Author Archives: Subbuteo Australia
ATFA AGM 2023
The 2023 ATFA AGM was held on Sunday 19th November. The minutes are now available for review by those unable to attend. The incoming Committee are:
– President: Adrian Connolly
– Vice President: Peter Thomas
– Secretary: Eliot Kennedy
– Treasurer: Nathan Urbaniak
– Ordinary Committee Members: Adrian Elmer, Luke Radziminski, Giuseppe Tardiota
We would like to thank outgoing Secretary Steve Wright for his service on the committee over recent years. We welcome the addition of Nathan Urbaniak to the Committee for the first time, and thank the other members for continuing in roles on the committee.
The AGM agreed that a small membership fee will be reintroduced for 2024. This is required in the longer term to cover the costs of the association. More information on that to follow soon, along with the process to apply for some of the modest funds available from ATFA to aid the growth of the game, particularly equipment for the development of new and emerging clubs.
Tournament Report: 2023 Australian Grand Prix of Subbuteo Table Football
During an amazing weekend of table football action at the magnificent Ultra Football facilities, Peter Thomas claimed the first FISTF Grand Prix Open Individual title and backed it up the following day to help Melbourne TFC win the club teams title in Melbourne on the weekend. This was the first FISTF Grand Prix held in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores in 2020.
The tournament schedule began with the dinner draw at Panenka Café. There was a strong turn out with most players attending the event to enjoy great food and the social aspects of the start to proceedings. Welcome gifts were given to Bryan Arnold as a thank you for travelling all the way from the USA to compete, and also to Richard Edeson who travelled from Auckland to be the first Kiwi to compete in a FISTF event. There was also a token of appreciation presented to Kevin Grant, a work-horse on the Australian table football scene without whom we wouldn’t have the quality tables we have today.
The crowd listens intently to the words of FISTF President Steve Dettre during the welcome address
The draw itself was always going to present some tough groups to escape from. Richard Wilson was left cursing being draw with Peter Thomas and the surprisingly unseeded Fabrizio Coco, likewise Tony Madiona drawn with Robert Green and Vikas Chandarimani. Most others saw their groups as tough but with some hope of progressing to the round of 16.
Demonstrating the depth of competition, and the turmoil COVID caused to global FISTF rankings, 5 of the 8 seeds did not top their group. Only Robert Green and eventual finalists Peter Thomas and Eliot Kennedy prevailed. However, all seeds except for Giuseppe Tardiota did progress from their group.
Some of the highlights from the group stage included:
- Peter Thomas defeating Australian 2022 World Cup representative Fabrizio Coco 4-0 in the first match live streamed on the marquee Dt38 Foundation table
- Richard Wilson taking the lead against Peter Thomas (in what was to be the only goal Peter conceded in the event)
- Richard Edeson picking up his (and New Zealand’s) first ever point in a FISTF event. Richard Edeson’s improvement showed in his first ever FISTF event, conceding 8 then 4 then keeping a clean sheet! 4-0 win next time perhaps!?
- Bryan Arnold defeating Luke Radziminski in their final group game to leapfrog him into top spot.
In the Round of 16 Luke Radziminski, Eliot Kennedy and Carl Young scored big wins against Paul Mercer, Kostas Barbaris and Tony Credentino, respectively. Nick Brill also had a comfortable 3-1 win over Steve Dettre. Top scorer of the group stages, Adrian Connolly, lost his scoring boots and ultimately the game in a shootout to Nathan Urbaniak who held his nerve to score his final penalty shot.
The round of 16 also threw up some clashes between players fancies to go deep into the tournament. In these games Peter Thomas overcame Vikas Chandiramani 1-0, Robert Green defeated Fabricio Coco 2-0 and Bryan Arnold bowed out in sudden death extra time against Daniel Lombard.
In the quarter finals, Peter Thomas was too strong for Nick Brill, whilst Luke Radziminski was made to fight hard for his 2-0 win over Nathan Urbaniak. Eliot Kennedy’s good form continued in a solid 3-1 win over Daniel Lombard. But the pick of the matches was Carl Young’s win over Rob Green that drew a big crowd during extra time and penalties. Carl came from a goal down to draw 1-1 in normal time. With no score in extra time, Carl again went behind in penalties before scoring with his 5th penalty flick to take the game into sudden death shots in which he then scored again to take out an epic encounter between to champions of the game.
In the semi-finals, Peter Thomas was again too strong for his opponent. This time club mate Luke Radziminski had no answers. Carl Young was again involved in another epic clash that will live long in the memories of many at the tournament. After Eliot took the lead, Carl again came back to draw level. However, this time he couldn’t respond when Eliot Kennedy took the lead a second time.
The final between Peter Thomas and Eliot Kennedy was a very tight game. After a period of second half possession deep in Eliot’s half Peter ultimately was able to break open Eliot’s defence and score what turned out to be the only goal of the game. The clash was also notable for Peter’s ability to retain possession for the last 5minutes (and more!) of the game to kill off the clash.
Consolation Trophy
A WASPA was held for the 9 players eliminated at the group stage of the FISTF event. Played in the Fast20 format, with no extra time in the event of a draw, it was a do or die knockout cup!
Giuseppe Tardiota progress to the final without conceding, though had to fight hard to scrape past both Christos Garagounis in the ¼ finals and Richard Wilson in the semis 1-0. Geoff Sirmai was his opponent in the final after narrowly defeating Tony Madiona 1-0 and then Beth Eveleigh on penalties in the semis. The final was a high scoring affair. At the end of 20mins the scores were tied 2-2. This time Geoff didn’t have what was needed in the shootout, with Giuseppe taking out the title.
Traveller’s Cup
On Sunday, a WASPA was held for those players not competing in the FISTF Teams event. It was a more relaxed event, but with plenty on the line in the form of the choice of Hop Nation beverage for the winner as well as the trophy! A field of 9 players was divided into two groups playing in the Fast20 format. In Group 1, Vikas Chandiramani and Adrian Connolly quickly took control of the group, leaving Richard Wilson to hope that Adrian could overcome Vikas in the final game to give Richard hope of progressing. Unfortunately for Richard, Vikas won 1-0 to clinch top spot, with Adrian taking second.
The other group was very tight. All 4 players in the final round of games could progress. Geoff’s win over Nick Brill gave him top spot and in doing so ended the chances of Nathan Urbaniak reaching the semis despite his win over Tony Madiona. Richard Edeson’s earlier boilover win over Nathan ultimately cost him a spot in the semis after Nathan’s great run into the quarter finals in Saturday’s FISTF event.
Playoffs were held for classifications. Richard Wilson defeated Nathan Urbaniak 1-0 to clinch 5th, and Tony Madiona defeated Kevin Grant on penalties to take out 7th. In the playoff for 8th Kevin defeated Richard Edeson 1-0 on sudden death penalties.
In the semi-finals, Vikas and Adrian were again too strong for their opponents, setting up a return clash for the title. This time, after again conceding the first goal to Vikas, Adrian was able to level scores. Both players pressed hard for the winner in a very open game, but it was Vikas who took his changes to take the title.
Club Teams
Four clubs entered the teams event on Sunday – Melbourne TFC, Sydney TFC, Northern Falcons TFC and Northern Phoenix TFC. The tournament was held in round robin style. Whilst Northern Phoenix, boosted by the presence of American loan signing Bryan Arnold, put up stiff resistance in each game, the clashes between the other three clubs ultimately decided the winner and placings. Melbourne comfortably overcame Sydney TFC in what was a key result as in later games Northern Falcons could only draw with both Sydney TFC and Melbourne TFC. Rob Green’s winner against Daniel Lombard was key to the Falcons getting a point against Sydney. The final game between Northern Falcons and Melbourne TFC decided the title. It was another gripping encounter with individual games and the overall team contest see-sawing at various stages of the matches. With this, Melbourne TFC topped the standings to take out the title
Thanks to everyone who participated and helped out throughout such an amazing event full of great sportsmanship, camaraderie, and love for the beautiful game of Subbuteo table football!
UPDATE: 2023 Australian Grand Prix of Table Football
With registrations now closed, we can confirm that 26 players will be competing in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix of Table Football.
Individual Open
This will commence at 09:30 SHARP. Be at the venue for opening at 9am. Panenka Café is open for breakfast from 6am. Players registered are as follows:
- Vikas Chandiramani
- Beth Eveleigh
- Anthony Madiona
- Geoff Sirmai
- Giuseppe Tardiota
- Richard Wilson
- Adrian Connolly
- Paul Mercer
- Steve Dettre
- Fabrizio Coco
- Carl Young
- Eliot Kennedy
- Robert Green
- Christos Garagounis
- Bryan Arnold
- Arjuna Hanafi
- Richard Edeson
- Peter Thomas
- Kostas Barbaris
- Nick Brill
- Luke Radziminski
- Kevin Grant
- Nathan Urbaniak
- Tony Credentino
- Daniel Lombard
- Jonty Brener
In line with FISTF recommendations, the format will be 6 groups of 3, and 2 groups of 4 players.
One player will be seeded into each group, as per the most current FISTF rankings. The remainder will be a random draw conducted on Friday 3rd February at the Panenka Café exclusive event that commences at 6pm.
Top two from each group progress to the Round of 16.
There will be a lunch break. Participants cannot leave the venue during this time to ensure we re-commence on schedule to meet the strict closing time of the commercial facility.
The final is expected to commence soon after 4pm. We must vacate the venue before 6pm (preferably 5:30pm).
A Consolation Trophy WASPA event will be held for those eliminated in the group stage. This will be 10 players. 4 will play in a barrage to progress to the ¼ finals of this event.
Open Club Teams
There will be one group of 4 teams completing a round-robin event. In line with FISTF recommendations, standings from the group determine the winner and placings. The plan is for the event to conclude by 4pm.
Again, there will be a lunch break in Sunday’s program.
Traveller’s Cup
For those players without Club Teams entered in Sunday’s FISTF event there will be a WASPA – the inaugural ATFA Traveller’s Cup. The plan is to have the final games complete before 3pm to allow some participants to travel to the airport for early flights home. There are 9 players participating in this event:
- Vikas Chandiramani
- Anthony Madiona
- Geoff Sirmai
- Richard Wilson
- Adrian Connolly
- Arjuna Hanafi
- Richard Ederson
- Nick Brill
- Kevin Grant
The format will be announced at the Dinner & Draw Friday 3rd February.
Presentations and Conclusion of proceedings
All presentations will occur at the conclusion of the tournament, expected to be at approximately 4pm Sunday 5th Feb.
We must vacate the venue by 5pm on Sunday. Your assistance with packing up will be greatly appreciated to ensure we leave a good impression with the operators of this amazing venue so that we may have the opportunity to be there again or Ultra Football’s Sydney store.
Adrian Connolly
ATFA President.
2023 Australian Grand Prix of Subbuteo Table Football
Key takeaways:
- Friday night dinner is included for registered players – drinks are not included but available for purchase (water provided).
- Please arrive on time on Saturday and Sunday! We have strict finish times as the tournament is being held at a commercial venue that must be staffed.
- Do not leave the venue during the tournament. Food and beverages are available for purchase on site throughout the weekend.
- It is going to be AMAZING!!!
- If you want to know more… please read on!
Thank you to those who have registered for what we hope will be the biggest and most exciting event in Australian Table Football this year! For those that have not been to the venue (or its sister store in Sydney) it is simply amazing! Ultra Football Melbourne hosted the launch of this seasons’ A Leagues men’s and women’s competitions. They are very active on social media (worth a follow!). Be warned, you could do some damage to your credit card with all the great merchandise available including some more obscure kits and speciality merchandise.
Ultra Football may have their film crew there at times over the weekend. Our resident (award winning!) photographer Luke Radziminski will be behind the camera lens when not competing. Streaming coordinated by Steve and Louis Dettre is also planned for the event, with the intention to set up a feature table for filming. Please alert the organisers prior to the event if you do not wish to be filmed or photographed.
We hope to have some special guests drop in to see the Subbuteo Table Football action over the weekend that you may recognise from the A League or former playing days in the NSL. Melbourne Victory are scheduled to have some of their teams in store on Saturday as part of a regular club day to measure for clothing. Feel free to interact with them or the general public interest in what is occurring and to explain what we are doing! Posters will be available that include a QR code to connect with us on facebook should they be interested.
Out the front of the venue is the football themed Panenka Café. This café will host the Friday Dinner draw. It is open for breakfast and lunch from 6am to 4pm each day. The food and coffee are fantastic. They will be opening exclusively for our function on the Friday evening.
If you do need to withdraw from any aspect of the event plus advise at your earliest convenience to minimise impacts on the organisation of the schedule and costs for the event.
FRIDAY 3rd February
We will be setting up all the boards in the Ultra Football venue in the afternoon, thanks to the Legend that is Kevin Grant for transporting ALL the boards! We would love you to make it to help set up if you are available to do so. Once we have set up, players will be able to use the board… but only after we have finished setting up please!
Ultra Football will close at 5pm. We will then be able to move into the Panenka Café once they have set up. There is a deck out front we can use if there is a short delay.
The Dinner Draw event will officially open at 6pm. If we do get access prior to that time please do not expect to be served until 6pm. This may occur but staffing will be minimal as it is open especially and exclusively for our small event which officially commences at 6pm.
Dinner is a set menu, canape style event. All food is Halal friendly and will cater for all the dietary needs listed on registration forms. Dinner is included for all registered players, plus for those who have included their partner in their registration fee as an optional addition.
Drinks are NOT included in the price. Drinks must be purchased at your own expense during the event. There are a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. Water will be provided.
Menu for the dinner:
Package of 3 small bites and 2 large bites (we are advised this is a LOT of food!)
- Potato croquettes
- Buffalo chicken tenders
- Corn and tomato empanadas
- Southern fried chicken sliders
- Smoked mushroom tacos
If you have any concerns about items meeting your dietary needs, please contact the organisers before the event or ask the staff on the evening for information on the ingredients.
Beverages available for purchase at your own expense include:
- Beer (Furphy’s or Great Northern)
- Wines (Sav Blanc and Prosecco)
- Assorted Soft Drinks
- Coffee and Tea.
- A water station will be set up.
- Other beverages may be available on request.
Smoking is allowed outside the venue on the deck on Friday evening (and during the weekend).
Schedule:
1pm (*TBC) Commence set up at Ultra Football
5pm Ultra Football closing to public. Panenka Café’ open for us to set up
6pm Panenka café venue officially opens to our event
6:30pm Food service commences
6:45pm Welcome address and overview of the weekend’s festivities
Draw for the Individual Open Event
7:30pm Second food service
7:45pm – 8pm Conclusion of Draw – Consolation Trophy, Teams Event, Traveller’s Cup
SATURDAY 4th FEBRUARY
The individual open event will be held throughout Saturday. PLEASE ARRIVE AT 9AM FOR A 9:30AM SHARP START. If you are NOT READY AT 9:30AM you may need to forfeit your first match. We have a strict schedule to be out of this commercially operating soccer super store by a set time due to their staffing. It is a tight schedule. The number of players means will be playing or refereeing throughout at least the group stage, and at least one game beyond your elimination from the FISTF event.
For those eliminated in the group stages, there will be a Consolation Trophy. The format of which will be announced Friday evening and the draw will be conducted to enable the schedule to flow smoothly on the Saturday. As players are eliminated from the FISTF event they will need to referee the following round games.
Please do not leave the venue with the exception of smoking out the front during the defined lunch break to ensure we stick to the tight schedule.
Lunch will be available at the Panenka Café. We will provide details Friday night on the food and ordering over the weekend. We have two large tables reserved for us lunch in the café on the weekend. Check them out online https://panenkafoodstore.com.au/
No dinner is planned for this evening, and the café will only be open until 4pm. For those wishing to eat together we may arrange something on the day. There are a number of good quality options on Victoria St Collingwood which is famous in Melbourne for food, particularly a range of quality affordable Asian restaurants as well as groovy options. There are also a number of breweries and quality pubs now operating in the area for those liking quality beer with their food!
SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY
We will need to commence at 9:30am SHARP on Sunday morning too. As per Sunday there will be a lunch break and tables reserved for us. There will be two events:
FISTF Open Club Team
Four teams have entered. One team will be scheduled to referee whilst two others play, and one will have a break for each round of games. Please stick strictly to the schedule and do not leave the venue if you are not playing as the schedule is tight due to the time required to complete the club teams event.
Traveller’s Cup
Those players without club teams will be able to compete in a WASPA event. This will also commence at 9:30am. Details of the event will be announced Friday evening, with the event expected to be completed before 3pm to allow some players to leave the venue for flights home.
The venue is scheduled to close to the public at 5pm. We intend to have final presentation as soon as Sunday events are complete, which may be 4pm due to the schedule expected for the teams event. We would appreciate all those available to assist with packing up the venue in the lead up to the conclusion of the event to enable us to leave the venue on time.
TOILETS
Limited toilets are available in the Panenka Café, but are also available to us in the main arena within Ultra Football.
Getting to the venue
Public Transport
The nearest train station is Collingwood Station (on the Mernda line), just a few stations from the CBD and a short 5min walk from the venue.
Trams also run through Collingwood via Victoria St. on Tram route 12. Note that whilst trams are free to all users in the CBD, Collingwood is outside the free tram zone.
Uber/Taxi
The venue is a short drive from the CBD. It may cost $15 from the centre of the city near Flinders St Station and take <15mins, less time and money if you are staying closer to the venue. Uber/Didi/Ola is likely the quickest, easiest and possibly cheapest option if you are staying in or near the CBD. Didi is typically cheaper than Uber. Ola is available but not often used by most locals. Taxi can be used by calling 13CABS or via their App.
Driving
As noted above, the venue is conveniently located close to the city. Free street parking is available nearby, but note the parking restrictions closest to the venue will prevent you from parking directly out front all day without risking a hefty fine. A short distance down Victoria Crescent, or Nicholson St you can find parking that is still a short walk and free for the period you will need during the event. Parks down Victoria Crescent past Konqa (the kit manufacturer of many Australian Subbuteo club kits) are free for 4 hours Monday to Friday until 5pm and free for unlimited timing after that on a Friday and throughout the weekend. Check the signs before leaving your vehicle. Parking fines are large in Melbourne and parking attendants are frequently seen in the area!
2024 FISTF World Cup Qualifying process
As promised at the 2022 ATFA AGM, the ATFA Committee is pleased to announce the 2024 FISTF World Cup qualification process for selection of Australian representatives.
The first placement in the Open, junior and women’s categories will be the top FISTF ranked player in each category. For veterans, the top ranked open category player eligible for veterans will be selected.
The second place in each category will be determined at a National Championship, with the national champions of each category selected.
We hope this enables players keen to participate in the 2024 FISTF World Cup to have early clarity on how to target selection.
2022 ATFA AGM and Committee Announcement
Dear ATFA Members
As previously announced, the nominations for the 2023 ATFA Committee closed on Saturday 29th October at 11:59pm. The following nominations were received:
Adrian Connolly (President)
Peter Thomas (Vice President)
Eliot Kennedy (Treasurer)
Steve Wright (Secretary)
Adrian Elmer (Ordinary Committee Member)
Giuseppe Tardiota (Ordinary Committee Member)
Luke Radziminski (Ordinary Committee Member)
No election will be required as there are no contested positions. There will be no vacant positions. In accordance with the ATFA Constitution, the new committee will take effect during the ATFA AGM. Congratulations to our new and returning committee members.
As previously advised, this will take place at 2pm (AEDT), Sunday November 13, 2022. The AGM will be held via Microsoft Teams. You will not need that software to join. Please respond via email to subbuteoaustralia@gmail.com prior to 1pm AEDT Friday November 11th if you wish to attend. Details for how to join via your device will be sent to your email. You can join with video from your device or simply call into the meeting with voice only.
As per the ATFA Constitution, in addition to any other business which may be transacted at an annual general meeting, the business of an annual general meeting is to include the following:
(a) to confirm the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting and of any special general meeting held since that meeting,
(b) to receive from the committee reports on the activities of the association during the last preceding financial year,
(c) to elect office-bearers of the association and ordinary committee members,
(d) to receive and consider any financial statement or report required to be submitted to members under the Act.
If you have any items you would like to table at the meeting, please also do so via email to subbuteoaustralia@gmail.com by 1pm AEDT Friday November 11th . Items can also be raised during the meeting.
The AGM will see Peter Thomas join the committee into what was previously the vacant role of Vice President. It is great to have Peter actively involved on the Committee again. It will also see Hugh Best of The Table Football Club of Western Australia depart as an ordinary committee member. I would like to thank Hugh Best for his years of service on the ATFA Committee.
Regards
Adrian Connolly
ATFA President
2023 Australian Grand Prix Registration
The 2023 Australian Grand Prix will be held in Melbourne at Ultra Football, 200 Gipps St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067.
The program begins with the Dinner Draw on Friday 3rd February at Panenka Cafe (at the same venue). The competition will be held 4th to 5th February. Times and match schedule will be announced closer to the event, but individual events are planned for Saturday, and Club Teams on Sunday. There may also be other events on Sunday including completion of individual events depending on number of registrations and categories with sufficient entrants for tournaments to be held.
Dinner on Friday 3rd February is included in the registration fees. Food will be Halal friendly. Please indicate on this form if other dietary requirements or allergies need to be considered as it will be a canape style set menu event. Drinks are NOT included but can be purchased at the event.
Meals for the rest of the weekend are NOT included in the registration fees. The Panenka Cafe will be open for participants to purchase food and beverages on site.
EARLY BIRD Cost is $70 per person if registration AND payment is made prior to 1st December 2022. Players traveling from overseas may be entitled to the early bird rate if registering by this date and email subbuteoaustralia@gmail.com to confirm arrangements for later payment (e.g. upon arrival in Australia to avoid international transaction costs).Payments made on or after 1st December 2022 will increase to a registration fee of $80.
Payments are to be made via EFT to the following account:
Account Name: A Bolton and A Connolly
BSB: 193-879
Account No.: 433 120 374
Please put your name in the reference description to identify your payment.
Registrations close 23:59, Friday 20th January 2023. Full payment is required for registration to be considered complete (unless prior arrangements are made in the case of players traveling from overseas).
All participants must have an active registration with FISTF by their Member Nation, for Australian players this means current membership with ATFA.
Additional tickets to the Dinner Draw event are available at a cost of $55 per person. This will include food but no beverages.
Format of the tournament will be in compliance with FISTF requirements for the final number of registered players, and on ExtremeWorks pitches.
Whilst all endeavours will be made to avoid changes, if they do occur due to COVID-19 restrictions outside of our control (as unlikely as that may seem at present) the organising committee it will not be liable for costs individuals incur.
2022 FISTF World Cup Team
FISTF Table Football returns to Melbourne
A small but quality field of players assembled at the Louis Joel Art & Community Centre in Altona Beach for the return of FISTF events to Victoria for the first time since the 2020 Australian Grand Prix held just prior to the beginning of the pandemic reaching Australian shores.
The first round of games set the scene for the day with a series of close games. Adrian Connolly held Eliot Kennedy and Nathan Urbaniak almost pulled off an upset against Luke Radziminski, leading 1-0 at half time before the result also finished all square. In the other group, Chris Bowen came back from a goal down to defeat Benji Batten 2-1 in what would be a crucial result in Group A. Peter Thomas scored a goal late in the first half against Beth Eveleigh to take the pressure of before hitting his stride ominously in the second half to win 4-0.
The second round of games saw Luke and Eliot take a box seat for a place in the semis. Eliot defeated Nathan 4-0 and Luke defeated Adrian 3-0 after Adrian hit the self-destruct button in the first half with a remarkable own goal! Peter Thomas locked in top spot in Group A with a 2-0 win over Chris Bowen, a result that would be repeated later in the final, whilst Beth pushed Benji all the way before eventually going down 0-1 to a late winner.
In the final round of group games, Peter stormed home with a 5-0 win over Benji who by know was cursing his luck in the group of death! Chris Bowen cemented his spot in the semis with a 2-0 win over Beth. In the other Group, Luke gave Adrian and Nathan some hope by going to a commanding 3-0 lead at half time against Eliot. However, despite peppering Nathan’s goal Adrian could find the back of the net.
The semis pitted Peter against Eliot, and Chris against Luke. Peter’s attacking prowess and amazing shooting proved the difference against Eliot, progressing to the final with a 3-0. Luke took Chris to extra time with a late equaliser, before succumbing to a golden goal winner.
The final saw Peter continue his impressive form, beating Chris 2-0 to take out the title without conceding a goal whilst also scoring tournament high of 16. Chris’ friendly manner and high quality play was a welcome addition to the Melbourne table football scene. We hope to see more of him now that he has moved here from England.
In the WASPA Consolation Plate event, the semis saw Adrian defeat Beth 2-0 and Benji defeat Nathan 2-1. In the final, Adrian took a 1-0 lead on the counter attack and almost held on for the win before Benji got a deserved equaliser with 30 seconds to play. In a dramatic penalty shootout, Adrian eventually became the victor 3-2 in sudden death shots.