Bar FC travel to Queensland for the annual Tri-State Championship

10/09/2024

It was quite fitting that during the international competition football break Bar FC travelled to Wolter Park, the home ground of Moreton City Excelsior FC, for the annual Tri-State Championship on Saturday 8 September 2024.

After attending the annual Sports Law Conference in the morning, it was time for the annual interstate tournament that saw NSW play against teams from the Victorian and Queensland Bar. Our squad was as follows:

• John Harris (K) + Ben Harris
• Jeh Coutinho
• Hugh Morrison
• Joel Cook
• David Patch
• Simon Philips (C)
• Jonathon Dooley
• Thomas Liu
• Amay Tembe
• Jackson Rogers + Atticus Rogers
• Blair Jackson
• Ajay Sivanathan
• Adrian Canceri + Gus Canceri
• Nick Olson

The first game was QLD v VIC. As the Victorians were short on numbers, Bar FC provided some assistance to our southern brethren. A strong QLD side saw them victorious and with one eye on the silverware.

Our first game saw Bar FC up against a makeshift Victorian team, as the Vics only had 4 players. NSW played our starting 11 who quickly demonstrated that the passing game was always going to win on a wonderful playing surface. NSW victorious 9-2. Many thanks to the Jackson clan, Gus Canceri, Ben Harris, Blair Jackson and Patchildinho for helping them out.

The challenge was always going to be QLD who had 25 players at their disposal. In a tight game, Bar FC were held drawless at half time although clearly were dominating possession and attack. With some encouragement at half time from Sir Alex and a direction to cut the ball back from the by line to the edge of the D, Bar FC responded well in the second half with two goals to ensure the trophies came back to their rightful home.

It is hard to single out any one person as every player gave their all. However Simon Philips was, as always, solid at the back with Jonathon Dooley also providing great support and capping off a debut season, both playing every minute of both games. Hugh Morrison and Joel Cook took out the Most Valuable Player award, both worthy recipients and Patchildinho, our oldest ever player, assisted to set up the second QLD goal.

A wonderful day in the sun for all.

Next year will see NSW host the tri-state championship and Bar FC hope to keep the silverware in NSW for some time to come.

Sir Alex would like to thank the travelling party for making the effort. It really is a great competition to finish Bar FC’s season. He also wishes to thank all Bar FC participants for their continued support and for making Bar FC a wonderful addition to life at the Bar.

Should you be interested in joining the squad for the 2025 season, please email your interest to David Stanton, the manager of the team, at pa@mauricebyers.com.

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