THE penultimate round of the season has set the stage for a thrilling finals series, with Woolgoolga Wolves overcoming a spirited Yamba Breakers 4-2 under lights on Saturday night.
The Wolves had already secured the Men’s Premier League title last week after building an unassailable nine-point lead over second-placed Northern Storm, but Yamba clearly had no intention of simply rolling out the red carpet for the new Premiers.
The Breakers stunned the home side after just 32 seconds when Braidy Power-Casson found the back of the net.
Woolgoolga coach Joel Finlayson acknowledged Yamba’s fiery start.
“Saturday’s match against Yamba was always going to be a tough one.
“We knew they would come out on the front foot, needing to win their final two matches to secure a top-four finish—and they certainly started that way, catching us napping to score in the 32nd second.”
However, it took league-leading goalscorer Tai Smith just 15 minutes to restore parity, piercing the Yamba defence before calmly lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Harry Menzies.
It has been a remarkable season for Smith, who looks certain to claim the Golden Boot after finding the net 19 times — eight goals clear of his nearest rival.
And the Wolves marksman was at the heart of the action again just before half-time.
Smith picked up possession inside his own half and embarked on a mazy run through the Yamba defence before eventually being brought down inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot and Mitchell Brewster made no mistake, calmly sending Menzies the wrong way to give Woolgoolga a 2-1 lead heading into the sheds.
Smith and Jimmy Palmer then struck late to put the premiers firmly in control at 4-1 before Blake Norrie grabbed a consolation goal for Yamba in the final minute.
Finlayson was pleased with his team’s fightback.
“To our credit, we didn’t let the early setback change our game plan and equalised in the 16th minute.
“Yamba are a team to be respected, and despite resting several players, we always felt confident that if we stuck to our plan, the result would go our way.
“It was a physical, hard-fought match and a satisfying result as we continue to build momentum heading into the finals in two weeks’ time.”
While Woolgoolga has wrapped up the premiership, the battle for the remaining three finals positions is going right down to the wire.
Northern Storm currently occupy second spot on 34 points, just two ahead of Sawtell with one match remaining.A Storm defeat combined with a Sawtell victory could see the Scorpions leapfrog their rivals and claim second place.
The fourth finals position is also still up for grabs, with Clarence rivals Yamba and Maclean separated by just two points.
Yamba sits fourth on 28 points, while Maclean is breathing down their necks on 26.
With everything still to play for, the final round promises plenty of drama as the contenders fight for their place in the finals.
The Women’s Premier League, meanwhile, has already been decided with one round remaining.
Urunga has been crowned premiers on 38 points, ahead of Coffs United on 28, Woolgoolga on 23 and Boambee on 17.
By David WIGLEY
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