2015 PUMA Champion of Champions Reports
The 2015 PUMA Champion of Champions finals were played at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday 18th of October with seventeen highly entertaining matches that rocked Football NSW’s headquarters.
It was the first time in four years Valentine Sports Park played host to grassroots football’s most prestigious tournament as teams from all over NSW wowed spectators in what was a wonderful day for the round ball game.
Castle Hill win in thriller
The 12 Boys PUMA Champion of Champions final might have been one of the day’s earlier kick-offs, but it may have just proven the most exciting.
Extra-time and penalties were required to separate Granville & Districts Soccer Football Association’s Castle Hill United and Manly Warringah Football Association’s Forest Killarney FC after the sides finished the game 1-1.
In the end, it was Castle Hill which proved to have nerves of steel from 12-yards out as Ronin Dodds starred in the shoot-out to seal the ultimate glory for his side, as the United keeper converted his penalty and saved two others.
With plenty of adventure and imagination out on the pitch, both sides demonstrated the finer aspects of the game in their own dominant periods in an even first half in which neither side could find an opening goal.
Forest Killarney started the game well, before having to fend off large amounts of pressure from the United side which grew in stature as the half wore on.
With the teams locked level at half-time it was going to take something special to break the deadlock and Forest Killarney’s Will McGarr provided that when he ghosted in at the far post to tuck home a lovely corner which evaded the Castle Hill defence.
Darcy Brettle and Todd Baker were outstanding for Castle Hill as they battled their way back into the game and it was Brettle who found the moment of inspiration his side needed when he won a penalty after soe silky footwork got him into the box before being brought down.
Thomas Knez was on hand to convert from 12-yards and force the game into extra-time, where the teams could not be separated.
The shoot-out got off to a great start for both sides with Corban Eriksson scoring the first for Forest, before Castle Hill keeper Dodds converted his own to level it up at 1-1.
It was Forest keeper Brody Nicol who made the first save of the shoot-out to deny Castle Hille’s Nicholas Chappell and he would save again at the next time of asking only to have been judged to have come off his line before the kick was taken.
Nicol couldn’t save again and it was Dodds who made a crucial save at 3-2 to deny Massimo Vescio, before Castle Hill’s Jesse Stokes scored the winning penalty.
Match Stats Hornsby Heights power over Camden
Two first half goals were enough for Northern Suburbs Association Hornsby Heights to defeat Macarthur Association’s Camden Tigers, crowning them 12 Girls 2015 PUMA Champion of Champions.
Hornsby settled quicker than the Tigers and held much of the possession in their oppositions half.
Jasmine Meli thought she was in when the ball bounced over Kaitlyn Myers, only for it to go out before she could get a foot on it.
The pressure finally payed off for Heights midway through the first half. Jessica Forster’s corner was deflected out, only for the ball to fall for Chloe Turner who scooped her shot over Myers into the back of the net.
Amalia Plummer got into the game as time ticked on in the first half, going on a fantastic run down the left.
Myers came out on top for the Tigers just before the break, making a great double save to first deny Meli and then Turner.
Again Hornsby threatened from a corner as Monique Dever’s shot was heading for goal before a handball saw the referee point to the spot. The initial penalty clattered against the post before Anabel Waldock tapped the ball home to send Hornsby 2-0 up at the break.
Hornsby continued their pressure in the second half as an early corner was somehow cleared to safety by the Tigers.
As the game moved on the Tigers began improving and Jesse Beard had an opportunity well saved but that was all the brave Tigers could give.
Match Stats
Hornsby Heights 2 (Turner, Waldock)
Camden Tigers 0
Sunday October 18, 2015
Valentine Sports Park
Referee: Emily Papas
Assistant Referees: Lauren Barclay & Kim Cozens
Hornsby Heights: 2. Timms, 3. J. Guthrie, 4. Martin, 5. Dever, 6. Turner, 7. Stack, 8. Williams, 9. Meli, 10. Forster, 11. I. Guthrie, 12. Gallaway, 13. Waldock, 14. Owen, 28. Johnston, 39. Cox.
Camden Tigers: 1. Myers, 2. Freestone, 3. McSavaney, 4. Zappia, 5. Mead, 7. Plummer, 8. Foley, 9. Beard, 10. Ashe, 11. Eid, 14. Schifino, 15. Duckitt, 16. Patterson, 18. Apps.
-By Nikola Pozder
It was an overcast morning at Valentine Sports Park as the Connells Point Rovers FC came up against AC United FC in the final of the 13 Boys PUMA Champion of Champions tournament.
The Rovers started the game in the best way possible, with a goal in the first minute.
After AC United goalkeeper Shlemon received the ball from the kick-off, Poulos was quick to pressure the keeper into error, scoring an easy goal.
United seemed a bit shell-shocked to be 1-0 down so early, and Connells Point pressed aggressively in attack.
In the 14th minute, some frustration from the United defense saw them concede a penalty after a heavy slide tackle. Anagnostopoulos stepped up to the spot and his composed shot gave Connells Point a two-goal lead.
Soon after, some sloppy Rovers defense gave AC United a chance on the edge of the 18-yard box. Rovers’ Barriga fumbled D’Angelo’s lobbed shot, however United had no one there to finish it off.
The game was starting to turn in United’s favour late in the half, and a free kick on the left wing forced the Rovers to concede a corner. Despite the excellent cross, the AC United header was just wide of the goal.
The first half ended with Connells Point still leading 2-0.
After the restart, a break down the left side by the Rovers gave Poulos a fantastic chance to add to his first half goal. His shot was off target though, bouncing off the right post.
Some scrambling defense by AC United saw them launch a counter attack through centre field. Chiavaroli’s speed broke the last line of defense, but unfortunately he lost control of the ball just inside the penalty box.
Connells Point soon pushed the score out to 3-0 when Poulos grabbed his second goal for the day.
In the dying minutes, Poulos capped off a starring performance with a hat trick to give Connells Point Rovers a 4-0 win and the title of PUMA Champions of Champions.
Rovers coach Dimos Fessopoulos said his team’s well-executed game plan was the key to their victory.
“Our plan was to try and get over the top of them early and obviously the boys put in very hard to begin with. So that first 10 minutes was very important for how the game panned out.
“This is their 4th grand final at state level… they’ve been a remarkable team. It’s the dedication, determination and overall the friendship that gets them through.”
Match Stats
Connells Point Rovers FC 4 (Poulos 1′ 14’ 55’ Anagnostopoulos 46′)
AC United FC 0
Sunday October 18 2015
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
Referee: Nicholas Walker
Assistant Referees: Alexander Walker, Harrison Towner
Connells Point Rovers FC: Barriga, Kovacevic, Stasolla Napper, Fessopoulous, Dimeo (Mazza 30’), Henry, Kardum, Anagnostopoulos, Poulos, Lister, Gurung, Ramirez-Sebastiani, Araullo
AC United FC: Shlemon, Tran, Isaac, Scarcella, Viasus, Roberts, Monarades, Macri, Chiavardi, Desousa, Mitchell, Sebayong, D’Angelo, Zullo
-By Harry Easton
Kellyville Kolts oust Shellharbour
Mounties reign supreme over Auburn
Southern Districts’ Mounties Wanderers claimed the 14 Boys Champion of Champions title after a hard fought 1-0 victory of Granville Association’s Auburn District SC.
It was end to end in the 14 Boys clash with both sides pushing hard for the victory.
The best chance early on fell the way of Tam Hoang Nguyen who let fly with a ferocious strike from about 25 metres out.
His fantastic free kick looked to be heading in but instead hit the bar and went over.
Neither side could hit the front in a high paced first half as they headed into the break locked at 0-0.
Mounties looked to shots from distance and Stevar Hana stung the palms of Bucker Eid who held the ball well.
With the clock ticking, Hana unleashed again, this time Eid couldn’t handle the shot as Younes El Bekal was quickest to react, tapping the ball home to give Mounties the lead.
Auburn threw all they could forward but couldn’t find the equaliser to take the game to extra time as Mounties held on.
Match Stats
Auburn District 0
Mt Pritchard 1 (El Bekal)
Sunday October 18, 2015
Valentine Sports Park
Referee: Myles Houlbrook-Walk
Assistant Referee: Gian-Carlos Andreson & Matthew Rose
Auburn District: 1. Eid, 2. Malas, 3. Elias, 4. Alssaje, 5. Shahrouk, 6. Alameddine, 7. Ali, 8. Pel, 9. Acuil, 10. Bazevski, 11. Grech, 12. Deng, 13. Curry, 14. Dandan, 15. Rifai, 16.Hajmohamed.
Mt Pritchard: 1. Scarone, 2. Madhloum, 3. Collins-Webb, 4. Soares, 5. El-Bekal, 6. Martino, 7. Dib, 8. Nguyen, 9. Hana, 10. Cal, 11. Esho, 12. Scarcella, 13. Filippone, 14. Catanzariti.
-By Nikola Pozder
Aurora roar to victory
Arncliffe Aurora dug deep in the second half to record a 3-1 comeback victory and become 15s Boys PUMA Champions of Champions.
The Aurora side started brighter with the first chance in the sixth minute as Hady Hussein wove his way through the defence but couldn’t find the target with his shot.
AC United responded two minutes with a diagonal ball to Fadil Easa Hasnawi after he found space but slid his effort wide of the frame.
The Southern Districts side worked themselves into the game with Ashour Chiba’s bended shot almost rippling the net. Next it was the desperation of Hadi Hijazi to sweep away Angelo Garreffa’s shot at the goal-line.
AC finally broke the Arncliffe Aurora resistance as Michael Napoli turned well and shot past Mohammed Rizk for 1-0.
Arncliffe had been used to playing from behind this season and they ramped up the pressure headed into halftime without the profit of a goal. Mohammed Zahr’s 34th minute free-kick went the closest.
After the break Arncliffe were full of energy and pressing and it brought the reward. Ali Farhat slotted home to level the score at one.
They would take the lead five minutes later when Hady Hussein latched onto a lofted ball to prod it home and make it 2-1 Aurora.
Hasnawi for AC United created a prime opportunity to draw again with his pass to Garreffa which was smothered.
Rizk wasn’t called upon much between the Arncliffe Aurora sticks but in the 57th minute he had a highlight reel save to preserve the lead.
It was celebration time in the 63rd minute for Arncliffe Aurora with Ali Sleiman put a third past Nicholas Mateos to rapturous celebrations in the dugout.
Afterwards Jay Ellis was ecstatic about the result.
“We worked hard all year not thinking about it but to comeback in the second half was something special,” said the Arncliffe Aurora coach.
Match Stats
Arncliffe Aurora 3 (Farhat ’42, H. Hussein ’47 and Sleiman ’63)
Ac United 1 (Napoli ’21)
Referee: Caleb Branch
Assistant Referees: Matthew Theobold and Daniel Lucas
Arncliffe Aurora: I. Saleh, A. Saleh, H. Mourtada, R. Surjan, H. Hijazi, M. Zahr, H. Jomaa, B. Thepmany, A. Sleiman, M. Aljayzaniu, M. Rida, Hadi Hijazi, A. Farhat, Hady Hussein, A. Senol and M. Rizk
AC United: Mateos, Chiba, Saggiomo, Comarmond, Del Bel Belluz, Spagnolo, Aliva, Garreffa, Ortiz, Hasnawi, Napoli, Gonalez, Regan and Inzitari
-By Justin Davies
Port Kembla too strong for Castle Hill
The Football South Coast boys from Port Kembla were simply too strong for their Granville & Districts Soccer Football Association counterparts Castle Hill United in the 2015 Puma Champion of Champions 16 Boys final. -By Matt Galea
Colo Triumph in tight affair
The final of the 16 Girls PUMA Champion of Champions tournament saw Colo SFC face off against Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC at Valentine Sports Park.
Both teams struggled to hold possession early on, with passes going astray. Colo had the first chance of the match when a free kick landed behind the defensive line, forcing the goalkeeper to sprint off her line to shut down the play.
The Strikers attack looked the most settled in the first half as they started to string passes together, with Allen controlling the tempo well.
In the middle of the half, a free kick awarded to the Strikers was taken quickly and looked to have caught the defense napping, however some scrambling efforts from Matthews saw the ball out.
A long throw-in by Matthews down the sideline forced the Strikers into conceding a corner. The ball was crossed in well, with the shot by Pelle was hit hard but straight to the keeper.
At the break, both teams were still yet to score.
At the start of the second half, a fantastic low shot by Deal looked to be heading to the back of the net but a good dive by Colo’s goalkeeper Tarlington kept the ball out.
The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when a Colo through-ball found its mark. Blanch went on a run down the right wing and executed her shot beautifully into the bottom left corner.
Despite being 1-0 down, the Strikers remained composed and had a chance to respond soon after when Colo conceded a free kick. Tarlingotn was again forced to make a great save, punching the ball away.
Colo’s defense seemed to be tiring late in the game, as the Strikers pushed their numbers deep into their attacking half.
The closing minutes saw Collaroy Cromer launch countless attacking raids, forcing the Colo defense to scramble. At one point, it appeared the Strikers had scored as the ball trickled towards an open goal. However a desperate diving save by Tarlington kept the ball out.
Despite injuring herself in the process, Tarlington soldiered on in goal and was ultimately the hero of her team’s 1-0 triumph.
Colo coach Ross Hardy said the PUMA Champion of Champions title was a deserving award for his team’s efforts. He said he told the girls to remain composed after a scoreless first half.
“At the time I considered us to be the better team. All we had to do was keep our game going, bring the ball down and we’d get the win. She [our goal-keeper] was awesome.”
Match Stats
Colo SFC 1 (Blanch 41’)
Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC 0
Sunday October 18 2015
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood
Referee: Stephanie Hilton
Assistant Referees: Isabella Libri & Samantha Perugini
Colo SFC: Tarlington, Martin, Hengst, Buccini, Reba, Pelle, Hardy, Taylor, McKerrell, Mantell, Hall, Blanchi, Price, Matthews
Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC: Small, Sym, Edmond, Tassone, Martin, Allen, Tisano, Moss, Deal, Henderson, Ashdown, Bombara, Frost, Huggins
-By Harry Easton
Three peat for West Pennant Hills
West Pennant Hills made it three Champion of Champions trophies in a row as the Gladesville Association team recorded a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Glenmore Park from the Nepean Association in 17’s final.
It was a nervous start from both teams with the first opportunity not coming till about the midway point of the first half. A teasing corner from William Salafia saw Ryan Fletcher rise highest in the box, only for his header to go just over.
Cody Rudd made a good run down the right, cutting the ball back for Braedy Milledge but his shot went high over the bar from the penalty spot.
Izaack Munoz was a standout for West Pennant Hills, consistently creating problems for the opposition defence.
With the second half coming to a close, Oliver Louw almost gave West Pennant Hills the lead. Quick feet on the edge of the box saw him create some space for a shot, only for the ball to clip the ball and go over.
Only minutes after the restart, West Pennant Hills struck the bar again. It was Louw at it for the second time, this time with his head as he rose well to smack the ball against the cross bar.
Andrew Zalunardo then whipped in a teasing ball into the box that saw Scott Williams rise highest to head home and give West Pennant Hills a valuable lead. It was well deserved with the boys in white dominating proceedings.
Each side then had chances to alter the scoreline but neither could find the back of the net as West Pennant Hills held on.
Match Stats
West Pennant Hills 1 (Williams)
Glenmore Park 0
Sunday October 18, 2015
Valentine Sports Park
Referee: Jock O’Hagan
Assistant Referees: Jamie Ewin & Joshua Sung
West Pennant Hills: 1. Berry, 2. Williams, 3. Louw, 4. Alec Merhab, 6. Schubert, 7. Unwin, 8. Zalunardo, 9. Beech, 10. Fanayan, 11. Lee, 12. Milledge, 13, Miyauchi, 14. Hughes, 17. Rudd, 52. Munoz.
Glenmore Park: 1. Winckle, 2. Saxby, 3. Franks, 4. Duff, 5. Edwards, 6. Fletcher, 7. McCrorie, 8. Salafia, 9. Auld, 10. Hamilton, 13. Haywood, 14. Busby, 16. McGee, 17. Ryan.
-By Nikola Pozder
It was a tense opening from both teams aimed to control possession but neither could get their foot on the ball.
Brooke Stevenson probed Kira Van Druten’s goal with seventh minute shot before it sailed wide.
Avalon SC found pockets to hold possession but they weren’t able to test Taylor Fenech between the sticks and were punished for it.
A well drifted in corner was clipped home smartly by Kiara Olivares to open the scoring for Narellan in the 16th minute.
It took a half hour for Fenech to be called into action after Ella Smith’s header was juggled acrobatically by the Narellan shot stopper.
Once again Avalon had two good opportunities to make it 1-all through Eliza McEwan and Ella Smith. Their efforts blazed high and Narellan were able to prosper.
Taylor Fenech punted a long ball for Shelby Wootton who judged it perfectly before she rasped a shot onto the bar and over the line for the 2-nil lead.
Despite being two goals down Avalon continued to fight for a route back into the contest through Emily McGain and Darcie Bentham tireless work to create space.
McGain had wheeled away celebrating after her 73rd minute effort aimed goal bound before Indianna Nelson intervened to claw it off the goal-line.
Bentham had similar luck in the 80th minute after a flicked corner almost nestled into the net but once again bounced out. Narellan saw out the last few moments to become 18 women’s champions.
Afterwards Terry Borland was happy to finally get over the hump.
“It capped off a good year for us – going undefeated and after several unsuccessful attempts, it was fantastic to win.” Added the Narellan Rangers SC boss.
Match Stats
Wakehurst FC take out Epic finale Doonside Hawks fly over Magpies
A goal either side of the break was enough for Blacktown District side Doonside Hawks to be crowned 21 Women Champion of Champions against the Miranda Magpies from the Sutherland Shire.
It was a real battle in midfield in this one with both the Magpies and Hawks fighting hard for the ball.
It was Demi Francis though who opened the scoring for the Hawks early in the first half with a calm finish from the edge of the area to put them 1-0 up.
The Magpies regathered and picked themselves up after going behind, creating a few half chances that they failed to convert into goals.
After the break Nina Jurisic showed she can hit a set piece, almost putting the Hawks further in front, only for her curling free kick to smack against the bar.
Jurisic was in the mood and probably should’ve put her side further ahead but Rachel Blanch made a great save for the Magpies.
Jurisic wouldn’t be denied for too much longer though, capitalising on a mistake from Blanch to tap home the ball and put the Hawks 2-0 up.
It was all Jurisic and she came close to getting her second but the ball came off the post from a header.
Match Stats
Miranda Magpies 0
Doonside Hawks 2 (Francis, Jurisic)
Sunday October 18, 2015
Valentine Sports Park
Referee: Anastasia Filacouridis
Assistant Referees: Yosemite Guilmeer & Stephanie Hayes
Miranda Magpies: 1. Blanch, 2. Mitchell, 3. Mulheron, 5. Robinson, 8. Perry, 9. Castell, 10. Newham, 16. Malvindi, 17. Brown, 19. Humphries, 20. Krough, 23. Elliot, 25. Guess, 26. Declauzel, 44. Silva, 60. McCool, 80. Sharp.
Doonside Hawks: 1. Ban, 2. Donovan, 3. Marshall, 4. Mamuk, 5. Zammit, 6. Francis, 7. Lombardo, 8. Dixon, 10. Jurisic, 11. Chessell, 14. Pirrello, 17. Lovric, 19. Harris, 22. Miller, 33. Thornton, 34. Brown.
-By Nikola Pozder
Polonia Rams taste finals success The Blacktown District Soccer Football Association champions were 1-0 down and struggling for answers to the Sutherland Shire Football Association who had taken an early lead through Micah Manion after just 12 minutes.
Manion broke the offside trap and drove the ball towards goal like a freight train before powering his finish home to get the final off to the best possible start for the Shire side. -By Matt Galea
Epping YMCA FC crowned All Age Women Champions
Epping YMCA were crowned All Age Women PUMA Champion of Champions in a tight clash with Brookvale FC, thanks to a wonder strike from Nicole Ridley.
For the most part, what was a narrow encounter became defined by superb defending from both sides. Certainly, the opening half saw very few chances created.
Brookvale’s Laura Euers stood out in the centre of defence, strong in the air and alert to cut out passing channels.
However, it would be Epping YMCA to have the most significant opportunity of the first half. In the fortieth minute, an optimistic cut back saw the ball fall at the feet of Michelle Reed unmarked in the goal box. With almost too much time on her hands, she lined up her shot before firing straight at Brookvale goalkeeper Davina Pye.
It took a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock. In the sixty second minute, Epping playmaker Nicole Ridley picked up the ball in space between the lines of Brookvale’s midfield and defence. Pushing into the space, Ridley looked up and fired a powerful shot from well over thirty five metres out. The ball glided over the hands of a stretching Davina Pye and into the back of the net.
Brookvale’s standout player in attack throughout the game was the quick and skillful Michelle Garnett. However, it would be Garnett to miss Brookvale’s best opportunity to equalise.
In the eighty fourth minute, Garnett burst past her defender and towards the Epping YMCA goal, with only goalkeeper Rebecca Bolton to beat. Bolton was quick off her line, and made herself big, smothering Garnett’s shot. The deflection floated towards Jemma Euers, however the Brookvale striker’s follow up effort flew agonizingly wide.
The game finished, with Nicole Ridley’s impressive effort the decisive factor in an otherwise evenly contested battle.
Match Stats
Epping YMCA FC 1 (Nicole Ridley 62’)
Brookvale FC 0
Sunday 18th October 2015
Valentine Sports Park Field 1, Glenwood
Referee: Carly Fuda
Assistant Referees: Jai Lee Talbot, Valentina Saric
Epping YMCA FC: 1. BOLTON Rebecca, 2. ZEROUNIAN Katherine, 3. LATHAM Madeline, 4. TIMMINS-SMITH Julia, 5. CORRINGHAM Melissa, 7. REED Michelle, 8. HENRY Kate, 9. PERRINS Rachael, 10. RIDLEY Nicole, 11. THOMPSON Alexandra, 12. KAVANAGH Shannon, 13. FLANNERY Zoi, 17. COLLINS Lisa, 18. KOSTER Brooke, 24. COC Sara, 25. LOPES Melanie, FARQUHAR Samantha, FABRO Katherine.
Brookevale FC: 1. PYE Davina, 2. EUERS Jemma, 3. VESCIO Daniella, 5. MURACE Patricia, 6. CONNELL Deirdre, 7. EUERS Laura, 9. SOUTHERN Jennie, 10. MUELLER-SEWELL Karina, 11. GARNETT Michelle, 12. CLAY Jordan, 14. FOSTER Gillian, 15. WATERS Bethany, 16. ALBON Tracey, 17. CIMINO Vanessa, 18. MURACE Diana, 19. NEWMAN Jade.
-By Daniel Palmer
Coogee United crowned All Age Men Champions
It was not always pretty, but none of the boys from Coogee United will care after taking out the 2015 Puma Champion of Champions All Age Men final.
The Eastern Suburbs Football Association outfit narrowly edged Sutherland Shire Football Association’s Lilli Pilli 2-1 in a gripping final that certainly was not for the feint hearted.
Over the course of the 90 minutes Coogee controlled the majority of the game, but Lilli Pilli arguably created the better chances from open play, and it did not take long for the Shire boys to open the scoring.
Jason Skyllas scored from close range as he ghosted in from the left wing following a stunning counter-attack down the right, zeroing in on the centre of the goal with perfect timing to finish a lovely move.
Coogee struggled to crate chances of similar vein in a hard-hitting contest that would have left its mark on the majority of players who took part in it.
Despite their general good play, Lilli Pilli ought to have made it 2-0 before the break when David Grogan forced a brilliant save from Coogee’s Richard Knell before the rebound fell to Skyllas whose fierce shot was blocked almost on the line.
A fired-up United side took to the field for the second half after the first period finished 1-0 and with Lilli Pilli seemingly happy to get numbers behind the ball and try and hit on the counter, Coogee was not afraid to send as many men forward as possible.
It was a tactic that paid instant dividends as Simon Lynn charged forward out of the defence and into the six-yard box to put the finishing touches on a gorgeous cross from Daniel Ferguson.
Not long after, Coogee was in the lead after Brian Keating rose highest to smash home a header at the near post, expertly delivered by Daniel Rayson.
The goal prompted a fierce response from Lilli Pilli as the two sides hammered each other at every opportunity.
With time ticking down, Lilli Pilli keeper Todd Sams strode forward to provide an extra threat for a late corner.
He remarkably won the header but sent it wide, with the referee blowing his final whistle minutes later to spark wild scenes from the Coogee bench.
Match Stats
Lilli Pilli 1 (Skyllas)
Coogee United 2 (Lynn, Keating)
Lilli Pilli: Todd Sams, Ty Murray, Brad Heffernan, Jordan Janic, Paul Skyllas, Alec Judd, James Gardner, Stephen Americanos, Justin Murray, Sean Thomas, Taylor Grogan, David Reid, Jason Skyllas, Robert White, Ben Smith, Josh Lansberry, Elliott Barsby, James Pearce
Coogee United: Richard Knell, Ryan Goodman, Mark Sheehan, Chris Korten, Brian Keating, Craig Hall, Kevin Kelly, Daniel Rayson, Marcel Smitt-Schneewind, James Holland, Daniel Ferguson, Simon Lynn, Daniel Pyke, Chris Lynch, Nic Maplestone, Jeff Skyes
-By Matt Galea
Marton FC prove too strong for Pittwater Buonavoglia wins it for Tigers
Gianpaulo Buonavoglia turned back the clock and scored the decisive only goal of the match in Golden Goal as Leichhardt Tigers FC defeated a spirit Narrabeen FC 1-0 in the final of the Over 35 PUMA Champion of Champions final at Valentine Sports Park.
Leichhardt Tigers FC’s PUMA Champion of Champions journey commenced courtesy of a 3-0 victory in the opening round over Milperra Lions.
Leichhardt Tigers then flexed their muscles in the quarter and semi-final stages with identical and methodical 5-1 victories, knocking out Gladesville Ravens and Glenwood Redbacks respectively on their way to claiming their place in the Final.
Narrabeen FC started the PUMA Champion of Champions by overcoming Como West Jannali 3-1 in the opening round, before completing a 2-0 victory in the quarter final over North Sydney United.
Narrabeen FC booked their place in the Final with a 3-0 triumph over Dunbar Rovers in the semi-final, setting up what promised to be a mouth-watering clash against the Leichhardt Tigers.
Leichhardt Tigers commenced the match in confident mood, spraying the ball around at will whilst Narrabeen were happy enough to absorb and guard their goal mouth.
Leichhardt’s Raphael Bove was the first to test the shooting range, his 25 yard rifle pushed around the post by Narrabeen’s ever alert custodian, Martin Beesley.
A hopeful ball in behind the Narrabeen defence in the 17th minute was seized upon by the darting Johnny Buonavoglia, and the ex-A League striker lobbed Beesley from outside the box, only to see the ball bounce inches agonisingly wide of the left hand upright.
Narrabeen’s first effort on goal arrived in the 21st minute, Milan Romic controlling the ball before cracking a half volley wide of the mark from all of 25 yards.
The team from the Manly Association were at it again just five minutes later, a through ball slipped in to the path of striker, Peter Kountouris, but Leichhardt’s Daniel Ucchino produced a superb sliding tackle to thwart the danger just as the trigger was about to be pulled.
The Tiger’s defence was solid as a unit, Carl Modena and George Vavdinos out wide always looking to support in attack, whilst Daniel Ucchino and Anthony Trieste worked as a pair to eliminate any danger down the middle.
Both sides were looking to their diminutive pocket dynamos on their respective left flanks – Johnny Buonavoglia making some in roads in attack for Leichhardt, whilst Anthony Surace was jinking down the wing for Narrabeen and starting to get some dangerous crosses in to the Tigers’ box.
On the half hour, Leichhardt’s Carlos Gonzalez split the Narrabeen defence with a weighted pass for substitute, Jason Lucia, to run onto – his angled shot well saved by Beesley in the Narrabeen goal.
The Tigers continued to lift the tempo going in to half time, with Gonzalez at it once more on 32 minutes, his through pass finding Buonavoglia, who squared early to Lorenzo Merlino, the big striker’s pressured strike flashing inches wide of the Narrabeen goal post.
Narrabeen responded on 40 minutes, almost taking the lead against the run of play.
A series of short swift passes in and around the left hand side of the Tiger’s penalty area resulted in the ball reaching the feet of striker Michael Williams. Williams controlled the leather, then swiveled on a six pence, before sliding his shot past Leichhardt goalkeeper Justin Delaney. Alas for Narrabeen, the ball rolled centimetres wide of the Leichhardt goal.
There was time for one more opportunity before half time, and it fell to the Tigers. Patient build up from right to left resulted in the ball being played to the feet of the unmarked Raphael Bove just on the edge of the left hand corner of the penalty area. Bove took a touch before curling a brilliant shot towards the far top corner, only to see Narrabeen’s Martin Beesley produce an equally brilliant finger-tip save to keep the first half scoreless.
A subdued start to the second half was broken when Leichhardt’s Robert Pirreca found himself alone in front of goal in the 58th minute, but he skied his shot, much to the agony of the Tiger bench.
Even though Leichhardt Tigers had dominated possession, the scoreboard is what counts, and the longer the match went, you could sense Narrabeen starting to grow in belief.
Narrabeen’s Michael Williams could not have come closer to a goal in the 68th minute.
Williams raced on to a long pass down the left flank. Taking control of the ball, he cut inside a defender before unleashing a cracking drive that had Leichhardt’s keeper, Justin Delaney, beaten all ends up, only for the ball to cannon off the outside of the right hand upright.
One piece of woodwork cancelled out another, when in the 75th minute, Leichhardt’s Raphael Bove caressed a free kick from all of twenty yards, the ball smacking against the top of the cross bar with Narrabeen’s Beesley also beaten all ends up.
Tired legs and frustration started to creep in towards the final ten minutes of the match, and it was in fact Narrabeen that could’ve and should’ve snatched the victory with two gilt edged opportunities.
In the 82nd minute, Peter Kountouris found himself right in front of the Leichhardt goal just inside the penalty area as a pass was squared across goal, but he sliced his hurried shot well wide of the mark. A minute later, it was the turn of James Aschner from an identical position, except his effort sailed over the Tiger’s crossbar after a superb run and cut back by Michael Williams.
So it was to extra time for the season finale, and we didn’t have to wait too long for the golden goal.
Five minutes in, however, Narrabeen had conjured up the first opportunity, when a long cross from the right flank reached Anthony Surace at the back stick, his first time volley hit too straight and Leichhardt’s goalkeeper, Justin Delaney, produced a tense but rudimentary save.
Within a minute Leichhardt conjured up their first chance of extra time, and the match was over.
A short through pass on the left hand side of the Narrabeen penalty area was seized upon by Robbie Pirreca, who did well to evade a challenge before cutting the ball back towards the penalty spot.
The burly figure of Daniel Totaro would’ve been excused for shooting first time, yet he had the presence of mind to back heel the ball in to the path of Johnny Buonavoglia, who expertly slipped his shot first time past Narrabeen’s helpless keeper, Martin Beesley, the ball nestling in to the net off the inside of the post.
Pandemonium broke out as the bench erupted on to the pitch, Leichhardt Tigers clinching the PUMA Champion of Champions title in dramatic fashion to go with their other triumphs of 2015 – the Premiership and Championship double in the Canterbury Association, as well as NSW State Cup, remaining undefeated in 2015.
Narrabeen FC should be extremely proud of their efforts, and with a bit of lady luck, could well have taken the spoils within the 90 minutes of this tense final.
Anthony Surace was effective down the left flank, weaving in and out of challenges whilst sending over some dangerous crosses; Martin Beesley was a hero in the Narrabeen goal, some brilliant saves keeping his team in the match and sending the clash in to extra time ; whilst Michael Williams was a threat all day in attack, working tirelessly without the reward of a goal.
Leichhardt Tigers remarkable season came to an enthralling climax this evening, the team undefeated over the course of almost 30 competitive matches in 2015 ending with an extra time victory in the biggest match of them all.
Anthony Trieste and Daniel Ucchino were solid and composed in the centre of defence; Raphael Bove was a puppeteer in the centre of the park, pulling the strings as he linked with the defence and attack alike, supported by Salvatore Peter La Rocca ; and Johnny Buonavoglia was a menace during the entire match, darting and jinking as he created space and opportunities, and was inevitably the ‘go to’ man when his team needed it most, to clinch the match and title with his extra time winner.
Match Stats
Sunday, October 18
Valentine Sports Park 2
Leichhardt Tigers FC 1 (Gianpaolo BUONAVOGLIA 96’)
Narrabeen FC 0
(after golden goal extra time, scores were locked at 0-0 at fulltime)
LEICHHARDT TIGERS FC: 1.Justin DELANEY, 3.Jose-Luis SOARES, 4.Anthony TRIESTE, 5.Raphael BOVE, 6.George VAVDINOS, 7.Carl MODENA, 8.Lorenzo MERLINO, 9.Daniel TOTARO, 10.Gianpaolo BUONAVOGLIA, 11.Paul PIZZATA, 13.Jem RICHARDSON, 14.Carlos GONZALEZ, 17.Robert PIRRECA, 18.Saso PASKOSKI, 20.Allen CETINIC, 21.Salvatore Peter LA ROCCA, 22.Jason LUCIA, 23.Daniel UCCHINO.
NARRABEEN FC: 1.Martin BEESLEY, 2.Milan ROMIC, 3.Luke CARRIER, 4.David NEJEDLY, 6.David JENKINS, 7.Russell CLARK, 9.Peter KOUNTOURIS, 10.Klaus LEJON, 12.Zlatan IVANKOVIC, 13.Christian MARTIN, 14.Gregory WALLEY, 15.Anthony SURACE, 25.James ASCHNER, 61.Joseph PASCUZZO, 70.Frank CHIRILLO, 80.Michael WILLIAMS.
Pagewood crowned Over 45s Champions
With the sun setting on what was a stormy Friday evening, North Rocks SFC faced Pagewood Botany FC in the Over 45s PUMA Champion of Champions final.
The first shot on target came by way of Pagewood’s Marks Skanij, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside of the box.
The North Rocks goalkeeper fumbled the ball, but his defence came to the rescue.
Only moments later, Skanij again came close to opening the scoring, with the ball laid off to him on the edge of the box.
The dynamic midfielder sent his shot agonisingly high of the crossbar.
North Rocks competed well in midfield throughout the first half, and enjoyed large spells of possession?
However, they struggled to convert these into attempts on goal.
The two sides went into halftime on even terms, with both sets of defence performing admirably.
Pagewood started the second half in a second gear and threatened to score from four significant chances in just the first five minutes. North Rocks were able to hold on by the skin of their teeth, but struggled to get the ball out of their own half.
Emerging from the early pressure, North Rocks almost scored from their first venture into enemy territory.
A smart corner found Malcolm Butt at the back post? his header was cleared off the line and the rebound unable to be turned in by Carlos Sosa.
Pagewood kept coming and eventually claimed a deserved lead in the fifty seventh minute. Stephen Downey was played through superbly into the box, where he rounded the keeper and slot home the first goal of the game.
Only a couple of minutes later, Downey almost had a second? threaded through magnificently by Skanij, only to shoot over the crossbar.
With Pagewood averaging more than a shot per minute for the first fifteen of the second half, North Rocks threatened to collapse.
Pagewood doubled their lead in the seventieth minute. A cross towards the penalty spot was cleared only as far as Gonny Awrnej on the edge of the box, who powered it into the back of the net.
North Rocks’ best chance back into the game came in the eightieth minute. A superbly placed cross from Christopher Ward found a leaping Javier Calvar, but the midfielder headed over.
The game finished with Pagewood Botany FC the deserved winners
Match Stats
North Rocks SFC 0
Pagewood Botany FC 2 (Stephen Downey 57’ Gonny Awrnej 70’)
Friday 6 November, 2015
Valentine Sports Park
North Rocks SFC: 19. Claudio Alcaino, 2. George Allebi, 14. Mark Black, 12. Javier Calvar, 10. Stewart Cocking, 18. Frank Cisanto, 17. John Faniis, 16. Manuel Ferreira, 8. Vyekoslav Kasalo, 11. Carlos Sosa, 7. Christopher Ward, 18. Malcom Butt, 4. Bill Georgaklis, 1. Antonio Oliviera, 20. Carlos Oliveira, 6. John Oliveira.
Pagewood Botany FC: 17. Marks Skanij, 15. Stephen Downing, 16. Darren Chippendale, 9. Jim Reilly, 20. Christian Ortiz, 6. Zayn Jebnnia, 11. Maldini Butt, 4. Gonny Awrnej, 12. David ooken, 14. Joe Crwtn, 21. Stoven Luwsy, 2. David Shaddock, 8. Sam Montoufuh.
-by Daniel Palmer
Official Results:
12 Boys – Castle Hill United (Granville) 1 v Forest Killarney FC (Manly) 1 (Castle Hill United won 4-2)
12 Girls – Hornsby Heights (Northern Suburbs) 2 v Camden Tigers (Macarthur) 0
13 Boys – Connells Point (St George) 4 v AC United (Southern Districts) 0
14 Boys – Auburn District (Granville) 0 v Mt Pritchard (Southern Districts) 1
14 Girls – Kellyville Kolts (Granville) 2 v Shellharbour (Football South Coast) 1
15 Boys – Arncliffe Aurora (St George) 3 v AC United (Southern Districts) 1
16 Girls – Colo (Nepean) 1 v Collaroy Cromer Strikers (Manly) 0
16 Boys – Castle Hill United (Granville) 0 v Port Kembla (Football South Coast) 4
17 Boys – West Pennant Hills (Gladesville) 1 v Glenmore Park (Nepean) 0
18 Women – Avalon SC (Manly) 0 v Narellan Rangers (Macarthur) 2
18 Men – Connells Point (Canterbury) 1 v Wakehurst FC (Manly) 2
21 Women – Miranda Magpies (Sutherland) 0 v Doonside Hawks (Blacktown) 2
21 Mens – Polonia Rams (Blacktown) 3 v Lilli Pilli (Sutherland) 1
All Age Women – Epping YMCA (North West Sydney Womens) 1 v Brookvale FC (Manly) 0
All Age Men – Lilli Pilli (Sutherland) 1 v Coogee United (Eastern Suburbs) 2
Over 35 Men – Leichhardt Tigers (Canterbury) 1 v Narrabeen FC (Manly) 0
Over 30 Women – Pittwater FC (Manly) 1 v Marton SC (Sutherland) 4
Over 45 Men – North Rocks (Granville) 0 v Pagewood Botany (Eastern Suburbs) 2
Castle Hill United 1 (Knez)
Forest Killarney FC 1 (McGarr)
Castle Hill United won 4-3 on penalties
Castle Hill United: Ronin Dodds, Nicholas Chappell, Chase Gilmour, Christian Abal, Noah Jackson, James Urquhart, Timothy Ramisch, Toby Stewart, Hayden Attard, Thomas Knez, Todd Baker, Darcy Brettle, Jesse Stokes
Forest Killarney FC: Brody Nicol, Ashton Sammons, Massimo Vescio, Matthew Andrews, Matthew Brannan, Christian Wells, Will McGarr, Corban Eriksson, Damon Panetta, Alex Hart, Thomas Hanley, Christian Kaoutal, Joe Campbell-Smith, Kevin Charter, Christopher Guerrera, Max Marshall, Cooper Martin, Baden Ritchie
-By Matt Galea
Hat-trick Hero Poulos lifts Rovers to victory
The Kellyville Kolts showed great determination to defeat Shellharbour JFC in the 14s Girls PUMA Champions of Champions, coming from behind to win thanks to two goals from Holly McNamara.
Shellharbour were the sharper of the two sides in the opening period of play, and were able to take advantage of their strong start with a goal in the ninth minute.
Shellharbour playmaker Cristina Barraza showed great agility to wriggle her way into space just past the halfway line, before playing a superb lofted through ball over the top of the Kellyville back four. Winger Emily Quinn burst on to the ball with lightning pace, and had plenty of time to beat the keeper.
As the half progressed, Kellyville struggled to find an equaliser but did not give up.
Eventually they were rewarded for their determination, scoring only minutes before half time.
Some individual brilliance from Tamsin Buchanan initiated the play, using her speed and strength to burst down the right wing, leaving her marking winger and then fullback behind. Reaching the touchline, Buchanan smartly cut the ball back towards striker Holly McNamara on the penalty spot. McNamara took a superb first touch across her body, before burying the ball into the back of the net.
Shellharbour had the opportunity to equalise almost immediately, when Cristina Barraza was brought down on the edge of the box. Her resulting freekick took a deflection, before being cleared off the line by the Kolts defence.
However, in the forty fifth minute, Kellyville found what would eventually be the winning goal. A quick throw in from the Kolts caught the Shellharbour defence off guard. Holly McNamara picked up the ball inside the box and skilfully skipped past goalkeeper Rosie Hardie, slotting the ball calmly into the open net.
Match Stats
Kellyville Kolts SC 2 (McNamara 28’, 45’)
Shellharbour JFC 1 (Emily Quinn 9’)
Sunday 18th October 2015
Valentine Sports Park Field 1, Glenwood
Referee: Cailyn Loveday
Assistant Referees: Rhani Walker, Tiarne Walker
Kellyville Kolts SC: 1. DAVIDSON Emma, 2. TALLON Leah, 3. LANE Imogen, 4. BUCHANAN Tamsin, 5. NESTOROVIC Mia, 6. DAVIES Kate, 7. BUCHANAN Kaiya, 8. SCHLYDER Alyssa, 9. ROJIC Natalie, 10. MCNAMARA Holly, 11. VALLE Gabriella, 12. HANSEN Janie, HOGAN Bianca, 14. GRIFFITHS Chelsea, 15. GEDNY Gabrielle.
Shellharbour JFC: 1. HARDIE Rosie, 2. VEZINIAS Kirsty, 3. SMITH Chloe, 4. TRPENOVSKI Brianna, 5. QUINTAL Kieara, 6. DRAKE Kiara, 7. QUINN Emily, 8. FREEMAN Ebony, 10. BARRAZA Cristina, 11. SPITERI Olivia, 12. STALKER Zoe, 13. STACEY Jessica, 15. HART Zali, 31. TILOCCA Sofia.
-By Daniel Palmer
Port Kembla proved the dominant side in a rather one-sided contest, despite the best efforts of Castle Hill, which enjoyed some good periods of play but not on a consistent enough basis to trouble the opposition.
Set-pieces proved Castle Hill’s kryptonite early on, as Port Kembla shot to a 2-0 lead in the opening 25 minutes courtesy of two stunning finishes from dead ball situations.
The first came through a towering header from Rene Vescio who did well to lose his marker and rose highest to nod home at the near post after just eight minutes.
By the 25th minute it was 2-0 thanks to a stunning half-volley on the turn from James Pallone after Port Kembla had won another free kick out wide.
Port Kembla was not short of chances to go even further ahead for the remainder of the half but failed to score from some very good opportunities.
With the score stuck at 2-0 at half-time, Castle Hill United was not out of the game by any means and United would return from the break a much better side.
With greater possession, thanks to some solid work from Luke Armstrong and Chase Stewart, United looked to trouble Port Kembla but failed to create many chances of note.
At the other end, Port Kembla was quick to add to its tally when Emmanuel Kamara made it 3-0 just 10 minutes into the second half.
As the game reached a predictable conclusion, Emanuel Hondroudakis won a deserved penalty as his dazzling footwork finally got the better of the Castle Hill defence, and he made no mistake in converting the penalty to seal the win and the title for his side.
Match Stats
Castle Hill United 0
Port Kembla 4 (Vescio 8’, Pallone 25’, Kamara 55’, Hondroudakis 60’)
Castle Hill United: Joel Baker, Benjamin Winiarski, Adrian Morelli, Joel Drinkwater, Luke Chessa, Max Mackenzie, Jac Northam, Branden Corcoran, Chase Stewart, Ki-Shon Steyn, Luke Armstrong, Mason Ackling, Dominic Van Gestel, Ryan Khagawa, Andrew Rimac, Luca Cristiano
Port Kembla JFC: Zak Bedelovski, Jonah Kalmanidis, Tyen Maclou, Julian Di Stefano, Rene Vescio, Emanuel Hondroudakis, Johnny Vicoroski, Ryan Akhurst, Daniel Picciolini, Elisseo Chiodi, James Pallone, Casey Graham, Emmanuelle Kamara, Aidan Gallo
Narellan Rangers outlast Avalon SC
Narellan Rangers SC struck twice in the first half to record their first Champions of Champions win for 18 women.
Avalon SC 0
Narellan Rangers SC 2 (Olivares ’16 and Wootton ’35)
Referee: Maggie Humphreys
Assistant Referees: Hayley Bird and Naomi Smith
Avalon SC: Van Druten, McEwan, Shepherd, Coleman, Frew, G. Hyde, Dunbar, Johnson, Bentham, Frost, Smith, Dent, McGain, Phillips, Harrison and Klemes
Narellan Rangers SC: Shipley, Stevenson, Nelson, Southwell, Jackson, Borland, Claydon, Rockliff, Wootton, Olivares, Bance, Ferguson, McLean, Robertson, Rao and Fenech
-By Justin Davies
Wakehurst FC triumphed in an epic 18 Men’s final, thanks to an extra time goal from Jordan White.
The Manly-Warringah Association side started the brighter of the sides with some speculative efforts at goal to test Joshua Saleh.
In a tense game, it was a set-piece which delivered the goods. Wakehurst’s free-kick deflected off the wall and into James Spicer’s stride for the composed finish.
Connells Point FC worked their way into the contest with some nice passing but weren’t able to force Joseph Springfield into any work.
Wakehurst FC continued to thread balls through for Matthew Stirrat on the wing which proved a constant threat for Connells Point.
Once again the set piece delivered in this contest – for Connell’s Point. A free-kick was flighted in, spilled by Springfield for Kallie Bangura to profit.
Chances were sparse in the final half hour as both teams stretched to their limit, for the win within the 90 minutes.
Jeremy Ord had the best chance for Wakehurst when his free-kick was touched onto the bar by a flying Saleh.
For Connells – it was Anthony “Zlatan” Angelillo in the dying embers of the game. He was free in the box but couldn’t place his shot beyond the custodian. So it was off to extra time.
With both teams tired, the game opened up and just two minutes into extra time Morlai Kamara had the chance to win it but spurned it wide.
Wakehurst were able to capitalise – a corner in the first half of extra time found Jordan White’s head to cue wild celebrations.
Afterwards Coach Maurice Springfield enjoyed getting one over his friend.
“This is what park football is all about. It was always going to be a tough game between two coaches that are friends but finally, Wakehurst are the Champions of Champions,” said the Wakehurst FC boss.
Match Stats
Connells Point 1 (Bangura)
Wakehurst FC 2 (Spicer and White)
Referee: Amol Verma Assistant Referees: Chris Pullen and Sunil Kim
Connells Point: Saleh, Morlai Kamara, Moussawel, Mark Kamara, Alpha Kamara, Bangura, Michaels, Ianni, Angelillo, Conteh, Abdul Kamara, Marassa, Macarounas, Giourtoumas and Atai
Wakehurst FC: Springfield, Rickard, Almond, Albert, Marnoch, Lombardo, McGinley, Spicer, Garness, Alessi, Ord, Stirrat, Jewell, Dick, Domanski and White
-By Justin Davies
A penalty and two red cards in the space of three minutes turned the 2015 Puma Champion of Champions 21’s final between Lilli Pilli and Polonia Rams on its head.
Goal aside, the first half proved a pretty even contest as both sides racked up the yellow cards with tackles flying in all over the ground.
Jordan O’Keefe was a handful for the Lilli Pilli defence but was marshalled well by the boys at the back, while the same could be said for Polonia’s defenders who did a good job restricting Manion after his goal.
The second half continued in much the same vein, but Polonia looked to grow in stature as the match wore on.
Lilli Pilli became more desperate in defence as it tried to keep the Rams at bay, eventually culminating in a number of late tackles which saw the Sutherland side pick up a number of yellow cards.
Polonia’s break came midway through the half when the referee awarded a penalty for handball, allowing Reesen Pillai to step up and cooly slot home the equaliser.
Seconds later, Lilli Pilli’s Mitchell Rutar was sent off for a second bookable offence after a terrible tackle on Krishneel Reddy.
Jordon Beazley suffered the same fate when another late tackle earned him a second yellow card and reduced the team to nine men.
Polonia ruthlessly exploited their advantage through O’Keefe, when a long ball found the lone striker who brilliantly headed the ball to himself and finished emphatically.
Lilli Pilli responded bravely and played well with nine men, but eventually the numbers game told and the Rams sealed the win with the last kick of the day when Reddy finished coolly to ensure the Rams won the day.
Match Stats
Polonia Rams 3 (Pillai, O’Keefe, Reddy)
Lilli Pilli 1 (Manion)
Polonia Rams: Truman Tere, Connor Giannacopoulos, Blake Camilleri, Kyan Corte Real-Rosa, Jacob Mojsa, Reesen Pillai, Zachery Walker, Emir Kapetanovic, Jordan O’Keefe, Ethan Neves, Kishan Vellappan, Mohamed Sllah, Krishneel Reddy, Aiden Mantouroglou.
Lilli Pilli: Elliot Ofori, Jerome Manion, Mitchell Rutar, Jordon Beazley, Thomas Matthews, Fabio Carvalho, James Eccleston, Micah Manion, Kurt Pepper, Paul Fenech, Michael Metros, Jake Smith, Brandon Paul, Luke McCosker, Sheldon Fisher
Sutherland Associations Marton FC proved to be too strong to beat as they came away with the Over 30 PUMA Champion of Champions title defeating Manly Warringah’s Pittwater FC 4-1 at Valentine Sports Park.
Pittwater FC’s PUMA Champion of Champions journey commenced courtesy of a bye in the opening round, before accounting for Tarrawanna 4-3 in a closely fought encounter in the quarter final.
Pittwater FC then trounced Kellyville 7-0 at the semi-final stage to claim their place in the Final.
Marton FC also started their PUMA Champion of Champions journey with a first round bye, before annihilating Riverstone Schofields 9-1 at Kareela Oval in the quarter final.
Marton FC then North Sydney United 3-0 in the semi-final to booked their place in the Final against Pittwater FC.
The Final started with a real bang as both sides traded goals within the first ten minutes.
Marton FC scored first via the penalty spot, Elisa Stewart netting to put the team from the Shire in to the lead.
Pittwater FC only had to wait three minutes to equalise, Jarka Rey slotting home after a long run from close to the halfway line.
Stewart was causing the Pittwater defence all kinds of problems with her pace, and on 17 minutes went close to putting her team in front, her shot racing across the face of the goal after she had made a weaving run down the right flank.
Four minutes later and Stewart was at it again, intercepting a Pittwater back pass, the ball taking her wide before her cross was cleared by a Pittwater defender.
Katrina Faulkner was next to go close for Marton, a shot from the corner of the penalty area by the tall number nine on 27 minutes was well saved by Pittwater’s goal keeper, Monica Lerpiniere.
Faulkner was not to be denied, and after collecting a clearance from Lerpiniere well outside the penalty area in the 29th minute, she struck a low shot that squeezed through the crowd and inside the far left upright to give Marton a 2-1 lead at the break.
Pittwater did threaten that lead before half time, however, when Jarka Rey made a run down the right wing before cracking an angled shot at goal, Joanne Rogers parrying well in the Marton goal.
The resultant corner found its way to Rey once more, but this time her low shot was cleared off the line.
The second half came to life in the 48th minute, when Jarka Rey and Sarah Beckett exchanged passes for Pittwater before the latter’s point blank shot was bravely saved by Marton’s Joanne Rogers.
It was back up the other end in the 53rd minute, with Marton’s Katrina Faulkner letting fly from outside the penalty area, her looping shot brilliantly tipped over by the retreating Pittwater shot stopper, Monica Lerpiniere.
The match was over for all money in the 57th minute, when Marton’s ever alert Elisa Stewart seized upon a loose clearance, slotting home in to an empty net from the edge of the Pittwater penalty area.
Both teams must be congratulated for the spirit in which the match was played, an excellent advocate for women’s football as Marton FC collected the coveted 2015 PUMA Champion of Champions title in the Over 30 Women category.
Match Stats
Sunday, October 18
Valentine Sports Park 3
Over 30 Women
Pittwater FC 1 (Jarka REY 8’)
Marton FC 4 (Elisa STEWART pen. 5’ / 57’, Katrina FAULKNER 29’)
PITTWATER FC: 1.Monica LERPINIERE, 2.Ingrid AMBROSIUS, 3.Victoria VAN DYK, 5. Jeanette O’NEILL, 6.Tiffini PERRIN, 7.Angelica BILIBIO, 8.Stacey BEER, 9.Michelle NORTON, 10.Jarka REY, 11.Christina VANZINO, 12.Tracey TETLOW, 13.Sharon LEIFER, 14.Davina FARRELL, 15.Sara BECKETT, 16.Anne GRAHAM, 17.Karen BURNS.
MARTON FC: 1.Joanne ROGERS, 2.Kylie GANDY, 3.April JONES, 6.Megan LAVENDER, 7.Amanda DUNCAN, 9.Katrina FAULKNER, 10.Jennifer DOSSETTO, 11.Simone COTTRELL-DORMER, 13.Jeanine PAYNE, 14.Kellie OATES, 17.Jill DANES, 18.Elisa STEWART, 20.Leah SPELTA, 21.Louise VANDERGRAAF, 25.Tracey KIRKLAND.
