Australian Powerchair champs kick off
Australian Powerchair Football National Championships kicked off at Kevin Betts Stadium, Mt Druitt on Tuesday 15th October.
The games were officially opened to the sounds of the New Zealand and Australian national anthems before New South Wales took on South Australia.
The team in sky blue got off to a hesitant start, struggling to break down the Sabres’ defence but eventually scored two goals in quick succession to get a 2-0 goal lead at the break.
Great passing between Jordan Crane and Dimitri Liolio-Davis broke down the defence.
In the second half, New South Wales came out strong and took control, with goals to Alex Scollard, Andy Waite and Chris Turnbull sealed a 6-0 victory for the hosts.
Although Jono Grigg and Santo Bongiovanni defended well, the sky blue machine’s passing was too crisp for their opponents.
The games were officially opened to the sounds of the New Zealand and Australian national anthems before New South Wales took on South Australia.
The team in sky blue got off to a hesitant start, struggling to break down the Sabres’ defence but eventually scored two goals in quick succession to get a 2-0 goal lead at the break.
Great passing between Jordan Crane and Dimitri Liolio-Davis broke down the defence.
In the second half, New South Wales came out strong and took control, with goals to Alex Scollard, Andy Waite and Chris Turnbull sealed a 6-0 victory for the hosts.
Although Jono Grigg and Santo Bongiovanni defended well, the sky blue machine’s passing was too crisp for their opponents.
Queensland then took on Victoria in the second match and took control early through Blair Garton before Bryce Castles scored a brace through a cross-turn-shot before calmly slotting home a penalty.
Josh Merkas scored from long range to give the Cyclones a 4-0 half-time lead.
The Victorians made some alterations at half time and were much more competitive in the second half, creating some more chances.
Luke David gained some midfield control, but the defensive work of Josh Merkas and Tristram Peters held firm.
Merkas scored again from near half-way before only the post could deny him his hat-trick. The Victorians got better as the game progressed, but early goals to the Cyclones sealed a 5-0 result.
Josh Merkas scored from long range to give the Cyclones a 4-0 half-time lead.
The Victorians made some alterations at half time and were much more competitive in the second half, creating some more chances.
Luke David gained some midfield control, but the defensive work of Josh Merkas and Tristram Peters held firm.
Merkas scored again from near half-way before only the post could deny him his hat-trick. The Victorians got better as the game progressed, but early goals to the Cyclones sealed a 5-0 result.
South Australia and Western Australia opened the second day of the competition.
WA hit the scoreboard early through Jason Lewis who quickly doubled his total, stunning the Sabres.
Hamish Armitage added a third goal with Janes Kim expertly setting up his team mates. The second half was closer, but WA keeper Dean Crane protected the score confidently.
WA hit the scoreboard early through Jason Lewis who quickly doubled his total, stunning the Sabres.
Hamish Armitage added a third goal with Janes Kim expertly setting up his team mates. The second half was closer, but WA keeper Dean Crane protected the score confidently.
New Zealand made their debut in the second game against Victoria.
The Kiwis managed to hold their opponents out for most of the first half, but eventually the Victorian pressure broke the defence wide open.
With Luke David controlling the play, they piled on 10 goals to win 10-0.
The Kiwis managed to hold their opponents out for most of the first half, but eventually the Victorian pressure broke the defence wide open.
With Luke David controlling the play, they piled on 10 goals to win 10-0.
After the lunch break, New South Wales came up against WA.
The boys (and girl) in sky blue came out firing, scoring 5 goals in each half from multiple different scorers. Their passing was accurate and WA fought hard but couldn’t repeat their earlier victory.
The boys (and girl) in sky blue came out firing, scoring 5 goals in each half from multiple different scorers. Their passing was accurate and WA fought hard but couldn’t repeat their earlier victory.
Queensland faced NZ next and it was clear that the Kiwis had improved massively between games. Unfortunately the power and precision of Josh Merkas, Bryce Castles and Tristram Peters of the Cyclones romped to a 14-0 win.
NSW’s second match for the day was against SA again and their good form continued as they beat the Sabres 9-0. A team performance was too hard for SA to handle but they still made it difficult for their opponents.
The last match for the day was between Victoria and Queensland.
The Cyclones scored early through Bryce Castles.
The ball deflected off the back of Luke David’s chair before rebounding in off the post.
From that point onwards, a tight tussle ensued with both sides fighting tooth and nail. Both sides had their chances, but the single Queensland goal told the tale in a 1-0 result for the Cyclones.
The ball deflected off the back of Luke David’s chair before rebounding in off the post.
From that point onwards, a tight tussle ensued with both sides fighting tooth and nail. Both sides had their chances, but the single Queensland goal told the tale in a 1-0 result for the Cyclones.
The final group matches take place today before the semi finals in what is sure to be another exciting day of action.
Article by Christopher Suffield via Twitter
