NSW Bar reclaims both Suncorp Perpetual Trophies

11/09/2017

Wellbeing

On Saturday, 9 September 2017, approximately 45 barristers drawn from the Queensland, Victoria and NSW Bars gathered at Sydney University to mark the 10th Anniversary of fierce but friendly football rivalry. At stake was the Suncorp Perpetual Trophies and, most importantly, pride! However, before the festival of the boot commenced at 1 pm, at the Sports Law Conference chaired by Justice Geoff Lindsay, we were treated to entertaining opening remarks by Justice Anna Katzmann followed by Alan Sullivan QC who gave us an insight into the fascinating world of FIFA ethics and then by Professor Deborah Healey who provided some interesting commentary on aspects of doping in sport. The conference concluded with a delightful review by Graham Turnbull SC on aspects of “natural justice” as it applies to sport.

The opening game in the Tri-State series was between Queensland and Victoria. It was a very even contest reflected ultimately in a hard fought 1 all draw. Best and Fairest on field for Queensland was Jens Streit and for Victoria, Michael Kats. The fixture was officiated by Simon Burchett.

The next game was between NSW and Queensland. In what turned out to be a lop-sided contest, NSW won easily, 7-2. Best and Fairest on field for NSW was Richard Di Michiel who scored a hat-trick and for Queensland, Craig Bolger (of the NSW Bar, on loan). The fixture was officiated by David Patch.

The last game of the day saw NSW back up against a Victorian team fresh from an hour’s break. The Victorians always have a little something in reserve for NSW and, in what turned out to be a competitive performance, NSW just prevailed in a 3-2 result. Best and Fairest on field for NSW was Jeh Coutinho (Clerk, Banco Chambers) and for Victoria, Chris Archibald. The fixture was officiated by Anthony Lo Surdo SC.

In the end, NSW performed a clean and clinical sweep to reclaim both Suncorp Perpetual Trophies. The Sports Law Conference and the games will be held in Melbourne in 2018.

A donation of $1500 representing the proceeds of the day has been made to CanTeen to assist young people dealing with cancer.

A full report with photos will appear in the next edition of Bar News.

---