2022 Champion of Champions Match Reports
The 52nd Football NSW’s Champion of Champions finals were played at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday 23rd of October with nineteen highly entertaining matches that rocked the state governing body’s headquarters.
The ‘Home’ of Football in NSW 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 that proved to be a hit with players, managers as well as the referees and officials on the day.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions, the 2022 Champion of Champions instalment was alive and well albeit in tough conditions thanks to Sydney’s bipolar Spring conditions.
Northern Suburbs FA and the Sutherland Shire FA both took out 4 titles while Football South Coast, thanks to Shellharbour JFC’s clean sweep took out 3.
There were Cup wins for St George FA (2) Manly FA (2), Canterbury District SFA (1) Hills FA (1), Macarthur FA (1) and Eastern Suburbs FA (1).
Let’s get to the official match reports.
12 Boys
Mount Colah FC 2 vs Horsley Park United 0
Mount Colah has clinched the Under 12 Boys Champions of Champions trophy with an impressive, clinical display.
Horsley Park began the match strongly, dominating possession in the early stages, as green sat back well to allow light blue to play themselves into opportunities.
Despite having less of the ball, Mount Colah remained dangerous on transitions, and on a lightning counterattack, Christopher Hooker opened the scoring at Valentine Sports Park.
The midfielder made a run in behind and was found by Nicholas Middleton, before converting clinically with a guided finish into the bottom right corner.
Horsley went close to equalising – Jaden Reid took a positive first touch to find himself behind, but he could not convert as a dinked finish drifted wide of the near post.
Horsley continued to control the ball and put in several dangerous crosses, but Judah Louie remained solid and made some impressive catches and saves.
Early in the second half, a well-worked move from Horsley saw Zachary Bivona find himself in behind, but Louie made another impressive save in the one-on-one.
However, Colah showed their ability on counterattacks once more, as they doubled their lead.
Tommy King pressed well and latched onto a loose ball, before running in behind, rounding the goalkeeper with composure and converting to give Colah a second goal.
Horsley hit the post as through Jonah West as they remained in search of an equaliser, with their impressive possession-based football just not being rewarded with a goal.
Colah goalkeeper Judah Louie continued to impress, making two stunning saves in the space of a minute off goal bound efforts to deny Horsley from finding a way back into the match.
Match Stats
Mount Colah FC 2 (Christopher Hooker 6’, Tommy King 31’) vs Horsley Park United 0
Mount Colah FC: Judah Louie, Noah Green, Oliver Rossington, Josef Stransky, Isaac O’Hehir, Oliver Bakker, Cameron Hooker, Sam Ogier, Nicholas Middleton, Christopher Hooker, Zian Xu, Alexander Bush, Ziping Zhuang, Tashi Ra, Jacob Hackett, Tommy King
Horsley Park United: Mason Tasi, Alessandro Dandolo, Jonah West, Isaac D’Costa, Michael Furjanic, Jaden Reid, Vita Fazio, Zachary Bivona, Rane Tu, Micah Camilleri, Michael Cullen, Deon Muscat, Jayden Awad, Vincenzo Bagiante
12 Girls
Rockdale City Suns 1
Terrigal United 0
Rockdale City Suns FC were crowned 12 Girls Champions in their tight 1-0 win against Terrigal United FC on Sunday morning at Valentine Sports Park.
The Suns started brightly with the first chance of the contest when Leahana Kotevski tested the keeper with her shot saved well.
Next it was Genevieve Estmore who tried to find the opening goal, but she looped her effort straight at the Terrigal United FC keeper.
It was a tight contest but the linkup between Sophie Spasevski and Estmore clicked into gear with the latter cut it back for Spasevski to fire straight.
Rockdale City Suns FC were rewarded for their dominance with the opening goal just before half-time. It was a low shot from Estmore which rolled into the net for 1-0.
Right after half-time, Rockdale continued to push forward for another goal. Angelina Antonopoulos weaved through the Terrigal defence but fizzed wide of the mark.
Terrigal worked hard to find their way back into the contest and pushed further up the pitch but were unable to test the keeper much in the game.
Their best effort came when Kit Purnell roamed wide on the right side of the pitch then tried to produce a cutback which evaded everyone and was taken by the Suns keeper.
Rockdale City Suns FC were not content to sit on their single goal lead and pushed forward looking to seal the game. Isabella Prentoski tried an effort from range which went straight at the keeper.
Headed into the final stages, both sides tried their best to find the last attack of the game, but Rockdale City Suns were able to see out the game and were crowned 12 Girls champions.
Match Stats
Rockdale City Suns FC 1 (Estmore ‘21)
Terrigal United FC 0
Rockdale City Suns FC: 1 GALBRAITH Harriet 3 DAEHN COHEN Giselle 6 AJJAKA Ava 8 ESTMORE Genevieve 9 ANTONOPOULOS Angelina 10 SABOISKY Petra 11 BOZINOVSKI Zara 13 PRENTOSKI Isabella 16 LIMBERIS Paige 17 KOTEVSKI Leahana 19 KOKALEVSKA Milla 24 KOKALEVSKA Kayla 26 SPASEVSKI Sophie 63 PEARDON Mila
Terrigal United FC: 2 EAKIN Alberta 3 NICHOLLS Sophie 4 ELLIS Aymee 5 KELLY Kate 6 POWELL Eva 7 CURTIS Gemma 8 MORRISON Kiani 9 WALKER Nellie 10 MCLOUGHLIN Lara 11 CLAYTON Lily 12 ISAACS Sidonia 13 BROWN Ruth 14 PURNELL Kit 15 WHITWORTH Amara 17 ANG Leni
13 Boys
Castle Hills RSL Rockets 2
Balgownie Rangers 1
The Castle Hill RSL Rockets have come from a goal down to claim the Under-13’s Champions of Champions title in a 2-1 win against Balgownie Rangers.
The Rockets almost got off the perfect start with Charlie Kassis’ long-range freekick needing to be parried away by Tristian Pradhitama in the Rangers’ goal. The side continued to put Balgownie under pressure early, but the Football South Coast side remained sturdy at the back.
The Rangers had a chance of their own just before the 10-minute mark. Oliver Smede’s left-sided freekick meeting the head of Samuel Burke in the middle; however, directing his effort over the bar. Balgownie winger Smede was also looking dangerous throughout the first half nearly weaving his way down the left a few times.
The teams were unable to be separated at halftime despite chances both ways.
The Rangers flew out of the blocks for the second half applying a high press and nicking the ball on the edge of the Rockets’ box. From there, Luke Green slipped the ball into the left of the box for Smede who slotted a sharp finish into the bottom right corner – the side in front within a minute after the restart.
Castle Hill started to push further numbers forward as the half progressed causing chaos in the Balgownie box quite a few times. Jack Malley was a constant threat for Castle Hill displaying explosive pace down the right.
The side continued to patiently build up play searching for an equalising moment. The goal eventually came for the Rockets in the 48th minute. Kassis shot from the edge of the box saved by Pradhitama, but only as far as Zac Gillespie who made no mistake from close in.
It only got better for Castle Hill. Ifeanyichukwu Daniels-Obiokolie powering home a shot from inside the box a couple of minutes later. Castle Hill had turned the game around in a flash and were now in front. Daniels-Obiokolie almost added another goal right at the end of the half; however, his shot rolled into the gloves of Pradhitama.
Not long after this late chance, the final whistle was blown with Castle Hill RSL Rockets taking out the honours.
Match Stats
Balgownie Rangers 1 (Oliver Smede 31’)
Castle Hill RSL Rockets 2 (Zac Gillespie 48’, Ifeanyichukwu Daniels-Obiokolie 50’)
Balgownie Rangers: 1. Tristan PRADHITAMA, 2. Mitchell LYNAM, 3. Tomoki HENDERSON, 4. Eli BATE, 5. Samuel BURKE, 6. Ben GARBUTT, 7. Patrick BERWICK, 8. Finn BIGNELL, 9. Henry SARGENT, 10. Luke GREEN, 11. Oliver SMEDE, 12. Harrison FAULKS, 13. Alexander BRADSHAW-WETT, 14. Jacob DONEV, 15. Joel BUCKLEY, 16. Seattle BAZLEY, 17. Lucas BROWN, 18. Benjamin SACCO
Castle Hill RSL Rockets: 2. Zac GILLESPIE, 4. Maddison ZAHRA, 5. William YU, 7. Aidan ALI, 11. Ifeanyichukwu DANIELS-OBIOKOLIE, 14. Nortad ANGKHASIRISUP, 16. Ethan KEMP, 17. Jack WALLEY, 24. Sebastian BORG, 30. Muhamad WAQAS, 33. Hunter WILKINSON, 52. Jason PHILIP, 57. Charlie KASSIS, 58. Liam EVANS
13 Girls
Lilli Pilli 1
Manly Allambie United 0
Lilli Pilli from the Sutherland Shire Football Association took out the 13 girls title after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Manly Warringah FA team Manly Allambie United FC.
It was the odd goal from Emily Bishop in the first half that settle the 13 girls Champion of Champions.
It was Lilli Pill that looked the more dangerous in the opening exchanges, holding better field position, only for United to create the chances.
Manly Allambie had the first chance after a free kick taken by Eireann Ryan, only for the ball to bounce into the hands of the Lilli Pilli goalkeeper.
Emily Bishop then had an attempt for United but there was not enough power behind the effort to trouble Lilli Pilli.
With five minutes remaining in the first half, Lilli Pilli took the lead.
Alarna Penfold started the move with a sweeping ball to the right which Emiline Bourke then delivered into the box after showing some explosive speed down the wing. Isabel Adams received the ball in the box, her touch fell to the feet of Penfold who poked the ball home.
United looked for an immediate response and almost found it through Eve Goldsworthy, only for her shot to go just over the bar.
After the break it was Lilli Pilli that went close following a corner, Bourke’s effort looping over the bar.
Again, it was Lilli Pilli going close, this time India Knight forcing the keeper into a save with her legs. With the resulting corner, Lilli Pilli went closest to doubling their advantage as Kayla Babington’s curling effort rebounded off the crossbar.
Goldsworthy was looking most likely for United and almost had an equaliser, forcing the Lilli Pilli keeper into a good save.
With less than 15 on the clock, United should have equalised as Bishop broke through the Lilli Pilli defence, moving in on the opposition goal but unable to find the back of the net with her tame effort.
The chances started to mount for United as Goldsworthy found herself with acres of space after a fine team move, only to rush her effort and not get the desired connection with the ball from only metres out.
United had one final chance, falling to the feet of the energetic Goldsworthy, grazing the top of the bar with her powerful shot from just outside the area.
Match Stats
Manly Allambie United FC 0
Lilli Pilli FC 1 (Penfold 25’)
Manly Allambie United FC: 4. Henley, 5. Quarrell, 6. Middleton, 7. Morgan, 8. Ryan, 9. McGrath, 10. Goldsworthy, 11. Ross, 12. Molinia, 14. McNamee, 15. Moore, 16. Hamilton, 22. Kennedy, 88. Bishop.
Lilli Pilli FC: 2. Herbert, 3. Lyons, 5. Adams, 6. Tindall, 7. Penfold, 8. Babington, 9. Knight, 10. Bourke, 11. Degnan, 12. Graham, 13. Street, 15. Anderson, 20. Matthes, 27. Macartney, 110. Weigand.
14 Boys
Shellharbour JFC 2
Pitt Town FC 1
There was late drama in the Under-14s as Shellharbour picked up two goals in the final five minutes to defeat Pitt Town 2-1.
Pitt Town got off to the best possible start – an opening goal within three minutes. Jacob Granata scrambling home a left-sided corner at the near post to give his side an early lead.
Shellharbour nearly responded four minutes later, Jacob Tucker lining up a long-range effort that curled just past the left post.
The side continued to probe seeing several crosses flash across the face of the goal as the half progressed. Before Tucker watched another effort bounce just wide in the 23rd minute.
Richard Niyukuri almost send Shellharbour into the sheds level; however, his long shot was well-saved by Ryley Hamilton. Pitt Town went into halftime with a slender one-goal lead.
It was a similar story in the second half with Shellharbour pushing for an equalising goal. Although shots flew high and wide for the side.
There was a good defensive base for Pitt Town with Codey Martin at the heart of the defence sweeping up danger well.
Shellharbour created a couple of chances in the final seven minutes of the match with Noah Ridley seeing a shot blocked before an effort flew wide of the target moments later.
The side were handed a lifeline in the 55th minute being awarded a penalty. Niyukuri stepped up and placed the ball into the right side of the net. Shellharbour were level with five minutes to go.
The drama continued for Shellharbour as they took the lead just two minutes later. Daniel Robinson bringing the ball down in the box and finding the bottom right corner.
A short while later, the result was confirmed with the Football South Coast side champions.
Match Stats
Shellharbour Junior Football Club 2 (Richard Niyukuri penalty 55’, Daniel Robinson 57’)
Pitt Town Football Club 1 (Jacob Granata 3’)
Shellharbour Junior Football Club: 1. Liam LOZANO, 2. Kody LAWLER. 3. Jacob TUCKER, 4. Aidan WILKINSON, 5. Richard NIYUKURI, 6. Bryce LOWE, 7. Kylan SHEPHERD, 8. Kalem HAWKE, 9. Adam BAJMAKOSKI, 10. Mattias BANOVIC, 11. Daniel ROBINSON, 12. Ike MATTHESIUS, 13. Prince MVUKA, 14. Joshua BRANOVSKI, 15. Noah RIDLEY, 18. Lukas GALIC, 19. Yasar HOOSEN 24. Michael SCHMID
Pitt Town Football Club: 1. Ryley HAMILTON, 2. Tyler WORSLEY 3. Codey MARTIN 4. Samuel MURPHY, 5. Saif ELAYAN, 6. Lucas BORG, 7. Matthew COLBURT, 8. William ROGERS, 9. Ti FOX, 10. Daniel CHIDEL, 11. Riley SOLVYNS 12. Jacob GRANATA, 13. Harrison MCNALLY, 14. Bailey GILES, 18. Fynn CALLANAN, 22. Ayush SINGH
14 Girls
Lindfield FC 2 vs Harrington United Football Club 1
Lindfield FC has emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Harrington United thanks to a brace from Angelina Ly.
Lindfield opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a good attacking move.
Some positive combination play down the left flank between Alyssia Mow and Ellie Burgess down the left flank saw the former play a dangerous cross into the box.
After a bounce and minor fumble, Angelina Ly was on the spot to convert to give Lindfield their first goal.
Harrington recovered well and won a penalty through good play by Charlie Fulko.
Rachel Butler stepped up to take the penalty and converted clinically to even the scores in the 13th minute.
Lindfield’s goalkeeper Jessica Lum impressed in the first half with her distribution under pressure, while Lilja Le Moenic showed her quality through her dribbling and close control in midfield.
Alyssia Mow went close for Lindfield after a good passing move involving Angelina Ly and Ellie Burgess found the winger with space inside the box, who saw her shot saved well by Ripeka Robbins.
A minute later, down the other end, Charlize Fulko found space in behind after a clever pass from Rachel Butler but could not convert against Lindfield goalkeeper Jessica Lum.
In the 53rd minute, Emily Baird tried a cheeky chip off a bouncing ball in the box, but only found the roof of the net.
Moments later, another bouncing ball caused trouble for the Harrington defence, and Angelina Ly capitalised to put Lindfield ahead with a well-taken left-footed volley with six minutes remaining.
The goal proved to be enough for Lindfield, as they emerged victorious in the Under 14 Girls Champions of Champions tournament.
Match Stats
Lindfield FC 2 (Angelina Ly 5’, 54’) vs Harrington United Football Club 1 (Rachel Butler 13’)
Lindfield FC: Ines Griffiths, Audrey Kennedy, Rosie Morahan, Ellie Burgess, Elizabeth Bailey, Lucy Hochart, Angelina Ly, Emily Baird, Georgia Fraser, Lilja Le Moenic, Alyssia Mow, Zoe Krizan, Tiarna Pang, Jessica Lum, Chloe Le Gerrard, Sophie Rigg, Charlotte Taaffe
Harrington United Football Club: Ripeka Robbins, Libby Clifton, Isabella James, Jessica Skeers, Gicela Pintos, Charlize Fulko, Ashlee Trynchy, Sofia Andrews, Amelia Ho, Rachel Butler, Charlize Worthington, Annalise Elasi, Hunter Fisher, Elizabeth Aston, Millie Johns
15 Boys
Shellharbour JFC 1
Bankstown Sports Strikers 0
Matias Valenzuela’s golden goal penalty secured Shellharbour the Under-15s Champions of Champions title over Bankstown Sports Strikers.
Shellharbour nearly went in front with five minutes as a well-worked move down the right resulted in the ball flashing across the face of the goal.
Noah El Kheir went close for the Strikers in the seventh minute as his volley from the edge of the box narrowly bounced past the right post.
Shellharbour had another opportunity 11 minutes in as Cooper Markovic’s left-footed curler finished just wide of the left post.
Markovic was involved again six minutes later, his cross from the left put into a dangerous area at the back post; however, none of his teammates could get a decisive touch.
In the 24th minute, Shellharbour had a barrage of shots at the Strikers’ goal with goalkeeper Peter Kalentzios called into action multiple times to keep the Football South Coast team at bay.
Mladen Milosevic forced Kalentzios into another save with four minutes to play in the first half with his shot from inside the box batted away by the goalkeeper.
The teams went into halftime level with a goal either way looking to prove decisive in the outcome.
Shellharbour continued to put the Strikers under pressure in the second half with Noah Hidasi seeing his shot palmed over the top by Kalentzios three minutes in.
Bankstown Sports almost went in front in the 50th minute as Mirwais Ehsani’s shot flew just past the right post.
The rain began to pelt down at Valentine Sports Park as a goal seemed to evade either side with the match headed for extra time.
Early in extra time, Shellharbour were awarded a penalty and with it a chance to seal the title. Matias Valenzuela stepped up and buried the spot kick to give Shellharbour the win.
Match Stats
Shellharbour Junior Football Club 1 (Matias Valenzuela 75’)
Bankstown Sports Strikers 0
Shellharbour Junior Football Club: 1. Lucas CORBESKI, 2. Kian CHESNEY, 3. Odhinn TAYLOR-GARRETT, 4. Jackson CROFT, 6. Fletcher SCOTT, 7. Mladen MILOSEVIC, 8. Jake MICALLEF. 9. Matias VALENZUELA, 10. Jake PETROVSKI, 11. Beau RANDLE 12. Harvey WEBSTER, 13. Cooper MARKOVIC, 14. Loghan LAWLER, 16. Noah HIDASI, 17. Logan HEDGES, 18. Bodee SIMPSON
Bankstown Sports Strikers: 1. Peter KALENTZIOS, 2. Zain LAKMAS, 3. Lionel MAKHOUL, 4. Jacob DANDACHLI, 5. Adrian VU, 6. Patrick NGUYEN, 7. Ibrahim ARIFAKI, 8. Joseph ABOUZEID, 9. Ali HAYEK, 10. Noah EL KHEIR, 11. Dimitri MIHALOPOULOS, 13. Sleiman ELMOHAMAD, 15. Khaled ARIFAKI (c), 21. Mirwais EHSANI, 23. Luka PLAVSIC
15 Girls
Pittwater RSL 3 v Emu Plains 0
Pittwater RSL triumphed in a wet encounter, courtesy of a second half blitz.
The Northern Beaches side were on the front foot in the early stages. With ten minutes played, Maya Atkinson’s free kick caused havoc in the Emu Plains penalty area and Emilia Lawrence’s shot was saved by Emu Plains shotstopper Andi Simmons. A minute later, Pittwater had another chance after Andie Bonasera played a dangerous through ball – Lily Fowler saved the day for Emu Plains with two perfectly timed tackles.
Emu Plains nearly caught their opponents napping on 17 minutes as Rachel Turner looked to outrun the defence, but Pittwater goalkeeper Matilda Warren took charge to snuff out the danger. Warren’s services were required again in the 26th minute when she punched a corner kick away from the goal, with Emma Garvey’s follow up shot going wide.
It was Bonasera’s turn to go close in the 31st minute. She broke free on the right side of the penalty area and blasted the ball, drawing a fine save from Simmons. Then with the last kick of the first half, a loose ball fell for Pittwater’s Kiah Saunders, however she could not keep her shot down.
Pittwater opened the scoring four minutes into the second half when Chloe Currie intercepted the ball, found space, and curled a beautiful 25 yard shot into the bottom corner.
Chasing a second goal, Pittwater kept up the pressure and on 43 minutes Georgia Calleia tried her luck from outside the area, firing the ball over the crossbar.
In the 51st minute, Maya Atkinson gave Pittwater a 2-0 lead with a moment of magic. Atkinson stepped up for a free kick which seemed too far out to cause any problems, but her strike had the perfect trajectory to loop above the goalkeeper and over the line.
Emu Plains will still be wondering how they did not score on 59 minutes. Zara Stanford’s persistence led to a big chance and as Pittwater hesitated, Stanford’s shot on the turn hit the post. Turner appeared to have the goal at her mercy as she chased the rebound, only to be denied by Indianna Cameron’s wonderful goal-saving tackle.
Pittwater weren’t fazed by that defensive scare, sealing the win two minutes later. Currie showed a great turn of pace to beat a defender and slotted the ball in from a tight angle to make it 3-0 – a brilliant individual goal that had their fans singing in the rain.
Match Stats
Pittwater RSL 3 (Chloe Currie 39’ 61’, Maya Atkinson 51’) v Emu Plains 0
Pittwater RSL: 1. Matilda Warren, 2. Star Howell, 3. Brianna Laforest, 4. Tiana Walsh, 5. Mia Links, 7. Georgia Calleia, 8. Kiah Saunders, 9. Chloe Currie, 10. Emilia Lawrence, 11. Indianna Cameron, 12. Maya Atkinson, 13. Zara Humphrey, 14. Asha Bouveng, 17. Tasha Lillycrop, 28. Andie Bonasera
Emu Plains: 50. Andi Simmons, 4. Skye Haladus, 5. Claire Nicholls, 9. Lucy Geyer, 14. Rachel Turner, 15. Zara Stanford, 17. Brianna Atkins, 18. Mia Jones, 19. Emma Garvey, 20. Ella Tykvart, 26. Alyssa Merriman, 27. Jessica Van Den Brink, 43. Lily Fowler
16 Boys
Enfield FC 2 v Bosco FC 0
Goals either side of halftime led Enfield to victory in the 16 Boys Final.
We saw the game’s first shot with four minutes played, Calin Jones testing Bosco goalkeeper Jake Dover from 20 yards. The Canterbury side then nearly took the lead in spectacular fashion midway through the first half, but Dover tipped Gianluca Da Pozzo’s 35 yard effort over the crossbar. Bosco’s Cohen Pfrengle showed off his own long range shooting abilities in the 20th minute, forcing Enfield shotstopper Hamish Gordon into a full-length diving save.
Enfield’s Adam Elchab also tried his luck from long distance, but he would instead create the game’s opening goal. On 25 minutes, Elchab delivered a pinpoint corner kick to the far post and Adin Gunic timed his run perfectly to slam the ball into the net.
Bosco nearly responded with their own set piece as halftime approached. Lachlan Ritchie sent the ball swerving dangerously towards goal, drawing another fine save from Gordon.
Enfield doubled their lead in the opening minute of the second period after more mastery from the dead ball. Deon Angelos played a vicious in swinging free kick into the goalmouth and caused a scramble, with Calin Jones showing up in the right place at the right time to make it 2-0.
There were a couple of close calls as Enfield pushed to extend their lead. On 44 minutes, Angelos saw another of his free kicks pushed wide by Dover, and from the resulting corner kick Diego Rodriquez Hernandez picked out Ryan Garben, who was denied by a goal line clearance.
Bosco’s biggest chance came in the 51st minute when Lachlan Ritchie beat the defenders and the goalkeeper to a through ball, however his shot on the turn rolled agonisingly wide of the goal. Bosco continued to fight for a way back into the contest, and with 11 minutes left Pfrengle left fly from the edge of the area but was denied by Gordon.
Riccardo Lo Presti nearly put the cherry on the sundae for Enfield in the 63rd minute. He broke clear and threatened to score a third goal, however his shot was safely held by Dover. Ritchie then had one last chance for Bosco with two minutes remaining – Gordon ensured a clean sheet for Enfield by saving the free kick.
Match Stats
Enfield 2 (Adin Gunic 25’, Calin Jones 36’) vs Bosco FC 0
Enfield: 1. Hamish GORDON, 2. Deon ANGELOS, 3. Gianluca DA POZZO, 4. Adam ELCHAB, 5. Ryan GARBEN, 7. Adin GUNIC, 8. Calin JONES, 9. Ahmed RUSTOM, 10. Oliver RIDDELL, 11. Joshua RUSSO, 13. Joshua VUMBACA, 14. Adrian CAPRARO, 15. Riccardo LO PRESTI, 17. Diego RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ, 58. Cody PHAM
Bosco: 1. Jake DOVER, 4. Edward CALVERT, 5. Lachlan RITCHIE, 6. Riley BRYETT, 9. Koby ENRIGHT, 10. Liam DEVLIN, 12. James KEARNEY, 13. Lachlan DRIES, 18. Cohen PFRENGLE, 20. Seth WILSON, 23. Cooper KNOWLES, 26. Owen LAMBERT, 29. Byron THOMAS, 38. Jackson GRAVES, 40. Patrick HUGHES
16 Girls
Shellharbour JFC 4 vs Terrigal United 1
Shellharbour has defeated Terrigal United to claim the Under 16 Girls title with a fantastic performance at Valentine Sports Park.
In the 14th minute, Shellharbour opened the scoring with a fantastic set piece.
A great in-swinging ball in off a corner was attacked by Jessica Bell, and her header was pinpoint to find the back of the net.
Shellharbour had chances to add a second, but three minutes into the second half, Terrigal United found an equaliser.
Sofia Harper won back the ball well in a high press before finding Annabel Goodman, who unleashed a shot from an acute angle.
The goalkeeper got a hand to it, but couldn’t take the sting out of the strike, and Terrigal scored a crucial goal to draw the scores level.
In the 50th minute, Shellharbour had a golden chance to take the lead for the second time this match, but they saw an effort saved before the rebound was struck into the side netting from a tight angle.
A minute later, however, Shellharbour found the breakthrough.
A cross into the box was only half-cleared by the Terrigal defence, and after a good 50-50 win from Alyssa Vassallo, Ariana Fleming latched onto the loose ball and converted clinically with a finish into the bottom left-hand corner.
Two minutes later, Shellharbour found a third off another set piece.
A header from Mia Fleming rattled the post, but Jessica Bell was there to finish on the rebound, thumping a shot off the crossbar and in.
In the 57th minute, Shellharbour won a penalty through good play from Mia Bolte, but they couldn’t convert to add a fourth.
They did find a three-goal lead in the 65th minute, as Ariana Fleming unleashed a beautifully chipped strike from 25 yards to send the Shellharbour fans into raptures.
Match Stats
Shellharbour JFC 4 (Jessica Bell 14’, 56’, Ariana Fleming 52’, 66’) vs Terrigal United 1 (Annabel Goodman 38’)
Shellharbour JFC: Kyara Christensen, Claire Kadwell, Sienna Doering, Sofia Mieli, Scarlett Thurgar, Taya Tolson, Charlize Fedele, Jessica Bell, Mia Fleming, Indiana Mimoso, Isabelle Kadwell, Mia Bolte, Alyssa Vassallo, Ariana Fleming, Tahlia Pracy
Terrigal United: Sophie Homan Corless, Kiara Briggs, Olivia Haines, Meaghan McBride, Anisha Sei, Ciara Eddy, Steffie Forrester, Annabel Goodman, Sofia Harper, Isabella Beresford, Jazaya Bickerton, Summer Theoctistou, Brianna Currell, Amber Sheary, Jasmine Hocking, Grace Goodman
17 Boys
Prouille FC 1
Winston Hills Bears 0
Prouille FC took out a stunning 17 Boys final in a 1-0 Golden Goal win against Winston Hills Bears FC on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park.
On a humid afternoon at Valentine Sports Park, the action was thick and fact with Winston Hills Bears FC registering the first shot through Luke Bendeich who thrashed high.
Prouille quickly responded with their first effort. Zavier Lim was on the end of some good build up but his effort slid wide of the post.
Winston Hills Bears FC kept up the pressure with Jy Windle having a tame shot that was followed up by Matt Harragon’s header being taken by Prouille FC keeper Matthew Moore.
Lim was the best outlet for Prouille FC in the first half as he ran through the defence then forced Nathan Bendeich into a good save to prevent the opener.
It was the Bears that were the stronger side. They had a trifecta of chances which went begging from Oliver Dean either side of the break which fizzed wide of the mark.
The second half was a much more tactical affair with set pieces being the main avenue for either side. Oscar Gray curled one wide for the Bears then Lim did similar for Prouille FC.
The Bears were building up their chances as the game started to open up. Josh Adams produced a peach of a delivery onto the foot of Gray who poked it wide of the mark.
Lim had a pair of chances to push Prouille FC ahead. He blazed a free-kick wide of the mark then craned his neck for a header right at Nathan Bendeich.
Winston Hills were the side that ended regular time with a wet sail. They roared forward with chances Oliver Dean, Arshia Sorkhi and Ben Haaf. Dean went the closest with a free-kick that was pushed over but the game headed to extra time.
Extra time was another cagey affair, but Prouille FC had a pair of chances to put the game to bed. Lim and James Bradford both fired wide of the mark as the game took its toll.
It took 99 minutes but there was a golden goal in the contest. Fittingly it fell to Lim to strode confidently into the box and finished well to earn Prouille FC the 17 Boys title.
Match Stats
Prouille FC 1 (Lim ‘99)
Winston Hills Bears FC 0
Prouille FC: 1 MOORE Matthew 3 MOORE Christian 5 PENFOLD Beau 6 BRADFORD James 7 LIM Zavier 8 REYES Kyle 9 GIBSON Oliver 10 CATHCART Ryan 12 PARIS Nick 14 WEICKART Lucas 15 DUGGAN Hugo 16 JONES Adam 17 GRANT Lachlan 18 TARASSOV Aleksandr 19 SWIDERSKI Max 20 HORLEY Flynn 25 O’CONNOR Ben 26 KHATTAR Ryan
Winston Hills Bears FC: 1 BENDEICH Nathan 2 HARRAGON Matt 4 PORTER Zac 5 ADAMS Josh 6 DEAN Oliver 7 WEST Jayden 11 WINDLE Jy 12 SORKHI Arshia 13 HAAF Ben 16 ALHAJJEH Mohammad 18 MAGUIRE Luke 19 POUR Tiva 24 MACDONALD Tom 26 MCGUCKIN Jarrod 27 SIMPSON Cooper 28 BENDEICH Luke 30 NGUYEN Toby 34 GRAY Oscar
18 Men
Grays Point SC 2
Collaroy Cromer Strikers 1
In what was one of the games of the day, Grays Point Soccer Club stole the Champion of Champions title with the last kick of the game against Collaroy Cromer Strikers.
Having been behind at half time, Grays Point overturned their deficit with two second half goals to seal the victory, 2-1.
In a tight beginning to the game, Grays Point would be the first to test the opposition keeper. Ethan Mifsud let fly from close to 35 metres out from a set piece, forcing Zac Downs to tip the ball over the bar.
Mid-way through to the first half, the Strikers would hit the front. Some fine determination and grit from Ashton Yates had him come away with the ball on the edge of the area before powering a shot beyond the Grays Point goalkeeper.
The Strikers almost made it two as James Buchanan forced Ruben Wilshaw into a good save.
Again, it was the team in the lead to threaten, this time thwarted by Evan Dracopoulos with a fantastic goal line clearance.
With the second half the heavens opened as Grays Point went in search of their equaliser.
Rowdy Graves was the first to go close to equalising, his shot somehow smothered by Downs.
As the game looked destined to finish the way of the Strikers, Grays Point found their equaliser with just over 10 minutes to go. Andres Vallejos was put through and he made no mistake with his finish, taking a deflection off Downs before bouncing in.
With the Strikers tiring, it was Grays Point finishing the stronger.
Grays Point should have gone in front with five minutes remaining as Graves cut the ball back for Luke Hewitt who got his bearings wrong and could not find the target from a good position.
They came again, this time Grady O’Brien forcing Downs into a save with his feet before the Grays Point striker found himself in another good position, this time not finding the target with his effort.
Downs was under siege and made a phenomenal save to deny Vallejos his second with only two minutes left, tipping the ferocious shot onto the bar.
But there would be no denying Grays Point in the final seconds as Graves put the game to bed with the last kick of the game. Failing to clear their lines, Graves ran onto a ball on the edge of the area and let fly on the half volley, giving Downs no chance in the Strikers goal and sealing the title with the last kick of the game for the Sutherland Shire Football Association team.
Match Stats
Collaroy Cromer Strikers 1 (Yates 21’)
Grays Point Soccer Club 2 (Vallejos 78’, Graves 90’)
Collaroy Cromer Strikers: 1. Downs, 2, Muir, 3. Yates, 4. Beck, 5. Collins, 6. Ka. Marshall-Witte, 7. Buchanan, 8. Phillips, 9. J. Wood, 10. Eason, 11. Pasalich, 12. Weight, 13. Williamson, 14. Dewar, 15. T. Wood, 16. Ke. Marshall-Witte, 17. Eberhardt.
Grays Point Soccer Club: 1. Wilshaw, 2. Allen, 4. Bruce, 5. C. Poulter, 6. Pickup, 7.O’Brien, 9. E. Poulter, 10. Slater, 11. Graves, 12. Schwoepfinger, 15. Sainsbury, 17. Z. Poulter, 20. Vallejos, 21. Hewitt, 25. Cox, 30. Mifsud, 99. Dracopoulos.
18 Women
Harrington United FC 5
Engadine Eagles 0
Harrington United Football Club celebrated the Champion of Champions trophy in style on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Engadine Eagles 5-0.
United dominated from start to finish and led 2-0 at the break before adding three more goals in the last 15 minutes.
It was a tight first half but United broke the deadlock five minutes from the break as Kayley Skeers’ effort took a deflection on its way into the back of the net.
Seconds before the break, United doubled their advantage. Kailee Wales took advantage of a goal keeping error to poke the ball home.
With 15 to go in the second half, United settled the title. Chantelle Barnard showed incredible speed to beat the Eagles defence before finishing well to make it 3-0.
It was four with five minutes remaining as Brooklyn Sciberras finished well from just inside the box with a neat finish.
Jasmine Belbin then rounded off the scoring in the final moments of the game with a well taken goal, her strike coming off the upright and over the line.
Match Stats
Harrington United FC 5 (Skeers 40’, Wales 45’, Barnard 76’, Sciberras 84’, Belbin 90’)
Engadine Eagles 0
Harrington United FC: 1. Robbins, 2. M. Wright, 3. Abouslaibi, 4. Angilley, 6. Efendic, 7. Zammit, 9. Worthington, 10. Belbin, 11. Cox, 15. C. Wright, 16. Wales, 17. Barnard, 18. Sciberras, 19. Kelly, 22. Sprycha, 29. Skeers.
Engadine Eagles: 1. Nelson, 2. Guest, 3. Campbell, 4. Bassett, 5. Ross, 7. McKinlay, 8. Slattery, 9. Murray, 10. Hook, 11. Nadin, 13. Benikos, 14. Stevens, 16. Rupenovic, 17. McFarlane, 18. Summerfield, 19. T. Whiteman, 20. Davidson, 29. C. Whiteman.
21 Men
Cronulla Seagulls 6
Sans Souci 0
It was one-way traffic in the Men’s 21 final as the Cronulla Seagulls put six unanswered goals passed Sans Souci.
The game had only just begun, and the Seagulls were in front. Jackson Sumich’s corner found Lachlan Zdebski at the far post as he rose highest to head the ball home and give the Seagulls the lead.
It was 2-0 minutes before half time for the Seagulls as Anthony Mann found the bottom corner from a free kick just outside the box.
The Seagulls went into the breakup by two goals and flying high, well in control.
10 minutes after the break, any hopes of a Sans Souci comeback took a massive blow as Cronulla made it three. Strong play Adam Castle on the edge of the area saw the striker make space for himself before blasting the ball into the back of the net.
Three became four as only three minutes later the Seagulls added another. It would be another corner kick as Castle lost his marker before heading the ball into the back of the net.
Sumich almost had a goal of his own, forcing Papandrew into a smart stop low to his right.
With their first real attempt on goal, Sans Souci was denied by the Seagulls keeper as John Bonjura’s effort destined for the top corner was tipped wide.
Cronulla added a fifth as Jamie Bollard placed the ball beyond Papandrew after some unselfish play by Sumich.
Mann had his second of the game and Cronulla’s sixth, latching onto the end of a David Khoury free kick to flick his header into the back of the net.
Match Stats
Sans Souci 0
Cronulla Seagulls 6 (Zdebski 3’, Mann 43’, 81’, Castle 55’, 59’, Bollard 76’)
Sans Souci: 1. Papandrew, 2. S. Bertuzzi, 3. Nikolovski, 4. Ioannides, 5. Pagliuca, 6. Pogorilic, 7. Alemis, 8. Anastas, 9. R. Velovski, 10. Bonura, 11. Gergellis, 21. Anastas, 23. Fenech-Wickham, 26. D. Velovski, 58. A. Bertuzzi, 63. Kostadinovski.
Cronulla Seagulls: 1. Armstrong, 2. Lumb, 3. Sachr, Dresser, 7. Sumich, 9. Castle, 10. Roberts, 11. Webb, 12. Yeo, 14. Hardie, 18. Watson-Steege, 23. Fowler, 24. Bollard, 29. Chave, 42. Zdebski, 44. Mann, 99. Khoury.
All Age Men
Glebe Gorillas 3
Banksia Tigers 2
The Glebe Gorillas needed a dramatic golden goal to defeat the Banksia Tigers in extra time, winning the final 3-2.
It was the Tigers that lead 2-0 mid-way through the first half before the Gorillas came roaring back, eventually winning the game in extra time.
It was the ‘underdog’ that came about the hungrier and almost went into the lead when Hussein Salameh forced Reece Richardson into a save.
The Tigers continued their pressure and on eight minutes were in front as Ibrahim Haydar headed home after getting onto the end of a Josh Da Silva free kick.
The pressure continued and Wassim Hijazi almost headed the Tigers further in front, the ball going agonizingly wide of the target.
Not too long after though it was two. Salameh who was one of the Tigers best took full advantage of a defensive mix up to tap the ball home.
Glebe finally threatened and really should have had a goal as Ian Hillier crossed in a delightful ball for Josh Farquhar who missed with his headed from just in front.
With 10 to go in the first half, Glebe had their goal. A ball over the top caught the Tigers defence off guard as the lively Yoel Silvestre took full advantage, lobbing the ball over an on-rushing Nikolovski.
The second half saw both teams feeling each other out without any real chances created.
Getting desperate, the Gorillas started to mount the pressure on the Tigers goal. That pressure paid off with 15 minutes to go.
A long throw by Ashton Richardson saw captain Rupert Murray head to the far post, allowing for Farquhar to latch onto the ball at the far post and this time make no mistake with the finish.
As they game came closer to extra time, neither side could create a clear-cut chance.
Extra time saw the Tigers perhaps start the better, creating some chances via Josh Da Silva.
But in the 100th minute, referee Eric Saba pointed to the spot. Up stepped Hillier who sent Nikolovski the wrong way to score the golden goal and crown the Glebe Gorillas Champion of Champions.
Match Stats
Glebe Gorillas 3 (Silvestre 33′, Farquhar 74′, Hillier 100′)
Banksia Tigers 2 (Haydar 9′, Salameh 23′)
Assistant Referee: Nick Macfarlane
Glebe Gorillas: 1. R. Richardson, 2. Burns, 3. McIntosh, 4. Deep-Jones, 5. Lynch, 6. Zaman, 7. Farquhar, 8. Hillier, 9. Murray, 10. Ford, 13. Tuck, 14. Dolphin, 15. A. Richardson, 16. Ollerenshaw, 17. Haque, 18. Booth, 19. McMillan, 21. Uttley, 22. Scott, 24. Silvestre, 26. Charnock.
Banksia Tigers: 1. J. Nikolovski, 2. Hijazi, 3. Jaber, 4. J. Karnib, 5. Elmadhoun, 7. Hamka, 9. Abaid, 11. Salameh, 12. Makanai, 15. Albayati, 20. Haydar, 21. Da Silva, 23. Nikolovski, 24. M. Karnib, 25. Khalife, 27. Sleiman, 72. Alkahi, 77. Chebli.
All Age Women
Coogee United 1 v Seaforth FC 2
Seaforth survived almost two hours of football to win with a golden goal in extra time.
There was a delayed kickoff and a change of field, but this didn’t cause any disruption to the Seaforth attack and the northern beaches side took the lead in just the second minute. Sophie Tetley found the back of the net after great work from flying winger Abbey Cosh, who beat two defenders in the buildup for the goal. These two, along with Tess McGrath, were tireless in the Seaforth frontline and constantly worked to stretch the Coogee defence.
Coogee United worked their way into the contest and won a number of attacking set pieces during the first half. United fullback Mackenzie Weeks showed prodigious ability with long throws, causing some tricky moments for the Seaforth backline. As the half progressed, Hayley Marshall became prominent in attack for Coogee and she had their best chance of the opening 45 minutes, drawing an excellent save from Seaforth shotstopper Kierly Wiggins after being set up by Kiara Hannon.
The teams must be commended for the competitive spirit with which they played this game, as it was difficult for any of the players to find time on the ball. Coogee ramped up the intensity in the second half and put Seaforth to the test, but Hannah Griffiths had an excellent game at the heart of their defence and rarely let anything get past her.
On 73 minutes, Coogee’s Margaux Montegut crossed and the ball fell for Marshall, who forced Wiggins into a smart save from the edge of the area. The eastern suburbs side didn’t give up, scoring an equaliser in the 84th minute. Montegut pounced when Sian Genoud’s long free kick caused mayhem in the area, firing the ball past Wiggins to make it 1-1.
Impressively, the tempo didn’t drop as the game went beyond the 90 minutes. The first half of extra time passed without any notable chances, but the second extra time period had more than enough action.
On 109 minutes, Seaforth forward Amber Hartmann was inches away from being the hero, smashing a shot against the underside of the crossbar after getting on the end of Skye Ludlow’s excellent cross. A minute later, a handball meant Seaforth were awarded a penalty. Their captain Julia Murphy stepped up and blasted the ball home from 12 yards, giving her side a golden goal and the victory.
Match Stats
Coogee United 1 (Margaux Montegut 84’) Seaforth 2 (Sophie Tetley 2’, Julia Murphy 110’)
Coogee United: 1. Amy SINGH, 4. Rachel LAWLER, 5. Amy NG, 6. Danielle ABEL, 8. Carol BREEN, 9. Rachel LI, 10. Sian GENOUD, 11. Hayley MARSHALL, 12. Natasha WAD, 13. Kate STEPHENSON, 14. Niamh FOLEY, 15. Colette POWER, 16. Mackenzie WEEKS, 18. Sarah MCKINLEY, 23. Kiara HANNON, 33. Margaux MONTEGUT
Seaforth FC: 1. Kierly WIGGINS, 2. Julia MURPHY, 3. Madeleine KILPATRICK, 4. Sarah MAHER, 5. Emily WOOD, 6. Hannah GRIFFITHS, 7. Siena MOSS, 8. Sophie TETLEY, 9. Tess McGRATH, 10. Skye LUDLOW, 12. Amber HARTMANN, 13. Abbey COSH, 14. Eleanor OWEN, 15. Briana BROWN, 16. Alexandra MILLER, 18. Emma HILLS
O30 Women
Northern Galaxy 4 vs Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers FC 0
Northern Galaxy have become the best Over 30 Women team in the state with an impressive performance to defeat Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers FC
A minute in, Shoesmith did well to outpace the Rovers defence and get in behind, but her left-footed shot was straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
In the 16th minute, Fiona Keogh played through Janine Cunningham to present the Rovers with a good chance, but the ball held up on the drenched surface and they couldn’t make the most of the opportunity.
Galaxy found the opening goal in the 38th minute.
Hannah-Rui Shoesmith won back the ball with a good tackle before putting in a dangerous cross to the area.
The ball was spilled and found Clare Rienits, who made no mistake in finishing to give Galaxy the first goal of the game.
In the 61st minute, the Rovers looked to reply as Marisa Hair stole in behind, but some proactive goalkeeping from Bronwyn Kershaw denied an equaliser.
Two minutes later, Galaxy won themselves a penalty off a handball.
Hannah-Rubi Shoesmith stepped up and converted with a good shot to the left of the goalkeeper to double her sides advantage.
Galaxy continued on a rampaging run, as they found another goal in the 66th minute, as a heavy deflection in a 50-50 challenge involving Tiffany Vibert saw the ball loop up and into the back of the net after a positive run from Hannah-Rubi Shoesmith.
In the 75th minute, Northern Galaxy added another to their tally, as Clare Rienits converted a controlled effort past the opposition goalkeeper.
They held on well to their four-goal buffer and became the Champions of the Over 30’s Women’s trophy.
Match Stats
Northern Galaxy 4 (Clare Rienits 38’, Hannah-Rubi Shoesmith 63’, Tiffany Vibert 65’, Clare Rienits 74’) vs Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers FC 0
Northern Galaxy: Bronwyn Kershaw, Amy Hofmann, Michelle Waite, Clare Rienits, Lynsey Bilbe, Dana Robaei, Tiffany Vibert, Sophia Jay, Kate Hallem, Hannah-Rubi Shoesmith, Amanda Gibson, Danae Searles, Sally Loccisano, Elizabeth Tenney, Catherine Tagwireyi, Natalie Parker
Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers FC: Allison Maunder, Kristy Farr, Carey Demetrios, Janine Cunningham, Hannah Burton, Vanessa Allen, Melissa Fitzgerald, Louise Williams, Gesica Stapleton, Rachel Jospe, Melinda Yates, Karin Senff, Allison McGuire, Maria Hair, Fiona Keogh, Olga Luricella
O35 Mens
Como Jannali SC 2
North Sydney United 1
It was delight for Como Jannali SC in their 2-1 Golden Goal thriller against North Sydney United in the O35 Mens Champions of Champions contest on Sunday afternoon.
As the rain began to tumble down at Valentine Sports Park, there was a deluge of chances early in the game. Dayne Singleton with the first shot for Como Jannali which skewed wide.
North Sydney United built into the contest and fired off the next three shots through Stiven Kostanic and Kenjiro Kiyooka which both flew wide.
They started to build into the game and on the half hour mark had another golden chance. Kiyooka had the ball break to him, drove into the area but placed the ball right at the keeper.
Como Jannali SC had the final two chances in the first half to open the scoring. First Monte Pfrengle thrashed an effort wide then a diving header from Brad Heffernan was saved and the game went into the break at 0-0.
North Sydney United came out of the break with a spring in their step and had back-to-back chances to break the deadlock. First from Kostanic then Simon Wickson let one fly.
Brad Heffernan was a key man involved again when he placed a header right onto the right-hand post as the first goal seemed to be moments away.
Como Jannali SC took the lead at nice time in the 69th minute from the spot. Matthew Keep stepped up to take the spot kick and drilled it low and into the net for 1-0.
North Sydney United had an instant response from a well worked move. Andrew Stalker was involved as he cushioned a pass to Kostanic to tap home for 1-1.
Buoyed by their goal, North Sydney United took the game by the scruff of the neck again. Their best chance fell to Wickson who tried to fizz one across goal but it whistled wide.
There was one final chance for Brad Heffernan close to stoppage time but he couldn’t poke home from close range so it was off to golden goal for the O35 Mens final.
Late in the first period of golden goal time, Como Jannali struck the winner. Ben Kasnik drilled a low shot which skipped off the wet surface and under the North Sydney keeper to send the title to the Sutherland Shire, 2-1.
Match Stats
North Sydney United 1 (Kostanic ‘74)
Como Jannali SC 2 (Keep ‘70, Kasnik ‘96)
North Sydney United: 1 RIPLEY Daniel 4 McPARTLING David 5 JONES Ben 8 WICKSON Simon 9 KOSTANIC Stiven 11 HUNT Danny 12 RUSCHEINSKY Shane 13 GLOVER Ben 14 RAMSEY Richard 16 THOMAS Sean 17 BROADHEAD Ryan 18 EMANS Kirk 22 PAPADOPOULOS Evan 23 STALKER Andrew 13 WESTWOOD Ashley 28 KEELEY Jason 44 KIYOOKA Kenjiro 90 ANDRES Aljure
Como Jannali SC: 1 REILLY Nicholas 2 KEEP Michael 5 REYNOLDS Darren 6 CALDERWOOD Todd 7 KASNIK Ben 8 HEFFERNAN Brett 9 KEEP Mathew 10 HEFFERNAN Brad 12 CUTCLIFFE Damien 13 STUART Paul 14 WELLS Ryan 15 PAINE Andrew 18 BUTLER Ryan 19 MACDONALD Grant 20 PICKOVER Matthew 21 SINGLETON Dayne 22 HEAD Andrew 28 PFRENGLE Monte 30 COLE Mitchell 32 KEEP Andrew 33 THORNTON Zeb 37 YOUNG Dominic 39 DAVIES Ryan
Over 45 Men
Hurstville City Minotaurs 2 v Dunbar Rovers 1
There was plenty of drama in the O45 Men Final, with Minotaurs winning after golden goal extra time.
Dunbar had the first shot on four minutes, with Daniel Fee firing over the bar from a pinpoint Dave Barnes corner kick. Then in the tenth minute, Paul Giusti sprinted away and shot wide under pressure from onrushing Minotaurs goalkeeper Amir Ajanovic.
Hurstville City threatened in the 19th minute when Malcolm Bideau went for goal, and he was unlucky to see his shot deflected over by teammate Steve Karavatakis.
The rain began to fall heavily, but Dunbar weren’t put off by the tricky conditions and continued to create chances. Axel Lorenz headed over at a corner kick on 22 minutes, and Lance Stewart had two chances of his own before the half hour mark, but fired wide both times.
Thankfully, the rain eased off for the start of the second half. Minotaurs came out of the dressing sheds with renewed purpose and eight minutes after the restart Karavatakis let fly from the edge of the area, but his shot swerved away from the target.
Just after the hour mark, Minotaurs were inches away from scoring as Spiro Hantzis sent a rocket towards goal, and Dunbar goalkeeper Simon Taggart could only watch as the ball flicked the top of the crossbar. Then on 65 minutes, Angelo Petratos raced clear but couldn’t get enough height on his audacious lob to trouble Taggart.
Hurstville City finally converted one of their chances into a goal in the 68th minute. Sokratis Agiasotis timed his run to pounce on a headed clearance, confidently sidefooting the ball past a crowd of players to make it 1-0.
However, there was a twist on 75 minutes and delight for Dunbar as Daniell’s inswinging corner was fumbled over the goal line by Ajanovic, levelling the scores.
Barnes then nearly grabbed a winner for Dunbar in the final minute of normal time, however his long range free kick struck the crossbar.
Minotaurs picked themselves up after conceding the late equaliser. Five minutes into extra time, a curling effort from Petratos seemed destined to win the game, but Taggart had other ideas and tipped the ball to safety.
Instead, Petratos would create the game’s winning goal in the 91st minute, crossing perfectly for Karavatakis to head into the bottom corner.
This victory for the Minotaurs once again solidified its presence as one of the greatest ever Over 45’s to grace the Champion of Champions.
It was also an emotional farewell to one of the club’s leading stalwarts in courageous club captain Peter “Flea” Papoythis who called time on his career for the club.
Match Stats
Hurstville City Minotaurs 2 (Sokratis Agiasotis 68’, Steve Karavatakis 91’) v Dunbar Rovers 1 (Amir Ajanovic og 76’)
Hurstville City Minotaurs: 1. Amir AJANOVIC, 2. Spiro KLADIS, 5. Sotirios PANAGAKIS, 6. John COSENTINO, 8. Spiro HANTZIS, 9. Steve KARAVATAKIS, 10. Tom PONTIDAS, 11. Achilleas MARKOPOULOS, 12. Jason LAL, 13. Nick PLATANIOTIS, 17. Sokratis AGIASOTIS, 19. David BARRETT, 21. Dragan PUPOVAC, 22. Fouad UMLIL, 23. Malcolm BIDEAU, 28. Angelo PETRATOS
Dunbar Rovers: 1. Simon TAGGART, 2. Graham WHITE, 3. Andrey TARAKHNENKO, 4. David POPE, 5. Marko VUCKOVIC, 6. Otmane HILAL, 7. Simon GAUT, 8. Peter DANIELL, 9. Lance STEWART, 10. Paul GIUSTI, 12. Daniel FEE, 14. Richard HARRIS, 15. Dave BARNES, 17. Axel LORENZ, 19. Oliver CROUCH
