Sydney and Melbourne face off with Pride

Last weekend’s Pride Football Australia tournament was an outstanding feast of football for the 95 players and over 150 spectators who braved the weather conditions on Saturday, October 6. Sydney Rangers FC and The Flying Bats Women’s Football Club hosted a full weekend of events to kick off the tournament which saw them take the field against the Melbourne Rovers men’s and women’s teams.

The Melbourne Rovers men took home the 4th annual Justin Fashanu Cup presented by ACON with a tight 1-0 victory over the Sydney Rangers.

“My boys gave everything to try and break down the excellent Rovers defence and I couldn’t be prouder of them. With both clubs now locked at two title wins each, Rangers are already looking forward to doing our best to win back the Justin Fashanu Cup in 2013,” Sydney Rangers coach Joseph Roppolo said.

The women had to split the inaugural Julie Murray Cup trophy with the Flying Bats after a serious injury caused the game to be cut short at 2-2.

“We would have loved to decide a winner with penalties, but under the circumstances, we think a draw is a fair and we’re so thankful that the Rovers player is not seriously injured. We are looking forward to someone winning the trophy outright in 2013,” Flying Bats president Alicia Rich said.

Patron of the women’s cup, Julie Murray, said she was honoured to be involved in another piece of history

“Whether it’s professional or local weekend football, you play because it brings something positive to your life; there is a sense of belonging, responsibility, and loyalty that comes with playing football,” Murray said.

“Although there is still a long way to go, I believe football has, and will continue to play a key role in breaking down barriers.”

Two Melbourne players also took home the inaugural player of the match awards, as judged by Julie Murray, patron of the women’s cup.

Earlier in the day a mixed match between the Bats and Rangers saw Australia defeat The World 5-4 in a highly entertaining friendly exhibition game.

Over 200 players and friends partied on late into the night at The Cup of Life after party at the Midnight Shift Club on Oxford St with a special dance performance by the home teams, the highlight of the evening. Melbourne Rovers will host the 2013 Pride Football Australia tournament.