AFTER being eliminated from the D grade semi-finals in 2015 the Medowie under 14’s soccer team came back a lot more confident and determined to do better in 2016.

They trained twice a week to improve their fitness and skill level to compete in a higher grade.

The first game was memorable for the wrong reason as one of the players had his ankle broken in two places just 15 minutes into the first game and was taken to hospital.

The team managed to go through the regular season with their stats showing them playing 15 games, winning 10, losing 2 with 3 draws.

This meant they finished on 33 points top of the ladder – just beating South Wallsend on 32 points for the title of minor premiers.

The team met South Wallsend in the first semi-final, with the winner to progress straight to the grand final.

Both teams showed plenty of ticker and the score remained Nil all at fulltime – meaning they had to then play extra time, being a semi-final.

The team were up to the challenge and the parents had no fingernails left, but South Wallsend kicked a goal in the last 2 minutes of extra time – booking their spot in the grand final.

The following week, Medowie had to play Wallsend in a sudden death match, with the winner to meet South Wallsend in the grand final.

Once again, this game was nil all at fulltime again pushing the team into extra time again.

Medowie scored, and within 5 minutes Wallsend also scored to make it one all. Medowie went on to score another goal in the last two minutes of extra time, taking them to the Grand final to meet South Wallsend.

Grand final game arrived and the team remained focused – unfortunately the same could not be said for the nervous parents.

Over the past 4 years, the team has had some great battles with their opponents and the grand final didn’t disappoint.

Both teams had chances to score throughout the game, but it wasn’t to be with nil all again at full time.

The game was eventually won when Medowie ran the ball down the right side and crossed the ball in towards the goal.

The opposition keeper dived on the ball, but fumbled it and Medowie’s Ben Woolard kicked the ball into the net for the win, with only 2 minutes on the clock.

The Medowie under 14 boys showed great team spirit, showing compassion to the keeper after his fumble.

The kids & parents were astatic with the victory.

Coaches Steven Hill & Michael Salerno told News Of The Area, “We are so proud of their efforts this year, they have truly done us and themselves proud – 2017 we will try and do it all again!”

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN