by Darren Case

The Douglas United Dragons overcame tough conditions and a tough opponent in the Edge Hill tigers to win their grand final at Barlow park on Saturday.

In a rain soaked afternoon and against the physical style of the Cairns team the United boys showed patience to come away with a 1 - 0 victory.

Score Card

The fixture endured the worst of the weather the day had to offer, and the sodden pitch did not suit the Dragons’ quick ball movement resulting in a scrappy encounter.

Added to this was the Tigers’ determination to slow the Douglas side down with heavy tackling for which they received three yellow cards in the first half, and finished the final with four.

Tiger's central defender, Tom Hewitt, was sent off late in the second half when, being the last defender, he clumsily brought down Dragons flyer, Matt Smith.

The Dragons remained focused and did not get involved in the antagonistic side of the game receiving only one yellow card for a technical breach.

With their patience and rock solid defence in place throughout, the breakthrough came when midfielder Scott Gilchrist carried the ball into the left hand side of the box, and whilst holding off players whipped a cross to the back post where the ever present Joe Abedini headed home from close range.

The Dragons held off any last efforts off their opponents to claim their first grand final win in many years.

They now have one match in the Crad Evans trophy where they represent FNQ football and a win will clean sweep the season for the hardworking home side.