On the 31st August the Edmund Rice Year 7-10 team travelled to Valentine Sports Park Glenwood for the Finals of the NSWCCC Football Knockout. After finishing runners up last year to Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham, the squad was ready to redeem themselves and take out the state championship.

The opening fixture against Marian College, Griffith ended 1-0 in favour of Edmund Rice, thanks to a far post header from Western Sydney Wanderers centre back Lachlan Taylor. This victory put the boys in the right headspace going into the final just hours later.

The Grand Final took place against tournament favourites Freeman College, Bonnyrigg. The game started with immense intensity from both squads chasing an early lead. A fast post cross from young winger Dylan Rodrigues landed at the feet of playmaker Noah Hewett who placed the ball in the top left hand corner to put ERC 1-0 up at half time. The second half saw the Edmund Rice squad face a large amount of high pressure from Freeman College. With 5 minutes left on the clock they equalized with a long ball over the defence sending the game into a penalty shoot out. Goalkeeper Andre Dzeparoski made two phenomenal saves on top of quality penalty kicks from Oliver Morgan, Tzar Harb, Ryan Plumridge, and Willem Robaard the Edmund Rice squad took out the NSWCCC Championship.

A huge congratulations to each and every player in this team. The culture which has been cultivated has led them to play some fantastic free flowing football. We look forward to seeing this team continue this success into future events.

Squad List: Willem Robaard, Ryan Plumridge, Gabriele Senise, Andre Dzeparoski, Alexander Heron, Gabriel Corvalan, Mohammed Raad, Conor Mathie, James Benedetti, Haider Raad, Dylan Rodrigues, Tzar Harb, Noah Hewett, Oliver Morgan, Lachlan Taylor, Luca Spaseski, AJ Duffin, Kiran Dhami

Coach: Brendan Belsito

Mr Timpano
Sports Coordinator