Newcastle Jets victorious in Powerchair final

The NSW Powerchair Association – Western Sydney Division 1 Championship was on the line last Saturday when competition heavy weights Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets took to the court at Kevin Betts Stadium.
With Sydney FC claiming the 2015 Premiership and boasting the league’s top goal scorer Andrew Kim 21 goals, relying on their firepower was the order of the day to get them over the line. For Newcastle the game plan was simple; defend, defend, defend.
The Championship match was a hard fought affair with both teams deadlocked at nil all after regulation time. The arm wrestle continued into extra time. It was through the leadership of captain Lilio-Davis that Newcastle would find a breakthrough. Lilio-Davis set up a brilliant opportunity for teammate Chris Hastas to capitalize, giving the Jets the lead. Sydney FC pressed hard to equalize in the dying stages of the match but a runaway goal to Chris Dolovski sealed a 2-0 result and the Championship for Newcastle.   
In the third place playoff match the Central Coast Mariners produced a high octane performance to defeat the Western Sydney Wanderers in an entertaining 2-0 win. The victory came as a surprise to Mariners captain Chris Shufled.
"With the Wanderers having the wood over us in the regular season, we knew we had to play well today, it’s just great to come out with a win”.
NSW and Australian Powerchair coach Peter Turnbull was impressed by the level of competition.
“It was a really great, hard fought match, everything you want out of a Championship final”. 
Western Sydney Wanderers and Socceroos defender Scott Jamieson was in attendance at the Championship final to assist in presenting medals and was mesmerised by the action on the court.
“This is the first time I have been down to a Powerchair event, but I can safely say that it will not be that last.
“Its great to see everyone just playing football.
“It really brings thing into perspective, what these athletes are able to achieve is nothing short of amazing". 
Powerchair is the fastest growing powered wheelchair sport in Australia. Powerchair Football, also known as Power Soccer is a competitive team sport for people with disabilities who use power wheelchairs. The game is played in indoor centre on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four players use powerchairs equipped with footguards to attack, defend, and spin-kick a 13-inch football in an attempt to score goals. The game provides an opportunity for all individuals to play, compete and have fun in a supportive team environment.  
If you are interested in powerchair football, visit the NSW Powerchair FA’s Facebook page.