On Wednesday 9 September, our Year 9/10 knockout squad travelled to FM Stadium at Gepps Cross to compete in the State Finals, having progressed through the qualifying rounds with impressive wins over strong teams from Thomas More, Woodville, Roma Mitchell and Rostrevor College.
In the semi-final, we faced Nazareth, while Unley High School took on Parafield Gardens in the other semi-final. After dominating the first half, SPSC deservedly took a 1–0 lead into the break. However, two key errors of judgement in the second half allowed Nazareth back into the contest, and they ultimately secured a 3–1 victory.
Determined to finish on a high, the team produced an excellent performance in the third-place match against Parafield Gardens. A convincing 4–2 victory secured third place in the state — an outstanding achievement. Andrei Chemutov was our top scorer across all rounds and games. Unley High School became the overall Year 9/10 champions with a comfortable victory over Nazareth.
On Thursday 17 September, our Year 7/8 knockout squad also travelled to FM Stadium for the State Finals, after progressing through the qualifying rounds with wins over Unley High School, Marryatville, Blackfriars and Blackwood.
In the semi-final, the team produced a dominant performance to defeat Immanuel College 4–0 and book a place in the state final against a very strong Roma Mitchell side. SPSC made the perfect start, taking an early lead through a superb goal from Theo Demourtzidis. Roma Mitchell responded strongly, however, with their skilful and physical team turning the game around to establish a 3–1 lead by half-time. Play opened up in the second half and an entertaining game ended 5-3 with Roma Mitchell deservedly winning the state final and SPSC claiming 2nd place in the state.
The 7/8 team scored 40 goals in six games and conceded just 7. Theo Demourtzidis scored 14 of them and Jack Albanese 9.
The knockout competitions are open to all schools in SA – government and private – and so represent one of the best measures of the strength of a school sport program. For all three of our age group knockout teams (Year 7/8, Year 9/10 and 1st X1) to finish in the top 4 of the state is an impressive achievement, especially given that many of the schools competing in knockouts have specialised soccer programs. Well done and congratulations to all the boys involved and to the coaches – Mr Freesmith and Mr Ward. I would also like to thank Mr Freesmith and Mr Ward for all the extra work that they put into organising and preparing for these knockout matches.
Mr Sean Inman
Head of Soccer
