Dragons crowned champions after penalty shoot-out
DOUGLAS DRAGONS
RELATED:
- Dragons continue year of local sporting dominance
FOR the third time this season, a penalty shoot-out had to decide the winner between the Douglas Dragons and the Mareeba Bulls.
This time, though, it was the First Division Grand Final at Endeavour Park in Cairns on Friday night and the never-say-die Port Douglas X1 prevailed 4-3 after the scores were locked on 3-3 after extra time.
Earlier in the season, the first match ended 3-3 after the Dragons conceded two late goals in the dying stages of the game, and in the follow-up encounter, they played to a two-all draw.
“This was a magnificent team effort in a tightly fought match. But our goalkeeper Gary Fitzgerald made the saves that counted and this proved to be the difference,” said club manager Matty McMaster.
“Credit must go to him for not succumbing to the pressure. His efforts are a golden moment for the club.”
The Bulls took the lead in the first half and went to the sheds with a 1-0 advantage.
But the real drama came in the final stanza. After the Bulls took a 2-0 lead, the Dragons bounced back with a goal by Daniel Tiffin and in the last minute of full-time, Gavin Jenkins scored to force extra time.
Peter Gilmore found the back of the net in extra time and with the scores level (3-3), a penalty shoot-out ensued.
But the match was marred by unusual drama in that the kick-off was delayed until 9:30pm because of a delay in an earlier match. The final whistle eventually sounded at midnight.
“This was a trifle unsettling as we had to wait around. But we somehow prevailed and all that now counts is the final result,” said McMaster.
Looking ahead to the 2018 season, McMaster said the club would look at its resources to ascertain if it can field teams in both the first and second divisions.
McMaster was full of praise for the incredible support the club had received and this win – fourth out of six – will be a huge boost for next season.
Meanwhile, the Dragons under 13s, recorded their first win over the Saints Soccer Club winning 3-2 and securing the title. The match was played on Saturday at Endeavour Park.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.
