Waihi College the 2018 champions
It all came down to the final day, top of the table clash at home: Waihi V Te Awamutu equal on points and the final game of the season. A must win for both teams.
With the previous week — a bye week — players had plenty of time to rest and get the niggling injuries mended while building up excitement before the big game.
The stage was set on game day with the side lines packed with supporters and Matty Mattich had the pitches looking top notch as always.
Kick-off came and the prematch nerves soon settled as the team got stuck in to the job ahead. It showed early on that the Colts were the more dominant team on the pitch as the Waihi team pressed high and tested their keeper three or four times in the first 20 minutes while camped in their half.
The pressure paid off as they conceded a penalty after a foul in the box.
Konnah Sas stepped up and took the spot kick and it was hit with some venom, however the keeper managed to finger tip it on to the bar and the score remained 0-0. Ten minutes before the half time break, substitute Ethan Baker crossed a perfect ball from out wide to Sam Malone on the edge of the box, who chested it pin point back out out to Konnah Sas who scored the goal of the season after he caught it on the half volley and rocketed the ball into the top corner of the goal, leaving the keeper no chance.
Score at half time was 1-0. The second half continued on the same trend playing the ball around with accuracy and speed with lots of movement like the team have been practicing.
After creating several more good chances with Jamie Grey, Jack Matich and Sam Malone all being denied by a very resilient T A keeper, the break through came when Ben Hennessy picked the ball up in the midfield after some nice build up play from the back and managed to sidestep several players and thump the ball home for Waihi’s second. A beautiful goal. That was to be the final score.
Te Awamutu did create some good opportunities in the second half however were unable to convert as Joseph Burrell and Waihi’s defensive line was just to strong as they have been all season. The team played to the game plan and it payed off.
Special mention to Jason Urlich who time and time again gives up his time to ref the games. Also Matty Mattich for giving the best pitches in the Waikato as they have been named by several travelling teams and managers.
Also, a big thank you to all the supportive parents for providing transport and often kind words it makes as it so much easier to be a coach.
To Hamish Brown and the boys . . . hard work pays off. Well done and well deserved.