Rouse Hills Rams 18s women claim historic win in overtime at Champion of Champions
It was a slug-fest that went for more than an hour but in the end the Rouse Hill Rams were the ones to create history at Football NSW’s Champion of Champions tournament.
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The Duval household have plenty to celebrate with sisters Nicole, 18, twins Monique and Rachel, 16, and father Steve all part of a historic victory at Valentine Sports Park.
The 18s women’s match between the Rouse Hill Rams and Shellharbour Junior FC was one of the last games of the day and one of the most thrilling as it went into extra-time at the Champion of Champions tournament.
After an exhausting hour and 10 minute battle, it was the Rouse Hill Rams who emerged victorious with their 1-0 defeat of Shellharbour Junior FC.
And it was Monique, who scored 83 goals this season for her club, who helped set up the win.
“There was only ever going to be one goal in this. It was a very close game,’’ said coach Duval, whose family live at Kellyville.
“It hit their defender and it went in for an own goal.’’
Duval said the team was elated with the hard-fought victory which came in their first appearance in a Champion of Champions finale.
“It’s the first time any of our teams have won it,’’ he said.
“It’s been a big year for us. They (Rouse Hill Rams) also got the female club award from the Hills Football Club.’’
Duval expects the win will help encourage more women and girls to the club to play football.
In the first match of the day at Valentine Sports Park, the 12s boys from Dee Why FC beat the Kellyville Kolts from the Hills 4-0.
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In all, 19 deciders were played at the 51st Football NSW’s Champion of Champions finals at Valentine Sports Park.
The event is grass root football’s most prestigious tournaments with teams from across NSW participating.
Manly Football Association were big winners with four of their teams taking out Champion of Champions titles.
Football South Coast had three clubs win while Northern Suburbs, St George FA and Sutherland Shire FA took out two divisions each.
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