NSW crowned National Powerchair Football Champions
NSW were crowned the 2015 Australian National Powerchair Football Champions after defeating Queensland 4-3 on penalties in what was a fantastic week for the sport played out a Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt Druitt.
The cream of the crop in Powerchair football across Australia were on hand to witness what was a heart stopping final which saw the Blues record a memorable victory over the Queenslanders.
The match was locked at 2-2 before extra time goals were scored on each end which sent the match into the dreaded penalty shootouts.
It was the NSW side that calmed their nerves and fought the mental barrier coming out winners in the end.
NSW and Australian Powerchair coach Peter Turnbull was impressed by the level of competition and stated how amazing the finals match was.
“It was quite simply the best game of Powerchair football I have ever witnessed anywhere in the world, it was that good.”
While Australian Powerchair Football Association President Matt Cross equally was impressed with the talent on offer on what was a memorable finale.
“I really have never seen anything like this in my life, it was an amazing match to watch.”
NSW Powerchair Side
Jordan Crane – Sydney FC
Jacob Cross – Western Sydney Wanderers
Abdullah Karim – Sydney FC
Ben Keyte – Western Sydney Wanderers
Andrew Kim – Sydney FC
Dimitri Liolio-Davis – Newcastle Jets
Chris Suffield – Central Coast Mariners
Chris Turnbull – Central Coast Mariners
The tournament culminated in a friendly international between Australia and New Zealand, affectionately known as the Ditch Cup.
New Zealand was looking to turn around a disappointing performance in 2014 going down 6 – 0 to their Australian opponents.
New Zealand was holding strong at half time only conceding 2 goals.
The visitors from across the ditch came out strong in the second half managing to put one past the Australian defense.
However the experience and the class of the Australian team kicked in and propelled them to a 3 – 1 scoreline at the final whistle.
