U13 Division 2 Grand Final Rouse Hill Rams vs Norwest FC
U13 Division 2 Grand Final Rouse Hill Rams vs Norwest FC
The U13 Division 2 Grand Final between Rouse Hill Rams and Norwest started as a genuine box-to-box contest, with neither side able to settle into any real rhythm. Possession changed hands quickly, counterattacks developed in both directions and there were enough shots at either end to keep both defences busy.
For all that attacking movement, neither team could find the finish. Both sides had opportunities to take control of the Grand Final, but the final touch was missing and every promising attack seemed to be met by another defensive response. By half time the scoreboard remained untouched at 0–0, leaving the entire contest to be decided in the second half.
As the game wore on after the break, Norwest began to look increasingly organised defensively. Their shape made it difficult for Rams to find a clean way through, repeatedly turning away attacks and forcing the Rams to keep looking for another route towards goal.
Eventually, one appeared down the left.
A strong Rams run opened up the Norwest defence and finally produced the breakthrough the game had been waiting for. The finish sent the Rams players and supporters into celebration — including some acrobatics that made for one of the more memorable sequences of Grand Final day.
1–0 Rams.
There were opportunities to extend the advantage as Rams continued to push forward, but a second goal wouldn’t come. Instead, the final stages of the match became about protecting what they already had.
Norwest threw players forward in search of an equaliser and much of the final ten minutes was spent with Rams having to defend around their own penalty area. Every clearance and challenge became increasingly important as the clock wound down, with Norwest continuing to ask questions right until the end.
Rams kept answering them.
After a season’s worth of football, the U13 Division 2 Grand Final ultimately came down to one goal and ten minutes of determined defending.
The final whistle brought the release everyone in Rams colours had been waiting for.
Rouse Hill Rams 1–0 Norwest. U13 Division 2 Grand Final winners.
The goal will obviously be remembered, as will the celebration that followed it, but some of the defining images of this one came afterwards — players throwing themselves into challenges, turning away late attacks and doing everything they could to protect a one-goal lead with a Grand Final on the line.
Congratulations to the Rams on the title and to both sides on a tightly contested Grand Final.
About