By JOSH EASTGATE
THE Kingscliff Wolves Colts (U17s) won their Gold Coast Football grand final seven-six on Saturday in a nail-biting encounter with their arch-rivals, Musgrave.
Having wrapped up the minor premiership early in the season, and defeating Musgrave two out of their three previous encounters (including the first semi-final), the grand final was always going to be a big encounter.
Kingy tore out of the gates and scored within 15 seconds of Musgrave kicking off, with striker Ryan McCloy capitalising on an early nervous mistake by the opposition.
The boys continued to pepper the Musgrave goal keeper throughout the first half, and managed another two goals, the second by Reilly Hewett, and third one coming after a great run by Jamie Fisher down the left-hand side, and a brilliant cross in to George Saunders who positioned himself perfectly to put it away. The boys went into the break up 3-0 and were buzzing.
However, it was a tale of two halves, and the boys slumped a little and let Musgrave back into the game with a strong wind behind them. By the end of the half, the scores were level 3-3 and extra-time was looming.
In extra-time, Kingy got their fire back and were dominant over the two extra halves, but in one instance was very unlucky not to get a penalty after a player was pulled down in the box.
However, the scores remained level after extra-time and the dreaded penalty shoot-out lay ahead.
The shootout was intense. The boys were slotting them away easily, and an early save by keeper Grant Sales eased the tension. However, the Musgrave keeper saved one right at the death when they needed it most to prolong the nerves a little longer. Thankfully for the Wolves, Grant pulled off another brilliant save shortly after at 6-6 to give Kingy a chance with their next kick. Jordan Howarth stepped up to take the kick, and after a couple of blunders with the whistle by the ref, Jordan was able to place it into the corner passed the keeper, the nerves lifted and celebrations ensued.
Congratulations to coach Jim Spark, manager Mark Suhor, and all the boys on an amazing season. Special thanks must also go to all the boys who stood up and also played in the Senior Veto League one this year.
