Grand Final Day in the 7V7’s competition and it was a memorable day!
It was a beautiful morning at the Central Coast Sports College and the conditions were perfect for a great day. The 7-a-side playing field was set up when the players arrived and the supporters entered the field. First game was the minor grand final played on field two. It was three versus four with Paris Saint Germain versus Manchester United. For most of the in-house competition PSG were leading the ladder, but in the semi-finals they lost only their second game of the season. Now they were facing the next challenge – coming back after an important loss to play the minor grand final. Manchester United were having a very good competition and were unlucky not to make the major final.
The game was led by Justin Cooney as referee and his assistants Darcy Rapley and Noah Brownlow. It started with goals coming soon after the whistle. It was Tyrone who scored two goals early for Manchester United who were leading comfortably and playing good combination football. Then, after a long ball from Daniel Flack, it was Lachlan Russell who scored to make it 2-1, followed by the equaliser before half time.
Second half started the same way as the first, with two goals scored within three minutes, 3-3. After that Manchester United took control and scored the 4-3 and 5-3 – the end score that saw Manchester United win the minor grand final. Congratulations to Manchester United and a big thank you to coaches Will Piriz and Lauren Colthorpe for participating in the competition and doing a fantastic job.
Players lined up ready to play the major grand final, led by referee Kallan Lawrence and his assistants Blake Melverton and Connor Rose, Liverpool versus Sydney FC, coached by Hesterine and Patrick.
The atmosphere was great and the game kicked off around 9.10am. Both teams wanted to play a possession-based style of football and were using build-up play to create their chances and goalscoring opportunities. Two teams going head to head, not giving each other many opportunities to score and take the lead in the game. Liverpool came close with a shot from Charlie Buffon on the post and an excellent save off Wave in the rebound. Half time score was 0-0 but it was a very entertaining game to watch. Joey Peters and some of her players joined the spectators and the atmosphere was getting better by the minute. Hesterine gave some extra coaching to Liverpool at half time, clearly showing her true colours of support. Patrick did the same for Sydney FC.
Second half went the same way as the first with small chances for each team, but the keepers Darcy Walker and Wave Souravout were outstanding in their performances. The teams were going to a penalty shoot-out and the players were getting tired. The whistle blew and the game ended in a 0-0 score. PENALTIES!
Special rules were explained by the referee – miss and the other team scores and you are out. Massive pressure was building as every penalty was the most important shot of these players’ young careers. First up was Sydney FC and Santino Swanson Manuel stepped forward to take the first attempt. He was clearly nervous with plenty of pressure from the crowd. Darcy was getting ready and Kallan blew his whistle. Santino ran up and placed with the inside foot to the left corner of the goal. This was going in nine times out of ten, but Darcy made a miraculous save, the ball was rolling on the line but did not cross it. SAVED!!!! Still 0-0.
Liverpool was sending Charlie Buffon forward and he was also very nervous. Wave was trying to read his mind. The referee blew the whistle and you could hear a pin drop, the shot was placed with the inside foot, right side of the keeper, it went just on the inside of the post, GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL……and Liverpool won the major grand final on penalties.
Congratulations to Liverpool for playing a fantastic competition and also to Sydney FC for making it to the final.
This competition involved ten teams playing 7V7 every Friday. It was a great initiative from the coaches which added so much experience to the development of the players. Thanks to Hesterine de Reus and Will Piriz for organising it. Thanks to Danny Abboud and Daegel Richardson for adding their teams adding to their game experience and playing against older players which challenged them every Friday. They were performing very well and I applaud them for their participation, effort and dedication.
Thank you to everyone for making this competition a possibility and thanks to all the other coaches for being cooperative.
TEAMWORK IFS!!
Patrick.
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