THE Urunga Raiders capped their dream season with a nerve-shredding 4-3 victory over Boambee in the Women’s Premier League grand final at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
The premiers looked unstoppable, storming to a 3-0 lead shortly after halftime.
But the Eagles refused to fold.
Golden Boot winner Kylie McDonald sparked life into Boambee with a 62nd-minute strike.
Three minutes later, Hannah Clift-Wilson stunned the Raiders by scoring directly from a corner, the deficit cut to one and the crowd roaring.
Urunga steadied through Eibhlin Kealy-Banks, who restored a two-goal cushion.
Still, Boambee came again.
McDonald’s second in the 87th minute set up a frantic finale.
With the clock ticking down, the Eagles broke through one last time, only for Urunga goalkeeper Savanna Harris to dive full-stretch and parry away the danger.
Moments later, the whistle blew and the Raiders were champions.
Urunga coach Trevor Martin was elated to win the grand final after winning the league and crowned premiers.
“I was happy with the game we put together on Saturday,” he said.
“We always aim to control the matches we play and for the most part I think we did that.
“Boambee clearly had some good moments and the threat from them was never out of mind but I felt confident we could get the job done.
“We, myself, the club, the squad and the team were elated with the win that capped off a great season for us.
“Boambee set a high standard for women’s football a few years ago and I believe that is part of why we are where we are now.
“To consolidate our place at the top of the premier league with a grand final win against them meant a lot to the club and players.”
By David WIGLEY
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