NSW crowned National Paralympic 7-a-side Champions
The New South Wales Paralympic Football State team won their ninth successive national title over the weekend beating staunch rivals Victoria 1-0 in a narrow Grand Final victory on Sunday at Valentine Sports Park.
Ian Menzies’ men having drawn 1-1 and beaten Victoria 7-3 in the round games, were looking to cement their dominance in the Championship with a gold medal win.
The final itself was played at a frenetic pace but neither team were able to break the deadlock as the match ended scoreless at the half time break.
The action continued in the second half and Victoria almost snatched the lead when Pararoos striker Ben Roche was given a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he went one on one with NSW keeper Ben Sutton – but the attacker failed to finish off the chance.
NSW slowly peppered the Victorian backline but it was current Pararoos star Ben Atkins who hit a fantastic 25-metre left foot power driver that settled the match in favour of the Sky Blues outfit.
NSW captain Chris Pyne paid tribute to his squad and stated that the Championships continued to develop and prosper with fantastic action on display at Valentine Sports Park.
“It’s been a tough four days with the other states continuously getting stronger with plenty of youth stars pushing up the standard of these Championships.
“You could tell that year upon year, the standard improves and these championships showcased that.
“Our boys never gave and were rewarded their thirteenth national title win.”
Football NSW would like to thank the tournament staff, Spot on Video and Tony Tannous for live streaming the final as well as the NSW Government and its valued sponsors who threw its support behind the National Paralympic 7-A-Side Football Championships.
NSW Championships Results
Day 1
NSW 1 – 1 Victoria
NSW 8 – 1 Western Australia
Day 2
NSW 10 – 2 Capital Football
NSW 7 – 3 Victoria
Day 3
NSW 12 – 0 Capital Football
NSW 2 – 2 Western Australia
Day 4
Gold Medal Grand Final Match
NSW 1 – 0 Victoria
