Moriah’s magical Cup comeback
The Moriah College senior football team have captured the NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cup after defeating Barker College 3-2 victory in a thrilling grand final last Wednesday at Valentine Park.
Making this achievement even more extraordinary is the fact it was Moriah’s inaugural entry into the prestigious competition, which features the state’s elite football schools such as Waverley College, Knox Grammar, Newington College and eventual runners-up Barker College.
Having started its campaign in February, the Moriah team — made up of year 11 and 12 boys — survived five rounds of knockout matches before entering last week’s decider as the firm underdogs.
The Hornsby-based Barker College were in control from kick-off and held a 1-0 lead at halftime.
It went from bad to worse for Moriah, as Barker doubled its advantage midway through the second half.
But Moriah wouldn’t go down without a fight and goals to Ryan Blumberg and Jonathan Solomon then levelled the match at 2-2 with only 10 minutes remaining.
Another goal to Solomon in the final minutes completed an epic comeback, sending the large crowd of Moriah supporters into frenzy.
Barker pushed back hard for an equaliser but was held at bay by the last-ditch efforts from the Jewish school’s defenders, with the final whistle sparking wild celebrations in the Moriah camp.
Moriah’s director of sport Dom Helene said the parochial Moriah fans played a significant part in the team’s triumph.
“To come from behind after being two goals down and win in the last few minutes was unimaginable,” Helene said.
“The boys were definitely buoyed by all of the staff’s support, as well the parents and bus load of students. This really is a historic achievement to be crowned the NSWCIS Football champions, with the boys defeating schools such as Waverley, Cranbrook, Knox, Newington & Barker.”
AJN STAFF
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