Newcastle High School football coach Michael Kondov is confident his charges will be better for the Bill Turner Cup experience when 2025 rolls around.

After losing its semi-final encounter in the national knockout tournament, the local outfit bounced back on Wednesday 4 September to clinch the third place-play off at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

With Will Parkinson scoring in the second minute and Darcy Goodwin adding another goal in the first half, Newcastle High defeated Illawarra Sports High 2-0.

And, in another boost for the side, Levi Segal took out the Bill Turner Spirit of Football Award.

Kondov praised the boys for their determination in a tough competition.

“They’ve [sort of] gone one better than 2018,” he said.

“Even though we finished third back then, that resulted in a draw.

“This time, we won.

“And, I guess it gives our captain Darcy (Goodwin) bragging rights over his older brother – and former Newcastle Jet – Archie.

“But, they’re great bunch of lads.

“They worked hard [today], so it was great to see them win.”

Kondov admitted there was no reason the squad – Curtis Thoroughgood, Leo Wasik, Zavier Buxton, Arlo Prieto, Lachie Davis, Levi Segal, Nik Sklavos, Will Parkinson, Darcy Goodwin, Joaquim Loor, Sam Sincock, Hamish Searles, Lachlan Almanera, Giles Travers and Jett McTackett – couldn’t form a little dynasty.

“As long as we stick together, and keep working hard, I think we can challenge for a few titles,” he said.

“And, I’m not going anywhere.

“It might seem simple but it’s all about working hard and working together as a team.

“There are no individuals out there.

“They all work hard for each other… and I believe that’s the main thing.

“This group of boys, in particular, did that really, really well.

“Everyone held their positions, too; they just worked for each other.

“I’m proud of them.”

In the Bill Turner Cup final, Killarney Heights High upstaged Corinda State High 3-0, thanks to efforts from Nat Evans, Benjamamin Suen and Declan Feng.

Westfields Sports High claimed the Bill Turner Trophy (girls) after accounting for Cairns State High 4-1.

Charlotte Bradshaw grabbed a double and the Player of the Final honours.

The third place play-off saw Maribyrnong Secondary College beat St John Paul College Coffs Harbour 7-0.

Bill Turner Cup/Trophy

Day two wrap

Wednesday 4 September

Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point

Bill Turner Trophy (girls) final:

• Westfields Sports High School 4 (Charlotte Bradshaw 13m, 20m; Claire Corbett 53m, Gisella Pangallo 59m) beat Cairns State High School 1 (Alisha May 13m)
• Player of the Final: Charlotte Bradshaw (Westfields Sports High School NSW)
• Player of the Series: Payton Rose (Cairns State High School QLD)
• Bill Turner Spirit of Football Award: Ella Lee (Maribyrnong Secondary College VIC)
• Bill Turner Trophy third place play-off: Maribyrnong Secondary College 7-0 St John Paul College Coffs Harbour

Bill Turner Cup Final:

• Killarney Heights High School 3 (Nat Evans 45m pen; Benjamamin Suen 48m; Declan Feng 59m pen) beat Corinda State High School 0
• Player of the Final: Nat Evans (Killarney Heights High School)
• Player of the Series: Jesse Nunez (Corinda State High School)
• Bill Turner Spirit of Football Award: Levi Segal (Newcastle High School)
• Bill Turner Cup third place play-off: Newcastle High School 2 beat Illawarra Sports High School 0

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