A pessimistic weather forecast proved a farce as a day near clear of rain gave way to the bulk of the boys Champion of Champions football.
A variety of physical games, blow-outs and tight tussles blossomed throughout the day. Through the depth and quality of games, potential champions started to decipher themselves on their respective tables before the final day of the tournament tomorrow.
Under-12s Boys: Villa are having a party
Gunnedah remained bottom of the table without a goal after the third round of under-12s football, with Jaybien Johnson securing a tight 1-0 win for Sawtell.
On the contrary, Alstonville shot into outright first, thrashing Valentine 6-0 during the largest score difference in the boys competition thus far. Fynn Willows, Max Mostert, Will Gallagher, Lucas Henwood, and two from Bailey Titcume cemented Villa’s spot as finals favourites.
In an end-to-end match between Maitland and Nelson Bay, no one could create a clear-cut chance, ending the Interdistrict fixture 0-0.
During the midday fixtures, regional side Gunnedah picked up their first goal of the tournament through Kade Bush in a 1-1 draw with Valentine.
Meanwhile, Alstonville and Nelson Bay stole big wins to cement places in the top two.
Nelson Bay’s Noah Dunphy, Alex Campbell and Muhammad Kareem shared the spoils in a 3-1 win over Sawtell, while Alstonville’s Bailey Titcume’s brace sees him shoot to the top of the goalscoring charts in a 3-0 win over Maitland.
The result means Alstonville are the first side confirmed into the grand final.
A close game between Sawtell and Maitland saw a 2-2 draw, tightening the under-12s competition further with only four points splitting sides from second to sixth, heating up the last round of football first thing tomorrow morning.
Under-13/14s Boys: Phoenix soar into 13s final, A race for goals in 14s
Coffs City United 14s secured their first win of the tournament against Iona 13s, winning 5-0. Noah Light scored the first hattrick of the under-12s tournament, with Charlie Wood also putting two past the goalkeeper.
Alstonville FC 14s again were matched-up with a Coffs City United side for their second game of the tournament, this time being their 13s.
Villa found more comfort in front of goal against Coffs City 13s, scoring four goals, including a brace from Cohen Duncan.
Western Phoenix 13s were on track for an upset against Byron Bay 14s, keeping the Rams at bay until the final minute of the first half when Bon Warton gave Byron Bay the advantage.
Unfortunately, it was not to be for Western Phoenix as they conceded two more goals, ending the game as an expected 3-0 defeat.
But Western Phoenix 13s managed to complete the double over their two under-13s counterparts after beating Coffs City United 13s 4-0. In doing so, Phoenix were also the first team confirmed in their age group final.
Joshua Baxter opened the scoring in the first half. Then three more were converted to put Phoenix in prime position for the 13s final. Harmoni Clark scored their second after a well-placed cross from Kalan Clark before he added to his contribution tally later with a goal of his own. Harmoni Clark scored the other goal to complete her brace and a convincing victory.
Byron Bay and Coffs City United 14s fixture was one of physicality, ending 0-0 but with two yellow cards handed out. Meanwhile, Alstonville 14s kept their perfect record, beating Iona 13s 4-0 with Levi Priddle scoring a brace.
Alstonville 14s are the first side to qualify for the 14s final, beating Byon Bay 1-0.
Coffs City United 14s goal-fest 4-2 win over Western Phoenix 13s set up a race for goals when they both play under-13 sides tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Coffs City United 13s 3-1 win over Iona almost affirms Coffs place in the final against Western Phoenix.
Under-15s Boys: Tight competition channels nail-biter last round
The highly anticipated first fixture between Bolwarra Lorn and Alstonville 15s provided some of the highest quality football the tournament has seen thus far.
The first half was dominated by Alstonville, who constantly pressed Bolwarra. The high-intensity football eventually paid off through Darcy Hampson winning a penalty for Villa. Hampson confidently approached the dead ball after practicing prior to the match but dramatically hit the outside of the crossbar, keeping the game 0-0 for the second period of play.
The Rangers came into the second half stronger than the first. Still, the deadeye attackers could not surpass an excellent display of goalkeeping from Connor Redden, who made several clinical saves towards the end of the game, ending the fixture 0-0.
Port United kept their top two hopes alive after beating Sawtell 1-0 through Julian Ardetti. But in their midday fixture, the Saints were beaten convincingly 3-0 by Bolwarra, forcing a spectacular comeback needed if they want to upset either top two side.
Alstonville could not open up Sawtell, ending their fixture 0-0, leaving Port United with a chance at finals if they defeated Villa in the later match.
Bolwarra consolidated their finals berth, beating Sawtell 1-0, while Port United spiced up the finals race.
The Saints held Alstonville’s impressive attacking line scoreless and scored one of their own through Julian Ardetti. The 1-0 result gives Port United a realistic look at the 15s final if they defeat Sawtell, where it will depend on how Alstonville fair against the high and mighty Bolwarra.
Under 16s Boys: Finals confirmed as decider between the two best sides in Northern NSW
Valentine continued their clean sheet antics to open the day by surpassing Far North Coast side Alstonville 1-0.
But Northern Storm were out for revenge against Valentine after an eventful first day. Storm, playing the tournament with no substitutes, found a break with a rare corner in the second half. Jesse Crick rose above the opposition defence and deftly placed his header into the back of the net.
The Storm defended courageously, desperately keeping the ball in Valentine’s half for the remainder of the game, taking a well-deserved 1-0 victory.
Alstonville and Northern Storm faced twice towards the end of day four. Storm took the first win 1-0 through a Taylan Kapukaya goal.
Alstonville came out firing in the second game, spending most of the first half in Storm’s department, but could only muster a 1-1 result, meaning Northern Storm and Valentine will face in the under-16s final irrespective of the Alstonville-Valentine game tomorrow.
Explainer: How the Champion of Champions works
The Northern NSW Football Champion of Champions tournament brings together the best youth community football teams from across NNSWF's seven Member Zones' top competitions to challenge for the title of Champion of Champions in their age group.
In a change to previous formats, in 2022 all clubs are invited to enter any teams competing in their Member Zone’s top division. The tournament kicked off on Monday and will see seven age groups across girls and boys competitions to determine the NNSWF community football Champion of Champions.
More about the 2022 Champion of Champions tournament can be found HERE.
Key Champion of Champions Information:
- See photos for 2022 Champion of Champions HERE
- See the fixtures and results for 2022 Champion of Champions HERE
- See the team resources for 2022 Champion of Champions HERE
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