Quakers Hill Tigers Crowned Champion of Champions
Quakers Hill Tigers forward Shayaan Shahriar will cherish this moment for many years. The youngster unleashed a long-range golden goal from the edge of the centre circle, beating a despairing Linfield FC goalie Nicholas Batistich to break a 1-1 deadlock in their recent Boys Under 16 Champion of Champions grand final.
The stunning goal capped a remarkable turnaround for the Tigers who came from behind to win their exciting final after Calan Shaw had given Linfield the lead in the 12th minute.
The Tigers, however, drew level in the first half when Joshua Hand coolly slotted a penalty after his teammate Akeeny Abusalah was brought down in the box by Lindfield’s Richard Jang.
Quakers Hill custodian Levi Vander Noord was also one of the heroes for the Tigers with some fine saves in the pulsating contest in front of a large crowd at Valentine Park, Glenwood. He stopped a potential winner from Finley Pridmore off a free kick in extra time, having defended his goal posts well throughout the game.
There were a few close misses for the Tigers but their never-say-die attitude meant they were always in the hunt for the match-winning goal. The perfectly-timed strike by Shayaan in extra time was the start of celebrations by the passionate Tigers supporters who rushed on the field to fete their young heroes.
It was the only title won by Blacktown & Districts Soccer Football Association at this prestigious competition, organised by Football NSW.
Unfortunately, the other local team in the Champion of Champions finals, Kellyville Kolts from Hills Football, had a forgettable Boys 15 years final against Eschol Park FC, who collected the Champion’s Trophy with a 5-0 win.
Eschol (Macarthur FA), never looked back after taking a 2-0 lead by half-time. Despite the defeat, Kellyville Kolts can hold their heads high after a successful regular season.
The champion Quakers Hill Tigers squad:
1. Levi Vander Noord, Joshua Kosem, Logan Lewis, Fidel Baddour, Joshua Hand, Kaan Kuru, Diego Perez-Garcia, Decklan Brown, 14. Shayaan Shahriar, Cameron Greene, Ashwin Tenneti, Andre Sathiavan, Matthew Dias, Nicholas Mey, Lachlan McArthur, Edwards Zhao and William Zhao.
