The Western Sydney Wanderers won the inaugural Sister Cities Shield against Wellington on Saturday night.
The Sister Cities Shield recognises the Sister Cities relationship between Blacktown City in Western Sydney and Porirua, a city in the Wellington region of New Zealand.
The match kicked off with a traditional Welcome to Country by indigenous representatives from both regions.
The teams were level at one goal apiece at halftime before the Red & Black dominated with three unanswered goals in the second half.
Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali MP was joined by Councillor Mike Tana, Mayor of Porirua, on the field to present the winning captain, Mark Bridge with the Shield.
“The Sister Cities Shield is a great way to celebrate the 34-year relationship between Blacktown City and the great City of Porirua.
“The love and passion both cities have for sport is without question and was on show for all to see with a passionate and exciting game of football between the Wanderers and Phoenix.
“It is clear that both these clubs have a great appreciation for the support and relationship with their local cities and communities.”
Mayor of Porirua, Councillor Mike Tana enjoyed the good-hearted rivalry between the 2 cities – which will stay on the football field.
“Although we didn’t get to take home the Sister Cities Shield, both Blacktown and Porirua are winners off the field through the fantastic benefits that the Sister Cities partnership brings to both cities and will do for many years to come.”
The Wanderers will now hold onto the Sister Cities Shield until the next time both sides meet.
