Gunnedah delivered a 2-0 win over Farrer in the Tamworth third grade football grand final last weekend.
The rookie Gunnedah side outclassed its hometown opposition, scoring two goals in the second half to blitz the fellow finalists.
Gunnedah coach and goalkeeper Richard Grant said the team was only two players down heading into the decider.
The veteran tactician had a hunch his side had what it took to win the premiership in its maiden year.
“We were able to put a great team on the park,” he said.
“It was a good mix of youth, speed and talent.
“We also had the experienced guys there to back them up.
“Sometimes you get a vibe … and I didn’t think we were going to get beat.”
Both teams had opportunities to score in the first half – an apparent early goal by Farrer was ruled off side and Gunnedah missed a penalty kick from in front.
It was nil-all at half-time but Grant knew his side’s strengths and that patience would be the greatest asset.
“We had the ability to close them down in in the final third,” he said.
“That’s what we’ve done all year.
“From the back four we’re solid and a strong centre half pair.”
In the second half, Gunnedah teenager Reuben Bekker was pushed from the midfield to striker and quickly produced his side’s first goal of the final.
“For a 17-year-old, he smashed it,” Grant said.
“You give him a crack up front and he certainly causes (the opposition) trouble.”
The “turning point” in the match came when a Farrer player was sent off for dangerous contact.
The red card came after a stray boot by the Farrer striker collided with collided with the head of the Gunnedah goalkeeper.
Gunnedah’s centre midfielder Declan Swain was quick to capitalise on the player number advantage and scored soon after.
From there, it was a matter of “controlling the tempo” of the match to close out the win.
“We deserve the spoils,” the coach said.
He also praised the side’s youth, including the sibling pairing of Hayden and Bella Sawyer.
Grant said Bella’s gameplay is “technically brilliant” while Hayden brought the “rip tear” high energy to the match.
Equally noteworthy was midfielder Mitch Mannion who he described as “good as anyone in the comp”.
Grant said the Gunnedah team was blessed with a wealth of talent across the park which delivered when it mattered most – on grand final night.
The mid-winter Friday night travel to Tamworth was tough on all involved but the coach was proud to see all persevere to the end.
“For a small crew to do that every Friday night was a big effort,” he said.
Given the travel distances involved, Gunnedah is holding out hope for a home-and-away draw with Tamworth next season.
Family support, Lachlan and Ali Gourley, back, with Blake and Owen, front.
Dale Roberts and Richard Grant post-final.
Gunnedah grand final winners Hayden and Bella Sawyer with Mitch Mannion.
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