidar Al Shinawa darted inside the box to shoot past the hapless Basoglu in the 77? minute to round off an impressive display.
Match Stats:
Figtree 0
Auburn Districts 6 (M Rifai 1/20? E Esber 49/55? O Elustu 63? H Shinawa 77?)
Saturday October 20th, 2012
Valentine Park, Glenwood
Figtree: GK.A.Basoglu; 2.B.Cascio, 3.B.Goodhew, 4.S.Kaleski, 5.K.Kandilas, 6.K.Kefford, 7.S.McDougall, 8.L.Melkerts, 9.R.Morgan, 10.J.Pierro, 11.J.Reid,12.L.Simon, 13.H.Till, 14.C.Twigg, 15.J.Uzunovski, 16.A.Williams
Auburn Districts: GK.H.Alzaidi; 2.M.Tobbie, 3.Y.Bah, 4.O.Elustu, 5.A.Rubaa, 6.E.Karatas, 7.M.Rifai, 8.Z.Hassan, 9.H.Shinawa, 10.M.Rady, 11.Y.Naderi, 12.C.Nguyen, 13.J.Elsamad, 14.O.Elrish, 15.H.Abed, 16.E.Esber
-By Dean Southern
Boys U18s: Gunners shoot down Enfield with golden goal
Gunners SC sealed the Boys U18s final with a dramatic golden goal to overcome a resilient Enfield Rovers by a 1-0 scoreline.
Jimjay Aloese was the hero on the day; his 95th minute goal proved decisive after the industrious striker threatened the Enfield backline throughout the match.
Joseph Ferrone gave Gunners an early scare with a cheeky attempt direct from a corner that curled inches over the crossbar; Gunners custodian Nick Pedreira was arguably alert to the attempt.
Gunners were limited to long range efforts during the opening stages before the match was briefly interrupted by a Powerade tent blown across the pitch by an increasing cross-pitch wind.
Aloese came close to opening the scoring for Gunners soon after with a rasping drive from the edge of the box that required a sublime save from Alexander Bendeich to keep the scores level.
Gunners looked to be on top as the half wore on yet other than another Aloese effort that flashed past the far post neither side came close top opening the scoring before the interval.
The second half proved to be a real test for the players as the scorching heat continued to rise and fatigue began to set in.
Bendeich almost gifted Gunners the lead as he spilt a high ball yet the keeper made up for his error by getting his body behind the ball as Liam Piggott looked to apply the finish.
Bendeich was again on hand to keep his side level just as he punched clear Jarrod Risby?s goal-bound free kick just after the hour mark.
Chances were few and far between before a late flurry of attacks could have seen either side grab a late lead, with Cameron Wallace and Aloese going closest before Enfield couldn?t find the final touch they needed in a goal mouth scramble in the closing minutes of normal time.
With nothing separating the sides at the full time whistle the match went into extra time.
Nicholas Smythe went close for Enfield as they threatened from a corner yet the Gunners defence was on hand to deflect his finish wide.
Gunners found the decisive goal soon after as a swift counterattack concluded with Aloese grabbing a well-deserved golden goal to wrap up the narrow win for his side.
Match Stats:
Gunners SC 1 (Jimjay Aloese 95?)
Enfield Rovers SC 0
Gunners SC: 1.Nick Pedreira, 12. Matthew Wallace, 3.Cameron Wallace, 4.Ryan Capps, 5.Craig Jackson, 6.Dylan Karan, 7.Joshua Allen, 9.Luke Shirley, 11.Jarrod Risby, 14.Jordan Omrod, 17.Jimjay Aloese, 8.Liam Piggott, 10.Luke Matthews, 15.Aiden Shortland, 16.Nabil Daoud
Enfield Rovers: 1.Alexander Bendeich, 2.Dominic Cavagnino, 3.Julian Cardona, 5.Paul Salvarinas, 6.Nicholas Smythe, 8.Ricardo Romeo, 9.Gianluca D?Amico, 10.Andrew Gouveia, 12.Joseph Ferrone, 15.Robert Patruno, 17.Justin Scalone, 14.Andrew Ghajar, 26.Adrian Dellaia
-By Michael Shoolman
U21s Men: Lilli Pilli show class in Finals victory over Lindfield FC
Being the best is not good enough when you?re 21. The target is always to become the Champions of all Champions and at Valentine Park, there would only be one team who could earn that tittle. Lilli Pilli FC scoring a goal in each half to claim a win over Lindfield FC.
The match started at a furious pace with both sides going on the hunt for an early goal. Lilli Pilli looked the most likely to open the scoring however it was Lindfield?s defence who time after time did their job and stood tall protecting their goal.
Thanks to both sides physical prowess, the referee Alessandro Biandino was kept busy in the centre of the field trying to maintain order in a fixture full of testosterone and nerves as well as more slide tackles than you would find in a Kevin Muscat Appreciation Society.
As the sides headed towards the first drinks break of the afternoon, the crowd might not have seen a goal but there were plenty of shooting opportunities for even a neutral supporter to sit on the edge of their seat. It was Lindfield FC?s Adam Cloughton who looked to be the midfield maestro dictating play and being the all important link between defence and attack.
In the 34th minute though, Lilli Pilli finally got the goal they had been pushing and fighting for all game. Morgan Perry delivering a fine cross from the sideline was finished by Jay Woods. The cheers from the sidelines could be heard from a mile away.
The second half started in fine fashion with just as many physical challenges as we saw in the opening 45. Lindfield winning the physical battle of the match but were also in front in the yellow card tally. Sadly though the match is won and lost by goals and for that fact, Lilli Pilli were in complete control.
A quick throw in over the top of Lindfield?s defence by Chris Boland gave Redah Hassan a chance to stretch his legs and have a shot on goal. The Lindfield goalkeeper looked to be easily beaten but the goal itself was anything but difficult. A fantastically worked goal for Lilli Pilli sealing the result for the squad wearing their famous green and gold strip.
As the minutes ticked over, Lilli Pilli?s defence got stronger and stronger countering everything that Lindfield FC could throw at them. A curling free kick over the goal in the dying moments of the game by Lindfield?s Simon Scougall summed up his side?s performance all game. It was close but not close enough.
With the blow of Alessandro Biandino?s whistle, Lilli Pilli were crowned under 21 Champions at the EA Sports Champions of Champions tournament held at Valentine Sports Park. An outstanding performance capped off by a goal in each half means this is a day which the boys will forever remember.
For Lindfield FC however, the pain of a loss might hoover in the minds of their players however there should be no shame in the team?s performance who will now have the motivation to go on and challenge in 2013 to go back to back grand final appearances.
Match Stats:
Lindfield FC 0
Lilli Pilli FC 2 (Morgan Perry 34?, Redah Hassan 60?)
Saturday 20th October, 2012
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
Referee: Alessandro Biandino
Assistant Referees: James Gnym and Lachlan Abood
Lindfield FC: 1. Chris CEPAK, 2. Shaun NADAISAN, 3. Florian LINKENHEIL, 5. Jack HEALY, 6. Brett ARMSTRONG, 9. Raphael ELDER, 15. Jack RICHARDSON, 17. Tom GOLDING, 22. Adam CLOUGHTON, 24. Agneesh LAHIRI, 26. Jack McLEAN
Substitutions: 18. Maxwell MARGALIT, 27. Matthew VENTURA, 29. Antoine CLEUET, 32. Fabian COWLING, 34. Simon SCOUGALL.
Yellow Cards: Fabian Cowling.
Red Cards: Nil.
Lilli Pilli FC: 1. Scott RICHARDSON, 3. Jesse ASKEW, 5. Chris BOLAND, 8. Keegan MOORE, 9. Dylan TURNER, 10. Ned STEDLZER, 11. Mitchell DURRINGTON, 12. Jay WOODS, 16. Dale CROSS, 27. S. KING, 33. Josh BOGG.
Substitutions: 4. Morgan PERRY, 6. Mitchell PARKER, 7. Steven HOLBEACH, 25. Redah HASSAN
Yellow Cards: Jay Woods, Keegan Moore, Dale Cross.
Red Cards: Nil.
– By Pete Nowakowski
All Age Men: Pittwater score last minute winner against Kenthurst
Pittwater RSL scored a last kick of the game winner to defeat Kenthurst 2-1 in the All Age Men Grand Final, the showpiece event delivering all the drama expected of the occasion.
As expected the match was high intensity from the outset with the tackles flying in.
In keeping with that, it was an untidy goal that gave Kenthurst a 7′ minute lead courtesy of Ben Davis. A long throw lead to a scramble with Pittwater goalkeeper Dean McCreath making two good saves, before the ball was eventually bundled over the line by Davis, who was in the right place at the right time.
In the 14′ minute Kenthurst should have doubled their lead when Paul Knipler showed remarkable pace to race clear of the Pittwater defence, but one-on-one he was denied by the feet of McCreath.
Kenthurst were having plenty of luck with balls over the top and McCreath had to be alert in coming off his line to clear another threatening pass, the goalkeeper taking a huge hit in the process. After a period of treatment, he was able to continue.
McCreath was momentarily unsettled, failing to deal with some testing high balls from Kenthurst set pieces, though the swirling breeze that descended upon Valentine Sports Park was certainly a hindrance.
Davis should have doubled his and Kenthurst’s tally in the shadows of half time when a piercing ball set him free of the Pittwater defence, but when faced with the imposing figure of McCreath, he sliced his shot wide of the target.
Pittwater RSL resumed the second half with renewed intensity and they were rewarded with an equalising goal in the 48′ minute.
A quick throw in caught the Kenthurst defence out and when Alex Lee crossed low into the area, Matt Geekie turned the ball into his own net.
The second half was scrappy as neither side committed too much to attack for fear of conceding on the counter attack.
Neither McCreath nor Kenthurst keeper Greg Marks were unduly troubled in the opening half an hour of the second half, leaving the match open for some late drama.
Pittwater were certainly proving far more threatening than they did in the first half and in the 78′ minute they came close to breaking the deadlock when Charlie Fyfe shot narrowly wide with a sweet right footed shot.
The late drama certainly unfolded though, as Pittwater snared a 93′ minute winner through midfielder Cameron White, who had been outstanding all day. Some trickery down the left followed by a cross, unlocked the Kenthurst defence and White was on the spot to bundle the ball home and take the trophy home for his side.
Match Stats
Kenthurst 1 (Davis 7′)
Pittwater RSL 2 (Geekie (OG) 48′, White 90’+3′)
Kenthurst 1.Greg Marks, 2.Cristiano Lima, 4.Ben Davis, 5.Matt Geekie, 6.Rick Ward, 7.Tom Geekie, 8.James McLaughlin, 9.Paul Knipler, 10.Pat Polito, 11.Michael Pearson, 13.Hassan El Khansa, 18.Chris Ward, 28.Matt Ward, 29.Michael Thornton, 31.Nate Gray, 32.David Lowery, 33.James Lowery
Pittwater RSL: 1.Dean McCreath, 2.Jarrad Roach, 6.Jon Walker, 7.Matthew Wilson, 10.Glannadam Bosward, 11.Simon Cummings, 15.Will Walker, 16.Charlie Fyfe, 18.Danny Drazic, 20.Joshua Yeates, 24.Matthew Phillips, 26.Cameron White, 27.Edward Weber, 28.Stefano Teghini, 31.Paul Martin, 33.Thomas Cotter, 36.Alex Lee
– By Matthew Connellan
Over 35 Men: Northbridge overpower Engadine Eagles 4-3 in seven goal thriller.
Northbridge overpowered Engadine Eagles 4-3 in a seven goal thriller that was decided in golden goal in the Over 35 Mens EA SPORTS Champions of Champions final.
Northbridge looked the goods and were cruising along at 3-0 up with 25? minutes left on the clock, but a massive fight back by Engadine Eagles sent the game into extra-time with former Socceroo Jason Van Blerk scoring the winner in golden goal.
Northbridge carved out the first real chance of the game as Rory Collins delivered a tantalising cross into the box finding Shaun Kendrigan, but his grounded shot was no trouble for Glenn Hickey after 10? minutes of play.
Jason Van Blerk won his side a penalty on 26? minutes after being brought down in the box, and converted with a powerful low left footed drive to put Northbridge up 1-0.
Engadine Eagles were struggling to combat Northbridge?s passing game in the early stages but almost equalised as Matt Yim gave the ball away in his own area, with Michael Payne intercepting the wayward pass only for Brett Hatherall to smother up his shot from close range.
Ex-Socceroo Jason Van Blerk turned provider in the 40? minute with an in-swinging corner that was powerfully headed into the back of the net by Craig Moffitt which put Northbridge in a commanding position.
Northbridge?s Chris Charlton almost pulled off a spectacular just before half-time with a magnificent half-volley that bounced off the crossbar.
Following the break, Northbridge had a great chance to stretch their lead even further as Gavin Dennis delivered a cross met by Scott Moffitt, but he couldn?t control his shot.
Northbridge didn?t have to wait long though as Chris Charlton showed great control to bring the ball down and cross, finding the head of Gavin Dennis who cleverly directed his header into the top corner to make it 3-0 after 54? minutes.
Engadine failed to give up and pulled a goal back in the 66? minute as Damon Emanuel sent a high ball into the box that was miss-headed by Craig Moffitt into his own net.
Some nice footwork by Michael Payne saw him brought down on the edge of the area in the 78? minute with the Eagles punishing Northbridge?s ill-discipline as Edward Kralj smashed the loose ball past Brett Hatherall to make things interesting with roughly 10? minutes on the clock.
Engadine Eagles were truly alive having come back from 3-0 down just a few minutes later after Klete Loveday equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards out on 81? minutes to make it 3-3.
Engadine?s late three goal flurry ensured the game would go to extra-time, but it was none other than Jason Van Blerk who decided the result with a well-taken free kick from 20 yards out that finished in the top corner in the first half of golden goal.
Match Stats
Northbridge FC 4 (J Van Blerk 26/96? C Moffitt 40? G Dennis 66?)
Engadine Eagles 3 (C Moffitt OG 66? E Kralj 78? K Loveday 81?)
Sunday October 21st, 2012
Valentine Park, Glenwood
Northbridge FC: GK.B.Hatherall; 4.C.Charlton, 5.C.Moffitt, 6.M.Yim, 9.R.Collins, 10.R.Mathews, 11.S.Kendrigan, 12.P.Brockington, 13.J.Koch, 14.J.Van Blerk, 17.A.Townsend, 20.D.Fleming, 21.D.Segreto, 22.S.Moffitt, 27.G.Dennis, 28.G.Lee, 29.D.Tuddenham, 35.M.Minor
Engadine Eagles: GK.G.Hickey; 2.R.Bennison, 4.S.Clinch, 5.K.Loveday, 6.A.Bryett, 7.M.McKinnon, 8.M.Fielding, 9.M.Payne, 10.P.Burke, 13.E.Kralj, 14.D.Wilson, 16.B.Johnston, 17.B.Anderson, 19.W.Turner, 20.D.Emanuel, 27.G.Lerond, 31.G.Brosens
-By Dean Southern
Over 45?s: Inter Lions seal O45s triumph
Canterbury Association?s Inter Lions avenged last season?s semi-final loss to Southern Districts with a gutsy showing in the 2012 Over 45s grand-final.
Trailing by two goals midway through the first-half, the Canterbury Association side sent the match into extra-time before sealing the deal with a tense penalty shootout triumph – delivered sweetly by inspirational captain Francesco Speranza.
This Lions squad on more than a handful of attempts failed to reach the grand-final of this competition, making this win ever so special following another dominant season in the Canterbury Association.
The windy conditions, and bumpy surface, made the going tough early on for both sides as both sets of players looked to find their feet.
The reigning champions, Southern Districts, settled first with Goce Krstevski trying his
luck from outside the penalty-area, before Michael Collins added further pressure to Lions? goalkeeper Tony Scicchitano with a whipped in cross that the shot-stopper managed to punch clear.
On 8? minutes, Southern Districts hit the lead. Former Sydney United legendary defender – in the National Soccer League – Velimir Kupresak powerfully headed home from a Peter Rokancevski corner, leaving Scicchitano helpless.
Inter Lions? response was swift, and it arrived via the subtle touches of captain Speranza. The number 10 played an exquisitely lobbed ball over the defence and into the path of Stephen Lipari, though the left-sided winger was thwarted by some stringent defending as he closed in on goal.
2? minutes later, the same duo combined for the Lions, however this time Speranza?s sensational assist was called back by the linesman as Lipari, only just, strayed offside.
Inter goalkeeper Scicchitano was called upon to save bravely at the feet of Vince Lentini at the other end. Lentini showed strength and pace to create an opening for himself, though the brave shot-stopper was equally aware to get down quickly.
The Lions had a huge chance to draw level in the 14? minute via a set-piece. Lipari?s corner from the right was headed by Mauro Roselli ? another fine performer for the Lions ? into the path of Anthony Murphy who only just failed to divert the ball home from close range.
Southern Districts? Biaggio David had a busy afternoon with some impressive set-pieces, and long range efforts. David picked up a loose ball inside the penalty-area on 17? minutes however blasted his wild attempt wide of goal.
A positive 10? minute spell followed for Inter Lions. The Canterbury Association side created successive chances via Speranza, though the number 10 saw his efforts thwarted on both occasions by some desperate defending.
On 29? minutes, Southern Districts doubled its lead. David was the hero with a phenomenal strike from distance that moved awkwardly in midair as Scicchitano was left routed to the spot.
The joy of a two goal lead was short-lived however, as Frank Peronace?s searching ball from the left-flank picked out a lunging Claude Lopino who managed to hit the ball first-time past an outstretched Peter Lynch to re-open the contest.
After the half-time break, Inter Lions resumed its quest to find an equaliser. Speranza was again the orchestrator with a pinpoint free-kick finding the head of Lopino, however the striker?s looping head finished over the crossbar.
Speranza then went close himself with a free-kick on the edge of the penalty-area. The set-piece specialist perfectly lofted the ball over the wall, however failed to get enough dip on the shot that seemed destined for the top corner.
Southern Districts were denied a chance via the feet of Zeljko Vukancic ? denied again by a brave Scicchitano ? before Speranza stung the chest of Peter Lynch at the other end with another free-kick.
The Lions did find their equaliser in the 71? minute as Lopino?s drive on goal came off the arm of a defender. Lipari accepted the responsibility of lining up the spot-kick, netting with a fabulous finish to the goalkeeper?s right.
Late chances at both ends failed to provide a goal ? most notably Gary Danielson?s header from point-blank range that was somehow kept out by Scicchitano – and it was a tense period of extra-time that followed with neither side wanting to give an inch.
There was huge concern for the Inter players when Scicchitano remained immobile inside the penalty-area after being fouled when attempting to claim a cross, though the shot-stopper did get back onto his feet and played a massive part in the penalty-shootout triumph, capped off in the end by captain Speranza.
Penalty shootout sequence:
Biaggio David (SD) ? Goal ? tucked in neatly to the goalkeeper?s right.
Claude Lopino (IL) ? Goal ? goalkeeper parried onto his left-hand post, though did find the back of the net.
Michael Collins (SD) ? Save ? goalkeeper made a tremendous save with his feet.
Dominic Di Giacomo (IL) ? Miss ? effort blasted over the crossbar.
Goce Krstevski (SD) ? Goal ? converted into the bottom right-hand corner.
Stephen Lipari (IL) ? Goal ? slotted into the right-hand corner.
Velimir Kupresak (SD) ? Goal ? cool finish to the goalkeeper?s left.
Peter Ianni (IL) ? Goal ? expert finish into the bottom left-hand corner.
Vince Lentini (SD) ? Miss ? ball richocheted off the goalkeeper?s right-hand post.
Francesco Speranza (IL) ? Goal ? tucked home nicely into the bottom left-hand corner.
Match Stats
Inter Lions 2 (Claude Lopino 30?, Stephen Lipari 71?)
Southern Districts 2 (Velimir Kupresak 8?, Biaggio David 29?)
Inter Lions won 4-3 on penalties
Olympic: P. Henderson, E. Giannaros, B. Dejanovic, B. Studman, D. Dascal, D. Gullo, P. Makrys, M. Vass, C. Triantis, K. Elrich, A. Hadid.
Bench: J. Woods, Z. Elrich, W. Angel, V. Rigoli, I. Johnson.
Inter Lions: 1.Tony Scicchitano; 2.Dominic Di Giacomo, 3.Frank Peronace, 4.Mario Testa, 5.Mauro Roselli, 6.Ennio Morson, 7.Peter Ianni, 8.Anthony Murphy, 9.Carlo Logiudice, 10.Francesco Speranza, 11.Stephen Lipari, 18.Claude Lopino, 13.Bruno Severino, 14.Joe Montuoro, 15.James Burns, 16.John Calcara
Coach: Peter Ianni
Manager: Bruno Severino
Yellow Cards: Mauro Roselli 92?, Frank Peronace 97?
Southern Districts: 1.Peter Lynch; 2.Peter Rokancevski, 3.Michael Collins, 4.Mark Jukic, 6.Pedro Orellana, 7.Vince Lentini, 8.Goce Krstevski, 9.Biaggio David, 10.John Amoroso, 11.Zeljko Vukancic, 13.Luca Dajanovic, 14.Eddie Odisho, 15.Gary Danielson, 16.Velimir Kupresak, 17.Zoran Jurica, 18.Frank Valastro
Coach: Sam Lentini
Assistant Coach: Frank Toscano
Manager: Rosanna Lentini
Yellow Cards: Biaggio David 50?, Velimir Kupresak 55?, Luca Dejanovic 93?
-By Joseph Carlucci
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