Figtree High won six matches including a penalty shootout quarter-final thriller to be crowned kings of school futsal by winning the under-16 NSW Schools Futsal Championship.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Figtree improved on making the final two years ago in under 14s to beat Kirrawee High School 1-0 in the final.
The competition featured 32 teams, playing off in eight pools with only the section winner advancing to the knockout round.
Injuries to Chris Popovski and goalkeeper Cody Gillis challenged Figtree's depth but Jarrod Twigg proved a star in goal and Matt Tschantsher was also an able replacement.
With only one team in each pool progressing, Figtree made a fast start, beating Cecil Hills HS 3-1 and improved in their second match in a 2-0 win over a tougher opponent, Chatswood HS, with goals from Matt Tschantsher and Emanuel Hondroudakis.
Needing only a draw in their final pool game to win the pool, Figtree edged Mamre Anglican College 2-1 in an exceptional match of many chances for both teams.
Emanuel Hondroudakis' wonder goal from a free-kick proved the difference.
Having reached their goal of making the knockout phase, Figtree then beat Cherrybrook Technology High School on penalties in a nail-biter.
Twice Figtree trailed before Tyren Maclou's long range equaliser for 2-2 sent the match into extra time and then penalties.
Jarrod Twigg made a great save to keep Figtree alive in the second round of penalties, before in the sudden-death format, Figtree scored and Jarrod saved again to put his team into the semi-finals.
Figtree then had a surprisingly comfortable 5-0 win over Mudgee High School to set up a clash with Kirrawee in the final.
Kirrawee had a host of State Futsal representatives. After riding their luck early on, including Jarrod making some key saves, Kieren Brodnik gave Figtree a 1-0 lead just before half-time.
Figtree then held for a deserved win, one better than their 2013 runner-up.