Dragons take out top spot in Far North Queensland soccer
SPORT
The Douglas United Football Club have been crowned the Champions of North Queensland after claiming the treble, following their win over Townsville Estates in the Crad Evans Shield final this past weekend.
They went into this match with the Minor and Major Premierships safely secured, and with a certain level of confidence after beating Atherton 2-1 in extra time to claim the FNQ 2nd Division title for a third successive year.
But Estates did not make it easy for the Dragons and the match had to be decided via a penalty shootout.
There was no score after regulation time; 1-1 after extra time – Gavin Jenkins scored for port – forcing the game into a shootout. It got down to the eighth kick and when Max Taylor found the net, the Dragons emerged victorious.
In a twist of irony, the Dragons won the Crad Evans Shield under similar circumstances last year when they beat Ross River. The teams were locked on 2-2 after full time, 3-3 after extra time and the Dragons prevailed winning the shootout.
In reflecting on the season, player/coach Andrew Robinson said there were a number of factors that contributed to the team’s success.
“The players supported each other; there was an incredible team spirit and we ensured that the families were all involved. Although we set our sights on winning, the families came first and we respected that,” said Robinson.
In looking ahead, Robinson said it would be a bonus if the team could step up a division, but conceded they do not have enough players to make that happen. “We would need to field two teams, however, this is not possible at the moment.”
The Dragons’ success complements what has been a remarkable year for the shire’s three codes: the Crocs won their fourth successive AFL championship; and the Mossman Port Douglas senior rugby league team were back-to-back winners in the Cairns District Rugby League Grand Final.
See more photos from the match here:
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