³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Youth Championships semi-finals didn’t disappoint with a series of hard fought, physical and dramatic matches.
Queensland’s stella championships roll into the finals qualifying teams in both the 14s and 15s. They will face off against buoyant teams from West Australia and New South Wales tomorrow at C.eX International Stadium. The winners crowned 2023 ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Champions.
14-year matches
Queensland and Northern NSW were evenly matched in their first half trading goals in a high intensity slugfest. Queensland burst into the second session looking hungrier but unable to convert until Sidney McMenamin headed his team to a 2-1 advantage.
The story on pitch two followed a different script with Western Australia scoring early via a penalty follow up from Cooper Maiden. Despite Victoria’s determination to change the tempo in the second half the west Aussies maintained possession to secure the 1-0 win.
15-year matches
With the expectations of being the largest football state on their backs NSW lined up again Western Australia. The first half was a fierce fight only separated by WA’s James Overy when he buried a penalty after being taken down in the box.
NSW looked certain to score mid-way through the second term only to be denied by desperate, and at times lucky, WA defence. A piece of Noah Mathie brilliance locked scores at 1-1 and with it the momentum swung firmly towards NSW.
NSW slotted a late penalty to secure their finals place sparking riotous celebrations from their squad mates chanting “New. South. Wales!”.
The drama was heavier than Wednesday’s rain when Victoria played Queensland in the remaining 15s match. A thrilling penalty shootout (4-3 QLD) elevated the Maroons into the finals and the memory will be lasting on all for eternity.
Victoria had a chance to go one up in regular time hitting the cross bar with a penalty enthralling spectators. In between the theatre of finals football was an epic back-and-forth tussle befitting the best players in the country.
Friday on our minds
Friday means finals in Coffs Harbour and all eyes will be on pitches one and two come 1:20pm.
14-year grand final
- Queensland White v West Australia Black
15-year grand final
- Queensland White v NSW Metro
Day five schedule
- 8:00am – crossover matches
- 1:20pm – final
- 2:40pm – presentations
Key ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Youth Championships Information
- See the 2022 ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Youth Championships for Boys Program
- Stream the 2022 ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Youth Championships for Boys
- Social stories: and
