Port Kembla U16 boys capped a dream football season by winning the prestigious NSW Champion of Champions tournament on Sunday.
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As they had shown throughout the statewide knockout tournament, the Black and Whites put in a dominant showing in the October 18 decider at Valentine Sports Park, hammering Castle Hill United FC 4-0.
Port led 2-0 at the half courtesy of goals from Rene Vescio and James Pallone.
Castle Hill responded strongly in the second half and had two good opportunities to score but Port weathered the early onslaught and put the game out of reach with goals to Emmanuel Kamara and Emanuel Hondroudakis.
Port’s ‘’brilliant campaign’’ saw them score 15 unanswered goals in four tournament games.
They started with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Camden Tigers. Port then beat Forest Killarney 2-0 before hammering semi-final opponents Albury Wodonga 5-0.
‘’The boys should be proud of what they have achieved. It has been a pleasure coaching these boys. They have shown a lot of commitment and worked hard all year,’’ coach Jorge De Matos said.
Football South Coast representative Joe Seco said Port had a remarkable season.
"This caps off a great year for Port Kembla U16 with the side achieving the quadruple by winning the league, grand final, state cup and champion of champions,’’ he said.
The boys should be proud of what they have achieved
- Jorge De Matos
‘’Not many sides have achieved this feat. Football in the South Coast is alive and well.’’
Port assistant coach Stan Hondroudakis said he was proud of the ‘’best NSW U16 club team by far’’.
It was heartbreak unfortunately for Football South Coast’s other grand finalist.
Shellharbour U14 girls team actually led 1-0 but Kellyville Kolts responded to win the decider 2-1.
Shellharbour coach Freddy Barraza praised his team’s fighting spirit.