Northern Storm claim Mitchell Weeden Memorial Cup

NORTHERN Storm strengthened their premiership credentials with a commanding 3-1 victory over Yamba Breakers to claim the Mitchell Weeden Memorial Cup in the HIT105.5 Men’s Premier League at Korora on Saturday.

The Storm signalled their attacking intent from the opening whistle and were rewarded early when adventurous right back Jeff Odgers burst through the Yamba defence before squaring for Daniel Sui Kio, who calmly slotted home the opener.

Captain Marko Kisose doubled the advantage in the 56th minute, racing clear of the defence before coolly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper.

Despite the driving rain, Northern Storm never eased their grip on the contest. Ben Dove capped the performance when he met a pinpoint cross across the face of goal and guided his finish into the bottom corner to seal the result.

Yamba refused to give up and were rewarded with the goal in the 78th minute, courtesy of Jacob Mason.

The victory consolidates Northern Storm’s hold on second place, extending the gap to eight points over Sawtell and Maclean, who are locked together in third.

More importantly, the Storm trimmed the deficit to league leaders Woolgoolga Wolves to six points while still holding a game in hand, keeping the premiership race well and truly alive.

Northern Storm coach Craig Caruana reflected on the match.

“We moved the ball around really well and  finished off some good moves today but I was most pleased with our defence,” Caruana said..

“Yamba are a good side and they have a couple of very good threats and I thought we limited their chances, however we took our foot off at the end of the game and conceded a fairly soft goal, which I wasn’t happy about.

“It was a nice tribute to Mitch and we have to give a big thanks to Yamba FC for making the day what it was and setting up the annual match in his memory.”

By David WIGLEY