On the final day of the Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) Champion of Champions tournament, the best 14 and 16 Years Girls’ community teams battled it out in a damp, but entertaining day of football.
The 14 Years competition saw Bellingen FC take out the top honours as winners after defeating Sawtell FC in the Final, in an incredible penalty shootout featuring 10 rounds of spot-kicks to decide a winner after it was 1-1 at full-time. Also named Champion of Champions was Kootingal FC in the 16 Years age group after a 2-1 win over Western Phoenix in their Final.
Sawtell FC were the dominant side all day and won in every game of the group stage while Dudley Redhead United FC finished just short of the Final as they trailed the second-place Bellingen FC side only on goal difference. They ended up finishing in fourth place though after going down to Nimbin Headers SC 2-1 in the 3rd v 4th Playoff.
In the 16 Years competition, the two teams who spent the groups undefeated, Western Phoenix and Kootingal FC, met in a great Final, but there was terrific football displayed right across the day including a great 3rd and 4th Playoff match between Boambee FC and Warners Bay, with the former winning 2-0, while Uki Pythons beat Maitland JFC in the 5th v 6th Playoff, 4-1.
NNSWF Football Events and Operations Coordinator Annalisa Ceccato said that despite the impending forecast of torrential rain forcing the competition’s schedule to change, the 14 and 16 Years teams put on a great show.
“Unfortunately due to the expected wet weather that was forecast, the change was made to move the Girls 14 and 16 Years competitions to take place on the one day as it would have been disappointing for players, parents and officials to have their games called off on Saturday and Sunday and therefore miss out on playing games and have no winner crowned,” Ceccato said.
“The teams showcased some brilliant football today and although there will be some tired legs tonight, I’m sure they would have enjoyed their time playing at the C.ex International Stadium against the best other community teams from across the region.”
The Referee of the Tournament was also awarded to Football Mid North Coast official, William Sawyer.
