REIGNING premiers Woolgoolga Wolves have sent a clear message to the rest of the competition, outclassing defending grand final champions Northern Storm 3-1 in a fiery HIT105.5 Men’s Premier League Round 4 catch-up clash on Tuesday night.
In a match dripping with early-season intensity, it was Wolves talisman James Gorrie who struck first blood.
The midfield maestro sliced through the Storm defence with a mazy run in the 15th minute before coolly slotting the opener.
But the joy was short-lived.
Barely five minutes later, the Storm hit back with a moment of brilliance from Campbell Brear, who rifled a thunderbolt into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area – a goal worthy of any highlight reel.
The celebration however was fleeting.
Just two minutes on, Wolves midfielder Ollie Angus-Brown restored the lead for the hosts, capitalising on a flurry of attacking pressure to stab home from close range and restore momentum to the home side.
Woolgoolga carried their 2-1 advantage into the sheds, and emerged in the second half with a game plan built on grit, discipline, and relentless pressing.
The Storm, try as they might, found no way through a Wolves defence that held firm under pressure.
Instead, it was the hosts who turned defence into attack with clinical precision, pinning the champions deep inside their own half with wave after wave of counter-attacks.
The final blow came in the 73rd minute when Nick Mallett pounced on a loose ball from a set piece and blasted it home, sealing a statement win and all three points for the Wolves.
By David WIGLEY
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