Ex-Magpie wins in Australia
Former Harleston Magpies player Ben Wright helped his adopted Australian club Old Aquinians to be crowned national champions at the weekend.
Wright – a former Framlingham College student – headed down under during the early part of last year having scored a total 96 goals for Magpies.
And he has now gone on to have a telling impact in the Australian National Premier League, helping his side to get their hands on the title for the first time since 1994.
Perth-based Old Aquinians – more commonly known as Reds – finished the regulation season in fifth place, and had to see off the team that finished fourth (Freemantle) to send them through to the next round.
Next up was a clash with third-placed Melville, who were beaten by the odd goal in five as Wright’s team booked their place at the Grand Final Weekend.
Wasps, who were runners-up in the overall season, were defeated 4-2 in an impressive all-round performance, setting up a final date with YMCA Coastal City Club.
It was nip and tuck in an entertaining final, with both teams scoring two goals apiece to send the encounter in golden goal extra-time.
And it was Old Aquinians that scored the crucial next goal, securing their first title in more than 20 years.
Speaking to the Express before he headed to Australia, Wright said: “It is a little bit daunting, but I feel excited more than anything else
“I have to go out there, adapt to the level — which is superior to what I play right now — and then prove my worth.”