History in the making
HIGHFIELDS, WILLOWBURN CLAIM GRAND FINAL GLORY
FOOTBALL: Willowburn and Highfields rounded out a massive Football Queensland Darling Downs grand final weekend by writing their names into the history books.
For Highfields it was a case of third time lucky with the women’s team finally securing its first piece of silverware, beating defending premiers Willowburn 2-0.
Highfields was composed and measured from the outset and capitalised with a goal in the 20th minute.
Taking control of a pinpoint through-ball, Rahni Pricthard took on the Willowburn defence before calming sliding her shot past keeper Kyra Millis.
Highfields controlled most of the first half but the second goal didn’t come until after break.
Pritchard doubled her tally shortly after halftime, tapping the ball home from close range, with the goal effectively ending Willowburn’s hopes of a premiership defence.
“It’s an amazing feeling, absolutely amazing,” Pritchard said.
“To win after going close last year is a good feeling.
“And it was good to find the net, I don’t always score those (goals), so I’m glad I was able to help the team.”
Highfields win breaks the neardecade-long hold Willowburn and Rockville have had on the women’s premiership.
Pritchard, who joined Highfields after moving to Toowoomba last year, believes the win could be the catalyst for a bright future at the club.
“We have a great program here,” she said.
“From our coaches and volunteers, to the players and supporters, everyone is committed and passionate.
“We increased to two teams this year and we’ve some great young players coming through.
“The future here at the club is very good.”
FQPL 3 DD Men
In a performance typical of clashes between the cross-town rivals, Willowburn defiantly held off an impressive West Wanderers in the senior men’s final, winning 3-2.
The win capped off a memorable year for the Magpies who went through the season unbeaten.
Little separated the two teams all game but Willowburn seemed to be in control leading 3-1 after Brodie Welch’s header in the 78th minute. However, an uncharacteristic error from Willowburn keeper Mat Eilers just two minutes later allowed Wanderers back into the game.
Jok Ayii’s goal energised Wanderers, who looked most likely to score in the dying stages, but the Hume Street club was unable to find an equaliser that would’ve sent the game to extra time.
“Every game between us has been competitive this year – they’ve all gone down to the wire,” Wanderers captain Tom Fowler said. “The loss is pretty disappointing. “It (the game) was back and forward and we had our chances but we just didn’t take them and that was the big difference.”
For Willowburn’s Alastair McGorm the win was a pressurepacked but fitting finale with the veteran midfielder making the decision to hang up his boots.
“It was never going to be an easy game,” McGorm said.
“It went back and forth. We’d have a good run and then they’d have a good run.
“We’re just really fortunate that we found the back of the net and we did hit the post a few times.
“I think it’s the icing on the cake of a great season. I like to think we hit the ground running and never looked back.
“The undefeated season is great for the whole club.
“We had plenty of players step up from lower grades and it didn’t matter who you were.
“Everybody believed in the type of football we wanted to play and was committed to giving everything they could to help the team.”