THE Northern Storm triumphed 2-1 over last year’s champions, Woolgoolga Wolves, in a pulsating Men’s Premier League Grand Final on Saturday, 7 September at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

Despite the Wolves’ dominance during the regular season, finishing thirteen points clear at the top of the table, finals football told a different story.

The youthful energy of Northern Storm ultimately prevailed in a gripping contest.

Woolgoolga struck first, with Nick Casey breaking through the Storm defence and expertly curling a low shot into the bottom right corner just eleven minutes into the match.

However, Northern Storm soon responded in spectacular fashion, as Jamie Kennedy produced a moment of individual brilliance to level the score at 1-1 in the 20th minute.

Both sides had their chances to seize the advantage, but it was Ethan Andrews who emerged as the match-winner.

With just fifteen minutes remaining, he soared above the Wolves defence to head home a crucial goal, sending Northern Storm into the lead.

The drama didn’t end there however.

Woolgoolga were handed a lifeline with only two minutes left on the clock when they were awarded a penalty.

In a heroic final act, Storm goalkeeper Mitch Weeden pulled off a stunning penalty save, denying the Wolves a way back into the game and sealing Northern Storm’s remarkable victory.

When the final whistle blew it was an emotional moment for Northern Storm coaches Craig Caruana and Eric McCarthy, who have been coaching some of the Storm players since the under-6s.

Mark McCarthy, son of Eric, was outstanding in midfield, pushing forward to create problems for the Wolves backline while tirelessly tracking back to help regain possession in defence.

The weekend was a particular triumph for a well-known footballing family, with Northern Storm captain and goalscorer Jamie Kennedy returning the next day to coach his son, Noah Kennedy, and the Northern Storm Under-16s to a well-earned victory.

Jamie has coached this team since they were Under-6s, helping to shape a bright future for both the players and the football club.

Not to be outdone, Jamie’s daughter, Brooklyn Kennedy, added to the family’s success by scoring a crucial goal to help her team secure victory in the Under-12 Girls’ 1st Division.

It was an incredible weekend for the Northern Storm Football Club, who clinched an impressive seven out of eight Grand Finals.

By David WIGLEY