The games were running late due to the first game going into extra time. This added to the nervous excitement of the team. With an upset in the other under 17s game just before our match, the fourth placed team beating the no. one team, there was an air of confidence beginning to grow in the team. Could there be another upset on the cards?

With the final team warm up under way and the players knowing what they had to do, it seemed everything was right to go. But at the last minute both teams were told they could not play any under 14 players in the finals. This meant we could not have Kurtis and Eddie play for us. This was a big blow. New tactics were needed and the team now had to get over the loss of two strong players.

The team to take to the field was: Adam Green, Charlotte Amery, Hannah Joyce, Melissa Whatman, Bailie Pursehouse, Michael Walker, Annie Matthews, Jaykob Gavin, claire Matthews, and James Day.

Adam went Goalkeeper for only the second time this season and had an outstanding game, keeping Grenfell in the game with many, many saves. Grenfell defended for just about the entire first half, with very few attacking opportunities. It was constant bombardment on the Grenfell goal, yet Adam managed to keep the ball out of the net.

The Grenfell defenders, Charlotte, Hannah, Melissa and Bailie had a good strong game and made sure there would be no easy shots on goal. Half time arrived, finally, and the scores were locked at 0-0.

The half time talk from the coach noted that we needed to fill the space in midfield and work some more passes together. With Jaykob going back into his original position in Midfield this solved the problem slightly.

The second half began much like the first with Grenfell under constant fire and having to defend. But five minutes in and in a moment that can only be described as magical, Michael managed to step around a few players and go for one of his skilful runs. He beat just about the entire opposition before finishing it off with a nicely placed goal. 1-0 Grenfell were up. Could they hold on?

Was it time to “park the bus”? this was the big question. Parking the bus means to get all of the team defending. With still 30 minutes left it was too soon to attempt this. But defend Grenfell did, and did well.

Grenfell had not beaten a side from Young this season going into this game, would this be the first? MBS threw all they had at the Grenfell team and were unlucky not to score at least once. 

The final whistle blew and Grenfell had won. They were into the Grand Final. They had finally beaten a team from Young and what an occasion to do it. Final score 1-0 to Spray Safe & Save. 

The Grand Final will take place on Saturday at 10.30am over in Young, Gus Smith Oval between Grenfell v Autopro Young. It would be great to have lots of supporters travel over to cheer on the team.

Congratulations Spray Safe & Save on making the Grand Final.