2023 Champion of Champions Match Reports
The 53rd Football NSW’s Champion of Champions finals were played at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday 22nd of October with seventeen 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.
It was a memorable day for Manly Warringah Football Association who took out an amazing 6 titles.
There were Cup wins for Sutherland Shire FA (2), Northern Suburbs FA (2), Football St George (2), Football South Coast (2), Football Canterbury (1), Hills Football (1) and Southern Districts Soccer FA (1).
From a club perspective it was Northern Suburbs FA’s Lindfield FC who proved too strong clinching two titles in the Under 16 Girls and Under 17 Boys.
While finally Football St George’s famous Hurstville City Minotaurs littered with ex-National Soccer League stars won a record breaking fifth Champion of Champions title etching their club in the history books as one of the most successful grassroots clubs of all time.
Let’s get to the official match reports.
13 Boys
Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders 4
Horsley Park United 5
The day’s earliest fixture didn’t disappoint, Horsley Park United and Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders shared nine goals in a seesawing thriller.
It only took Horsley Park five minutes to open the scoring, Luke Norris clinically drilling a low shot into the net. The Southern Districts side nearly doubled their delight soon afterwards when Jaden Reid pounced on a rebound and smashed the ball against the post. Reid would get his goal in the 18th minute, the ball bouncing just over the goal line after his volley hit the underside of the crossbar.
To their credit, BTH responded immediately, pulling a goal back when Kye Kearney broke away and finished into the bottom corner. It got even better for the Raiders in first half stoppage time, as Luke Wicks made it 2-2 with a clever lob.
Wicks was at it again on 35 minutes, perfectly timing a volley to give BTH a 3-2 lead. Then it was Horsley Park’s turn to equalise a couple of minutes later, Vincenzo Bagiante sneaking a shot through a crowd of players to make it 3-3.
There was another twist in the tale when Bagiante met a cross perfectly to put Horsley Park 4-3 up. However, no lead was safe in this game and BTH captain Cooper Gray converted a penalty with ten minutes remaining, squaring the ledger at four goals apiece.
A contest like this deserved a dramatic ending, and that’s what we got in the dying seconds of golden goal extra time, as Matteo Badolato’s long range strike looped into the net, giving Horsley Park an epic 5-4 victory.
The team will be credited for playing some wonderful free flowing football in what was a great way to kick off the 2023 Champion of Champions tournament.
Match Stats
Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders 4 (Kye Kearney 19’, Luke Wicks 30+1’ 35’, Cooper Gray 50’)
Horsley Park United 5 (Luke Norris 5’, Jaden Reid 18’, Vincenzo Bagiante 37’ 48’, Matteo Badolato 80’)
Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders: 2. Cooper HORDER, 3. William DAVIES, 4. Kai WATKINSON, 5. Luke WICKS, 6. Willa PEARSON, 7. Cooper GRAY (C), 8. Lachlan GARRARD, 9. Ruben PETER, 10. Ryan GOUGH, 11. Kye KEARNEY, 12. Sam EARL, 13. Luca RILEY, 14. Byron BORCHERT, 15. Thomas RUSSELL, 16. William COVARR
Horsley Park United: 1. Mason TASI, 4. William SCODELLARO, 7. Ayman ABDULRAHMAN, 32. Isaac D’COSTA, 34. Michael FURJANIC, 35. Samuel ISAAC, 36. Jaden REID, 38. Zachary BIVONA, 40. Micah CAMILLERI, 48. Luke NORRIS, 49. Matteo BADOLATO, 99. Vincenzo BAGIANTE
13 Girls
Colo Soccer Football Club 0
Kellyville United FC 2
Kellyville United FC were crowned Champion of Champions after a 2-0 win in the 13 Girls final.
It was Kellyville United FC who had the early chance when the ball pinballed around and was turned in before it was chalked off for offside.
They continued to have the bulk of the chances in the first half. Paige Ludvik found space before she unfurled a shot which went right to Colo Soccer Football Club keeper Jordyn Griffin.
Kellyville United FC remained on the front foot and again it was Ludvik who tried to find the opener but her shot skewed wide of the mark.
Chances were at a premium in the hot conditions in the game but both sides were keen to control the ball in the midfield.
Jessica Fardell had the best chance of the half. She stood over the free kick but floated it over the bar from just outside the box.
Coming out of the break, Kellyville United FC pushed forward again. Fardell had another free kick which fizzed past the left post.
Colo Soccer Football Club started to find their rhythm and conjure up some chances. Naomi Smith had the ball fall to her and struck it straight.
Kellyville United FC found the opener in the 55th minute. Fardell floated a free kick in which looped over the keeper to make it 1-0.
They doubled their delight in the 59th minute through April Williams. She strode into the box and chipped an effort into the net for 2-0.
Match Stats
Colo Soccer Football Club 0
Kellyville United FC 2 (Fardell ‘55, Williams ‘59)
Colo Soccer Football Club: 1 Griffin Jordyn 4 MUIR Lola 5 SMITH Naomi 15 BANGEL Peppa 28 DUFFY Lace 35 WILLIAMSON-KNOBBS Holly 37 MCKEE Emilie 38 BUCKETT Louise 44 LINDER Tessa 49 BOSHAMMER Brayde 58 TAYLOR Trinity 73 JOHNSTONE Maddison 81 BUCHANAN Grace 97 ABEL Lacey
Kellyville United FC: 2 SAAB Madeline 3 MCDERMOTT Lara 5 CUTTING Mackenzie 6 CARTER Sofia 7 PRINCE Erin 8 FARDELL Jessica 9 LUDVIK Paige 10 KELLY Macey 11 MCKEVITT Scarlet 12 WILLIAMS April 13 SHEEBA Amelia 14 GARCES Grace 15 JONES Sheridan 16 FOLEY Millie 17 PRICE India 34 SERGI Sophia
14 Boys
Eschol Park Football Club 0
Balgownie JFC 2
Balgownie JFC proved too strong for Eschol Park FC with a 2-0 victory in taxing conditions in the 14 Boys Final.
A goal either side of halftime secured them a victory for Balgownie in an otherwise physical battle.
They started the half well with Oliver Smede putting the ball over the bar inside ten minutes, Henry Sargent pestering the defence in the lead up to it.
While Eschol Park had a response shortly after, a set piece turned into the near side netting before Jackson Demanski unleashed to no avail soon after.
Balgownie were to open the scoring however, a ball from midfield allowing Joel Buckley the opportunity beyond the defence. Buckley showing composure to slip it past the keeper taking us to our 1-0 scoreline at the break.
Eschol Park responding with a good chance of their own early in the second half. The strikers combining before Diego Martinez put it over the bar.
Their efforts would go unrewarded though with Balgownie adding the clincher. Samuel Burke doing really well to guide his header on target at the back post unmarked.
Balgownie then able to weather any attack mounted on their goal in the remaining minutes.
Match Stats:
Eschol Park Football Club 0
Balgownie JFC 2 (Joel Buckley, Samuel Burke)
Eschol Park Football Club: 1. Fabian BAKULIC, 2. Tyler ENGLISH, 5. Blerim HAXHIAJ, 6. Marcus FURNARI, 7. Jack WATT, 8. Tyrell DUVAL, 9. Javier PENA TORO, 10. Zayaan WOKSAM, 11. Jackson DOMANSKI, 12. Lincoln KIRKPATRICK, 14. Nathan BUDIN, 15. Kingston NICOLA, 16. Harrison PARKER, 18. Diego MARTINEZ, 19. Alex SANCHEZ.
Balgownie JFC: 1. Tristan PRADHITAMA, 2. Mitchell LYNAM, 3. Eli BATE, 4. Tomoki HENDERSON, 5. Oliver SMEDE, 6. Ben GARBUTT, 7. Oscar HOLDEN KIM, 8. Samuel UGONOTTI, 9. Henry SARGENT, 10. Luke GREEN, 11. Samuel BURKE, 12. Harrison Faulks, 13. Francisco MARTIN, 14. Jacob DONEV, 15. Joel BUCKLEY
14 Girls
Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC 4
East Gosford FC 1
Collaroy Cromer Strikers ran rampant with a 4-1 victory over East Gosford FC in the Under 14’s Champion of Champions Girls final.
The Strikers were circling throughout the contest as a constant threat to their opponents.
Their first goal coming five minutes in. A through ball from central midfield finding Kaitlin Dunne who finished in composed fashion.
Dunne once again denied minutes later by a good save from the East Gosford keeper.
The best chance for East Gosford coming midway through the half. Eden Murray shooting wide of the left post.
The second goal came at the other end. Erin Dunne scoring with a left footed strike at the edge of the area taking the score to 2-0 at the break.
East Gosford came out for the second half reinvigorated and cut the deficit to one. Mia Medak finishing into an open net after a keeper mistake.
However, Collaroy Cromer Strikers were just two good adding two further goals in the second half.
Erin Dunne completing her brace before Lily Gibbons added the icing on the cake with their fourth goal. The game finishing 4-1 in favour of the Strikers.
Match Stats
Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC (Kaitlinn Dunne, Erin Dunne 2, Lily Gibbons) 4
East Gosford FC 1 (Mia Medak)
Collaroy Cromer Strikers FC: 2. Aylah MARSHALL-WITTE, 3. Lilly GIBBONS, 4. Erin HASLOCH, 5. Evie DISCEMBRE, 6. Rosie HARRIS, 7. Macy PICKERING, 8. Victoria WAPPLING, 9. Maya GOVERS-GEORGE, 10. Erin DUNNE, 11. Evie WILKINSON, 12. Kaitlinn DUNNE, 13. Myah McEVOY, 14. Anna SAVIC, 15. Natalie BARNES.
East Gosford FC: 1. Isla LOW, 2. Claudio VASSALLO, 3. Mia MEDAK, 4. Alexis KRISTIDIS, 5. Antonia ARANGO, 6. Eden MURRAY, 7. Siannah ROGERS, 8. Isabella HODGSON, 9. Charlee CLARKE, 10. Isabel GRANT, 11. Charlotte SLYNEY, 12. Ella FROST, 13. Taera WETHERALL, 14. Ella-Rose MCQUADE, 15. Sophie WARE, 16. Lucinda DUSTING.
15 Boys
Forest Killarney FC 1
Banksia Tigers FC 2
Banskia Tigers FC held off a fast-finishing Forest Killarney FC 2-1 to claim the 15 Boys Champion of Champions title.
From the opening whistle Banksia Tigers went on the front foot. Ali Faqih had a pair of early chances which went straight to the keeper.
Forest Killarney FC responded with an effort of their own through Lachlan Formica who rattled the bar with a shot.
It was Banskia Tigers who struck first. Ali Elsayed drove in a free kick from near halfway which looped into the net to make it 1-0 after 14 minutes.
Elsayed doubled the lead in the 23rd minute. He strode forward, weaved past the defence before he arrowed into the bottom corner for 2-0.
The Tigers continued to pile on the pressure looking for the third goal but the game went into the break at 2-0 to them.
Forest Killarney FC pushed forward looking to get back in the game. Formica and Beau Alcock had chances went whizzed wide.
They did get it back to 2-1 in the 67th minute. It was Alcock who found the back of the net to set up the grandstand finish.
Match Stats
Forest Killarney 1 (Alcock ‘67)
Banksia Tigers 2 (Elsayed ‘14, 23)
Forest Killarney: 1 DOHERTY Samuel 3 RUSSELL Cameron 4 RAUTURIER Raphael 5 OREB Marko 6 ALCOCK Beau 8 SUEN Benjamin 9 DEPREE Tobia 10 KINGHAM Aidan 11 DUNCAN Donnie 16 GREENLAND Finn 18 FORMICA Lachlan 23 PHILLIPS Noah 24 TAPPER Lachlan 28 WONG Aden 47 JOHNSON Lachlan 71 FOULSTONE Harrison
Banksia Tigers: 1 TAOUBE Bilal 2 HASSAN Amir 3 BAZZI Hussein 4 ALSARY Ahmad 5 HIJAZI Mohammad 6 DAHER Mustapha 7 ALAWIE Hadi 8 FAQIH Ali 9 LOIZOU Emmanuel 10 SLEIMAN Abed Ellatif 11 EL-SAYED Ali 12 HAIDAR Hassan 13 BACHIR Hassan 14 BALAGHE Moustafa 15 MOHSEN Salim 16 PAPAMICHAIL Llias
15 Girls
Lilli Pilli FC 0
Wakehurst FC 4
Wakehurst FC romped to the 15 Girls Champion of Champions title after a convincing 4-0 win over Lilli Pilli FC.
Wakehurst FC opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Jessica Clagnan. She cushioned her effort off the right post to make it 1-0.
It was double delight for Clagnan in the 8th minute. She was sprung with a well-timed pass and arrowed into the bottom right corner for 2-0.
Lilli Pilli FC had a chance to pull a goal back in the first half. Jade Seidel and Zahli Johnston had efforts which were repelled by the Wakehurst keeper.
They added a third goal through Kiera Gard. She was able to sneak her free kick home at near post to make it 3-0 after 30 minutes.
Coming out of the break, Wakehurst felt just fine. Lexi Clayton strode through before it fell to Clagnan to turn home for 4-0.
Lilli Pilli FC pushed until the final whistle for a consolation goal but it was Wakehurst that ran out comfortable winners in the 15 girls final.
Match Stats
Lilli Pilli FC 0
Wakehurst FC 4 (Clagnah ‘4, 8 ‘41, Gard ‘30)
Lilli Pilli FC: 2 BROWN Makayla 3 CROSS Evy 4 PALTRIDGE Matilda 5 LOEWENTHAL Ella 6 MORAN Emily 7 SIMPERLER Tamra 8 CALLANAN Chloe 10 SEIDEL Jade 11 ROBB Sophie 12 JOHNSTON Zahli 12 SMITH Elsie 19 KEMISTER Maddison 21 JOHNSTON Layla 23 DE BATTISTA Sabina 31 GEELAN Cyan 98 KENT Gabrielle 99 DUFFY Lara
Wakehurst FC: 1 FROGGATT Sienna 2 DALZELL Suzie 3 GRIGG Romy 4 MOCK Chloe 5 DAVIS Joelene 6 JACK Emily 7 BOLTON Catalina 8 WORRELL Leah 9 GARD Zara 10 KORKIAN Aurelia 11 ADDISON Daisy 12 GARD Keira 13 BENNETT Lucy 14 CLAYTON Lexi 15 CLAGNAN Jessica
16 Boys
Enfield Rovers 3
Merrylands SFC 1
Enfield Rovers clinched the Under 16’s Champion of Champions Boys trophy with a cohesive performance to defeat Merrylands SFC 3-1.
The Rovers had an electrifying start to the match, putting a header just wide of the post before stinging the plans of the opposition goalkeeper from a threatening position as they looked to begin with a bang.
They found just that in the seventh minute, with a back post cross being volleyed by Isaiah Cham – while the original effort was off-target, a deflection redirected it into the back of the net for the opening goal.
Enfield went close to adding a second, as a shot from Ciano Errichiello forced the goalkeeper into a diving save.
However, the leading side did double their lead in the 32nd minute with a clinical goal.
Thiago Pena seized an opportunity to run down the right channel, and took the ball in his stride, purposefully towards goal, before finishing clinically into the bottom corner to give Enfield an extended advantage just before the halftime break.
However, early into the second half, Merrylands found a way back into the game – which was welcomed by a rapturous crowd – with Yaqubi Omid converting a left-footed volley past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to halve their deficit.
Following the goal, the crowd lifted, and Merrylands followed, playing with an extra layer of energy and motivation, while Enfield remained dangerous in the air – particularly from set-piece opportunities, as they headed good chances just off-target from inside the area on three separate occasions.
Despite Merrylands’ new-found spark, it was Enfield who netted to make it three from that aerial threat, with a cross from Isaiah Cham receiving a strong connection from Pena, who headed the ball into the back of the net for his second of the match.
Merrylands put up a good fight in the second half, but struggled to deal with Enfield’s overall physicality, pace, and ability in the air, and the Rovers secured a deserved win to take home the Under 16 Boys Champions of Champions trophy.
Match Stats
Enfield Rovers 3 (Isaiah Cham, Thiago Pena x2)
Merrylands SFC 1 (Yaqubi Omid)
Enfield Rovers: 1. Matthew Street, 9. Cody Pham, 12. James Pirri, 13. David Silvestri, 14. Julian Eaton, 15. Angus Jackson 16. Isaiah Cham, 17. Yianni Vallas, 18. Theofilos Malliaros, 21. Oscar Wegener, 23. Thiago Pena, 27. Joseph Stojkovic, 28. Toby Winters, 29. Noah Moufarrege, 30. Angus Cirillo, 31. Ciano Errichiello
Merrylands SFC: 1. Mohammad Safdari, 3. William Russel, 4. Shuaib Bahadori, 5. Mahdi Hassani, 6. Ali Sina Sarvari, 7. Joseph Elrassi, 8. Jacob Elrassi, 9. Yaqubi Omid, 10. Sobhan Mohammadi, 11. Muhammad Muhammadi, 12. Yousef Idaayen, 14. Mujtaba Babai, 15. Phillip Dib, 16. Ali Safari, 17. Ali Baqeri, 21. Murtaza Husseini
16 Girls
Lindfield FC 2
Pittwater RSL 0
Northern Suburbs outfit Lindfield FC got the better of Pittwater RSL in the 16 Girls category.
Lindfield opened the scoring inside four minutes after a lethal counterattack. Angelina Ly forced a good save from Pittwater goalkeeper Matilda Warren, but Rebecca Bund was on hand to finish from the rebound.
Pittwater applied the pressure as they searched for an equaliser. Lindfield kept them out with excellent defensive organisation and Jessica Lum did a fine job in the Lindfield FC goal, showing good command of the penalty area.
In the dying embers of the first half, Ellie Burgess was the creator for Lindfield FC’s second goal. Her sensational diagonal ball found Juliet Henderson, and Henderson’s accurate finish into the top corner matched the quality of the pass.
At the start of the second half, Pittwater were millimetres away from pulling a goal back as Grace Sheppard struck the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. Sheppard was looking lively on the left side of Pittwater’s attack, and she kept her opponents on their toes with two more efforts that went close.
Ly was also lively for Lindfield FC, using her speed to trouble Pittwater’s backline. She almost added further gloss to the scoreline in the 68th minute, however her shot hit the side netting.
Match Stats
Lindfield FC 2 (Rebecca Bund 4’, Juliet Henderson 34’)
Pittwater RSL 0
Lindfield FC: 3. Audrey KENNEDY, 4. Rosie MORAHAN, 5. Ellie BURGESS, 6. Lulu THORNETT, 7. Lucy HOCHART, 8. Angelina LY, 9. Emily BAIRD, 10. Georgia FRASER, 11. Lilja LE MOENIC, 14. Lucie SEKZENIAN, 15. Zoe KRIZAN, 18. Jessica LUM, 19. Ines DANZIGER, 20. Rebecca BUND, 21. Juliet HENDERSON, 22. Stephanie CROSSIE, 23. Olivia MEAGHER, 31. Jasmine WELLS
Pittwater RSL: 1. Matilda WARREN, 2. Grace SHEPPARD, 3. Elena ROUSE, 4. Tiana WALSH, 5. Mia LINKS, 8. Emilia LAWRENCE, 9. Georgie CALLEIA, 10. Tasha LILLYCROP, 11. Kiah SAUNDERS, 12. Chloe CURRIE, 13. Rainer LEVY-PETERS, 14. Asha BOUVENG, 15. Maya ATKINSON, 17. Andie BONASERA, 21. Brianna LAFOREST, 113. Cheyan MAULGUET
17 Boys
Lindfield FC 5
Sans Souci FC 2
Lindfield FC were crowned 17 Boys Champions of Champions after their 5-2 win against San Souci FC on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park.
The first chance of the game fell to San Souci FC. Max Palma who found space and fired an effort right at Arin Ginsberg.
It was Lindfield FC who opened the scoring from the spot. Daniel Silverstone stepped forward to take the spot kick and rolled it home for 1-0.
Quickly it was 2-0 for Lindfield FC in the 25th minute. Mats Van Den Biezenbos finished off a team move by slotting it into the back of the net.
Cooper Robertson had a late chance for Lindfield FC which he nodded over but they would head into the break at 2-0.
Lindfield FC made it 3-0 through Aaron Hubersman. He weaved past the defence and arrowed the ball into the bottom corner in the 46th minute.
San Souci FC clawed back a goal in the 51st minute. Kosta Anthony was on hand to turn home after Tinotenda Mazando’s shot for 3-1.
Anthony went close to making it a one-goal game when he thrashed an effort against the bar shortly after his goal.
Lindfield FC did restore their three-goal advantage in the 58th minute. Ewan Allabush nodded home from a corner to make it 4-1.
San Souci weren’t going away and made it 4-2 from their own set piece. John Kontellis was able to tuck home the free kick in the 60th minute.
It was Lindfield FC who took home the spoils after adding a fifth goal late on. Hubermans glided through the defence again to make it 5-2.
Match Stats
Lindfield FC 5 (Silverstone ‘20, Van Den Biezenbos ‘25, Hubermans ‘46, ‘71, Allabush ‘58)
San Souci FC 2 (Anthony ‘51 Kontellis ‘60
Lindfield FC: 1 GINSBERG Arin 4 VAN DEN BIEZENBOS Mats 5 CHIGHINE Matthew 6 SILVERSTONE Daniel 7 STEPHENSON George 8 FUDGE Luca 9 HUBERSMAN Aaron 10 WILLIAMS Fergus 11 VALDERRAMA William 12 ROSENBERG Benji 13 PARK Charles 14 BOWES Alexander 15 ALLABUSH Ewan 16 MALTZ Ricky 17 FRIEDMAN Joshua 27 HOURIGAN Griffin 29 ROBERTSON Cooper 30 VAWSER Christopher
San Souci FC: 0 PLANGETIS Stamatios 1 CRITOPH Dominic 2 GEORGIOU Matthew Georgiou 5 TZORTZIS Petros 6 KONTELLIS John 7 YACOEL James 8 ANTHONY Kosta 9 PALMA Max 10 STUPAR Vuk 11 SLABBERT Jack 17 ZAMMIT Hugo 18 CLEARY Jai 21 LOSAPIO Marco 22 NICHOLSON Lucas 75 MAZANDO Tinotenda
18 Men
Cronulla Seagulls FC 1
Wakehurst Football Club 0
Cronulla Seagulls prevailed by the narrowest of margins with a 1-0 victory over Wakehurst Football Club in the 18 Men’s Champion of Champions encounter.
The first half saw both sides battling in blustery conditions for control of things with chances few and far between in the first half.
Not a half for the purest, Cronulla seagulls finished the half strong with a couple of half chances. The best of which saw Clay Smith hit the ball over the bar under pressure inside the area. Before Harry Hindle hit a shot over the top right corner.
The wind was having the most affect though as both keepers had their work cut out for them on a tough afternoon.
Wakehurst’s best chances coming in the early stages of the second half, Ryan Turnbull a particular threat with his powerful shot, forcing the Seagulls into a diving save to hiss left.
Before a Turnbull free kick looked for all money like finding the top right for it only to catch the top netting of the goal.
The eventual winner coming from the Seagulls with just over ten minutes left in extraordinary circumstances. Aiden Fielder from a centre back position playing a ball forward which floated over the Wakehurst keeper into the net. A lead they would see out the game with finishing 1-0.
Match Stats
Cronulla Seagulls FC 1 (Aiden Fielder 78’)
Wakehurst Football Club 0
Cronulla Seagulls FC: 2. Jackson Greck, 3. Jack Rich, 4. Clay Smith, 8. Will Collins, 9. Matthew Nunn, 10. Luka Oliveri, 14. Harry Hindle, 15. Jack Moreira, 17. Aiden Fielder, 20. Jackson Fox, 21. Oliver Gravenor, 22. Patrick Schwartz, 23. Luke Cutcliffe, 27. Luca Alegria Ferreira, 56. Logan Coffey, 64. Haydon Roberts,
Wakehurst Football Club: 1. Owen Gordon, 2. Marco Panetta, 3. Oliver Spratling, 4. John D’Urso, 5. Angus Johnson, 6. Gregory Kondakov, 7. Joshua Ashley, 8. Tau Addison, 9. Joshua Mckenna, 10. Ryan Turnbull, 12. Xavier Atallah, 13. Evan Ryan, 14. Jet Mcdade, 15. Noah Hanlen, 16. Adan Rope.
18 Women
Manly Vale 0
Shellharbour JFC 3
Shellharbour JFC completed a 2023 State Cup / Champion of Champions double in the 18 Women’s category in a year to remember for the Football South Coast club.
The game understandably had a cagey start, given the warm conditions. Manly Vale looked threatening when they won set pieces in promising areas, but Shellharbour were able to hold on each time.
Vale’s best chance of the opening period came when Esther Schroeter raced towards goal, but Isabelle Kadwell’s perfectly timed challenge saved the day just as Schreoter was about to pull the trigger.
Isabelle Kadwell then became Shellharbour’s hero at the other end in the 27th minute, scoring with a thumping header from a corner to make it 1-0.
Vale started the second half brightly, and just after the restart Anna Kaya tested Shellharbour shotstopper Kyara Christensen from the edge of the penalty area. At the other end, Taya Tolson sent a 25-yard free kick fizzing inches over the crossbar. The South Coast side kept the pressure on and Mia Fleming fired the ball into the side netting.
Fleming was the player who doubled Shellharbour’s lead just after the hour mark when she found herself in the right place during a goalmouth scramble. Lucy Seten then put the icing on the cake for Shellharbour, scoring from 25 yards out in the 85th minute.
Match Stats
Manly Vale 0
Shellharbour JFC 3 (Isabelle Kadwell 27’, Mia Fleming 62’, Lucy Seten 85’)
Manly Vale: 1. Ellen CONLEY, 3. Cleo LOVELL, 4. Zoe FEMIA, 5. Mikayla JOLLY, 7. Anna KAYA, 8. Samantha WINTER, 9. Emma HOOPER, 10. Esther SCHROETER, 11. Charlotte SYMINGTON, 12. Summer BLACKBAND, 13. Neve KENNY, 14. Emily IBARBURU, 15. Caitlan FOWLER, 17. Philippa YOUNG, 20. Sienna McCULLY, 35. Marina RATCLIFFE
Shellharbour JFC: 40. Isabelle KADWELL, 41. Kyara CHRISTENSEN, 42. Tahlia SANTALAB, 43. Sienna DOERING, 45. Charlize FEDELE, 46. Mia FLEMING, 48. Claire KADWELL, 49. Jessica BELL, 50. Mikaela MARKOVSKI, 51. Sofia MIELI, 52. Indiana MIMOSO, 53. Matilda PEARSON, 54. Lucy SETEN, 55. Alyssa VASSALLO, 57. Taya TOLSON, 60. Scarlett THURGAR
21 Men
Cronulla Seagulls 1
Brookvale FC 2
A goal in each half would ultimately take Brookvale FC to victory after a wind-affected game.
Brookvale had the first chance when Nicholas Hawkins showed quick feet and drew a save out of Seagulls shotstopper James Riach. This was followed by a good period for the Seagulls, with Anthony Mann and Ryan Hardie having chances, while Brookvale custodian Jannie Nel denied Jackson Sumich. Nel’s services were required again just past the half hour mark to deny Hardie.
Brookvale’s tenacity in defence paid off and they drew first blood on 44 minutes as Luca Ball finished emphatically, Leonardo Zuppardi doing brilliantly to set him up.
The tension grew during the second half as the Seagulls pushed for an equaliser, while Brookvale were both defending stoutly and looking to capitalise on counter attacking opportunities. One of these counters presented Hawkins with a tricky chance, and his clever lob landed just past the far post.
There were ten minutes to go when Brookvale’s Thomas Sims blasted the ball across the face of the goal. At the other end, Bailey Fowler made an enterprising run and swooped on goal, but the Seagulls flyer could only find the side netting.
A spectacular free kick from Sims in the 89th minute doubled Brookvale’s advantage. This goal would prove to be the winner, but not before the Seagulls gave the fans a grandstand finish. Mann’s cool side-footed finish in stoppage time gave the Sutherland side hope, and then they nearly fashioned an unlikely equaliser, but Armstrong couldn’t hit the target.
Match Stats
Cronulla Seagulls 1 (Anthony Mann 90+1’)
Brookvale FC 2 (Luca Ball 44’, Thomas Sims 89’)
Cronulla Seagulls: 2. William LUMB, 4. Benjamin ARMSTRONG, 7. Jackson SUMICH, 9. Adam CASTLE, 10. Luke ROBERTS, 12. Kyle YEO, 13. Dimitry KHACHUMOV, 14. Ryan HARDIE, 15. Joshua ANDERSON, 16. Martin CHAVE, 23. Bailey FOWLER, 24. Jamie BOLLARD, 29. James NUNN, 42. Lachlan ZDEBSKI, 44. Anthony MANN, 66. James RIACH
Brookvale: 3. Felix LOMBARDO, 4. Mark MARINOVIC, 5. Jonathan VESCIO, 6. Josh EAKIN, 7. Daniel EVANS, 8. Dante MANNARINO, 10. Leonardo ZUPPARDI, 11. Nicholas HAWKINS, 12. Jannie NEL, 14. James GLYKAS, 17. Ben HATZIMANOLIS, 18. Luca BALL, 20. Teo BONDAREFF, 21. Matteo FRAGASSO, 22. Damiano MELANI, 99. Thomas SIMS
All Age Men’s
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook 2
Pittwater RSL FC 5
Manly Warringah FA outfit Pittwater RSL FC have secured the Champions of Champions All-Age Men’s title with a dominant performance over West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC.
After controlling possession and the state of the match in the opening fifteen minutes, it was Pittwater who took the scoreline advantage thanks to a header from Joshua Yeates off a deep corner into the area.
Pittwater doubled their lead through Riley Kilpatrick after a defensive error, as they continued to control the match, which was amplified by a stunning solo goal from Jonathon Walker to make it three.
The central defender made a strong interception on the halfway line and drove forwards with purpose, beating the defensive line with a positive touch and burst of pace before tucking the ball home clinically in a sensational effort.
Before halftime, West Pennant Hills clawed a goal back with Dash Ratnam finishing strongly low into the bottom left-hand corner, but that was mitigated by a beautiful freekick from Odin Seoane Racano which kept the game in Pittwater’s hands.
They added a fifth in the 67th-minute courtesy of corner, which was converted once more by Yeates, but Andrew Zalunardo clawed back a goal for West Pennant Hills through a clinical penalty.
Pittwater saw out the match calmly and clinched the All-Age Men’s Champions of Champions trophy.
Match Stats
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook 2 (Dash Ratnam, Andrew Zalunardo)
Pittwater RSL FC 5 (Joshua Yeates x2, Riley Kilpatrick, Jonathon Walker, Odin Seoane Racano)
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook: 1. Jacob Irwin, 2. Scott Williams, 4. Ryan Frank, 5. Cody Rudd, 7. Cole Rudlin, 10. Dash Ratnam16. Tim Irwin, 18. Andrew Zalunardo, 21. Andrea Biasucci, 22. Liam Kelly, 23. Michael Rawlin, 27. Lachlan Iredale 28. Dylan Huntley, 29. Cameron Pesavento, 30. Shane Campbell, 32. Ryan Gunn
Pittwater RSL FC: 4. Jonathan Walker, 9. Matthew Stirrat 10. Michael Mcginley, 11. Samuel Walling, 12. Elijah Bucknell, 13. Alfred Hunt, 15. Nicholas Diaz, 20. Joshua Dijkstra, 22. Thomas Woodward, 23. Max Bogunovic, 24. Riley Kilpatrick, 27. Joshua Yeates, 29. Conrad Meulman, 32. Nicholas Lehner, 35. Christopher Riley, 80. Odin Seoana Racano
All Age Womens
Jamisontown Giants 1
Seaforth FC 3
Things went swimmingly for Seaforth FC and the Northern Beaches side are All Age Women champions for the second consecutive year.
Jamisontown had a great chance to take the lead on 12 minutes when they won a penalty. However, Seaforth shotstopper Kierly Wiggins made a giant save to deny Hollie Wilson.
Instead, it was Seaforth who would make waves by scoring twice in quick succession. Michelle Le Roux made it 1-0 on 18 minutes by smashing the ball into the net after a corner hadn’t been cleared. Two minutes later, Hannah Griffiths took a free kick from 35 yards out and went directly for goal, with the ball sailing over Jamisontown custodian Kaitlin Hansen.
Seaforth didn’t have it all their own way and Jamisontown pulled a goal back near the end of the first half. Kaitlin Harms took a difficult chance well, her left footed strike from the edge of the penalty area going in off the post.
It was 3-1 to Seaforth eight minutes after the restart, Kristina Reisinger doing well to convert Briana Brown’s cross.
The two sides largely cancelled each other out for the remainder of the second half, which included plenty of stoppage time due to an unfortunate injury. In the time added on, the clearest chance came when Seaforth’s Julia Murphy and Abbey Cosh combined to set up Carla Rothwell, who was denied by Hansen’s one-on-one save.
Match Stats
Jamisontown Giants 1 (Kaitlin Harms 43’)
Seaforth FC 3 (Michelle Le Roux 18’, Hannah Griffiths 20’, Kristina Reisinger 53’)
Jamisontown Giants: 1. Kaitlin HANSEN, 3. Courtney ATKINS, 4. Grace CHAMBERLIN, 7. Jessica BELL, 9. Erin CONNELL, 10. Jade MANNA, 11. Elise SAVANNAH, 12. Tori AXISA, 13. Dimitie WHITEMAN, 14. Breanna SAMPSON, 17. Kaitlin HARMS, 23. Jessica ELLIOTT, 24. Bridgette POTTER, 27. Kirsty GAGAN, 30. Hollie WILSON
Seaforth FC: 3. Carla ROTHWELL, 4. Corinne WINKLER, 6. Hannah GRIFFITHS, 9. Kristina REISINGER, 10. Skye LUDLOW, 11. Kierly WIGGINS, 12. Amber HARTMANN, 13. Abbey COSH, 15. Anna McGREGOR, 19. Briana BROWN, 21. Madeleine KILPATRICK, 22. Annabelle PAKIETO, 24. Julia MURPHY, 27. Michelle LE ROUX, 28. Alex MILLER, 31. Chloe GRAHAM-SMITH
Over 30 Womens
Epping FC 2
Forest Killarney FC 8
Forest Killarney Football Club have secured the over 30 Women’s Champions of Champions trophy with a scintillating performance 8-2 victory against Epping Football Club.
Forest Killarney got off to a flying start, opening the scoring early on after a strong driving run from Jarka Rey was matched by a clinical finish into the bottom left corner, however Amy Scott found the equaliser five minutes later with a good run and clever, clipped finish.
In the back-and-forth affair that followed, it was Forest who prevailed, with Rey slipping in behind Erika Alker, and the winger calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net in a close range one on one.
Rey, who put up a fantastic performance, scored early in the second half before netting a hattrick with a great finish to make it 4-1, before Forest netted a fifth and sixth through Stacey Beer and Rey respectively.
The Manly Warringah FA side scored once more to add a seventh as Beer earned herself a brace, before a freekick stunner from Fatma Agar clawed a goal back for Epping.
But the match finished how it started, with Rey netting to see Forest take home the Over 30 Women’s Champion of Champions title.
Match Stats
Epping Football Club 2 (Amy Scott, Fatma Agar)
Forest Killarney Football Club 8 (Jarka Rey x5, Erika Alker x2, Stacey Beer)
Epping Football Club: 1. Rebecca Bolton, 2. Zoi Flannery, 3. Michelle Reed, 5. Jennifer Kim, 7. Melanie Lopes, 8. Julianna Bakos, 9. Shannon Kavanagh, 10. Michelle Greenfield, 11. Vanessa Poon, 12. Fatma Agar, 13. Lisette Robertson, 15. Alex Thompson, 16. Tracy Duncan, 18. Nikki Benham, 19. Abigail Clark, 21. Sara Coco, 41. Tamara Wijetunge, 44. Amy Scott
Forest Killarney Football Club: 1. Shauna Hawkes, 2. Victoria Van Dyk, 3. Christina Sussanna, 4. Elissa Henshaw, 5. Sophie Sheedy, 6. Erika Alker, 7. Lynette Hill, 8. Stacey Beer, 9. Monica Villacorta, 10. Jarka Rey, 11. Chrystelle Duncan, 12. Suzannah Bayes-Morton, 15. Sarah Schwark, 16. Angie Krajancic, 40. Yasmina Zabica
Over 35 Men’s
Como Jannali SC 8
Springwood United FC 1
Como Jannali took out a dominant 8-1 victory over Springwood United in the Over 35 Men’s Champion of Champions final.
Como Jannali were in control right from the opening stages of this one.
Opening the scoring through Brad Heffernan on five minutes. An easy finish capitalising on a keeping error.
While Guilherme de Souza looked the most dangerous for Springwood with an early effort going wide left.
Como Jannali were looking ominous in front of goal and scored another two before halftime.
Firstly, direct from a corner taken by Dominic Young followed by a simple finish from Kane Curran.
Springwood wouldn’t go home empty-handed though with a goal to Sean Green soon after the resumption. A well weighted through ball finding him.
However, the Como Jannali response was emphatic with Matthew Pickover scoring a hat trick inside 15 minutes of the resumption.
Brad Heffernan grabbed a memorable hat-trick of his own late on with another two goals to earn a famous victory for the Sutherland Shire FA side.
Match Stats
Como Jannali SC 8 (Brad Heffernan 3, Matthew Pickover 3, Dominic Young, Kane Curran)
Springwood United FC 1 (Sean Green)
Como Jannali SC: 1. Nicholas Reily, 2. Michael Keep, 4. Zeb Thornton, 6. Monte Pfrengle, 7. Ben Kasznik, 8. Dominic Young, 9. Matthew Keep, 10. Brad Heffernan, 13. Paul Stuart, 15. Andrew Paine, 19. Kane Curran, 23. Christopher Clarke, 20. Matthew Pickover, 30. Mitchell Cole, 32. Andrew Keep, 44. Norman Johnston
Springwood United FC: 1. Scot Johnson, 2. Kaan Davies, 3. Stephen Seymour, 4. Neal Harris, 6. Craig Small, 7. David Rogers, 8. Josh Hunter, 9. Michael Haberman, 10. Dale Fillingham, 11. Jarrod Nash, 12. Timothy Kelly, 13. Peter Dempsey, 14. Peter Henderson, 15. Guilherme de Souza, 16. Stephen O’Connell
Over 45 Men’s
Cronulla Seagulls 0
Hurstville City Minotaurs 1
Hurstville City Minotaurs have secured the Over 45’s Champions of Champions title with a narrow victory over Cronulla Seagulls at Valentine Sports Park Field 3 to make it an amazing five title victories.
Hurstville started the match strongly and found the breakthrough early in the first half.
A miscommunication between Cronulla’s defence and goalkeeper allowed Manuel Sarikakis to be presented with an empty net, where he calmly put the ball away.
Following the goal, Hurstville had multiple opportunities to double their lead, but after Cronulla switched their point of threat, looking to control possession rather than transition on the counter, the match became a more even affair.
In the 33rd minute, Matthew Lumb was inches away from finding an equaliser for his side, as he curled a shot towards goal from outside the area, but the ball swung just above the crossbar.
In the boiling sun, both sides struggled to match the intensity and energy present in the first half as the second stanza wore on.
However, midway through the second half, Ben Condon, who had been a consistent threat throughout the match, looked to produce the equalise for Cronulla.
Running in behind, the forward produced a sumptuous chip from outside the box over the goalkeeper, and the ball bounced off the crossbar, but somehow the ball didn’t find its way over the goal line, despite taking a further deflection off the goalkeeper towards goal upon rebounding.
However, that presented their last substantial chance of the match, and Hurstville clinched the trophy with a good all-round performance showcasing their ability to create chances and control matches both with and without the ball.
Coached by the “General” Peter Sarikakis, the team has gone down as one of the most successful Football NSW clubs ever to take part in the popular Champion of Champions tournament.
Match Stats
Cronulla Seagulls 0
Hurstville City Minotaurs 1 (Manuel Sarikakis)
Cronulla Seagulls: 1. Jason Bowler, 2. Shane Paul, 3. Darren Smith, 4. Daniel Volarich, 5. Stephen Woosnam, 6. Matthew Grant, 7. Andre Spinovic, 8. Matthew Lumb, 9. John Cuciti, 10. Ben Condon, 11. Jeff Podesta, 12. Peter Oliver, 14. Harry Christodoulou, 15. Simon Murray, 16. Mal Smith, 19. Brett Dingeldei, 22. Darren Wood, 23. David Johnson, 24. Darren Rossen, 31. Troy Porter, 61. Stephen Milne, 67. Mark Asplet, 80. Craig Lucas
Hurstville City Minotaurs: 1. Dragan Pupovac, 3. Peter Andrios, 4. Peter Papoythis, 5. Sotirios Panagakis, 6. John Cosentino, 7. Manuel Sarikakis, 9. Steven Karavatakis, 10. Tom Pontidas, 11. Acilleas Markopoulos, 12. Modar Sultas, 13. Nick Plataniotis, 14. Billy Pilovski, 16. Angelo Petratos, 17. Socrates Agiasotis, 18. Peter Mitrevski, 19. David Barrett, 20. George Ganiatsas, 21. Frank Mikuletic, 22. Emanuel Spanoudakis, 23. Malcolm Bideau, 25. Ali Jaafar, 33. Robert Hooker, 34. Gojko Sekutkoski, 38. Nick Andreou
*Reports by Eric Subijano, Justin Davies, Justin Smith and Jack George
