Finals Joy And Heartbreak For Whitsunday United

The first weekend of football finals in Mackay was played on sodden fields following a couple of solid days of rain.

With six Whitsunday United Football Club teams playing on Saturday, travelling spectators were geared up for a back-to-back set of competitive outings.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan for the local side, with five losses despite some incredible performances, but the day ended on a massive high with the Premier Men's side beating Lions convincingly and qualifying for the Grand Final.

The day started well with U14 Div 1 kicking off at 9am and matching the dominant Lions Green side from the outset. A goal by Lions had supporters worried, but the Whitsunday kids dug deeper and found the equaliser with Billy Hinton running onto a great through ball and slamming it over a diving goalkeeper.

With a 1-1 scoreline at the end of regular time, it is only the second instance that the Lions side had been held to a draw.

Extra time started and the arm wrestle continued until late, when the Mackay side scored to break the dead lock. A weary Whitsunday team conceded a third goal but are not out of the finals yet. They are keen to face Country United this weekend and earn a Grand Final spot

The U14 Premiers were up next. The young side have been a class act all year and were confident of beating Mackay Crusaders to guarantee a Grand Final berth.

Unfortunately, Crusaders fired and the Whitsunday side, missing a few players, struggled. Going down 2-0 was not the expected result, but Coach Peter Farrell was optimistic.

"This will be a real wake up call for the kids,” He said.

“They will be really keen to make up for this loss and with all players expected back next weekend, everyone is confident.”

The team was presented with their minor Premiership trophy and medals after the game.

The U16 Prem's battled through to the end but their season finished on Saturday. After a slow start against City Brothers, they came good in the second half and ended up with a 1-1 draw through the boot of Beau Bonnyman.

Into extra time, opportunities were scarce for both sides and every player dug deep in the heat. At the end of extra time the score was still drawn, and the game was decided on a penalty shoot-out. Although disappointed, the team came together and achieved some great results in a very tight and evenly matched competition.

U23 Men and Premier Women suffered through lack of numbers or injuries and with patched together sides. They were no match for their respective opposition on the day. With full squads, the result may well have been different, however both sides are now looking to build on this year and progress further next year.

The Whitsunday Premier Men stamped their authority on their opponents from the outset with a goal to Harry Hodgen in the opening minutes setting the tone for the rest of the match. Lions played a strong, physical game but were unable to counter the speed and precision of the Whitsunday attack and aggressive defence.

The goals continued to flow with Harry adding to his opening salvo along with goals to Hayden Filby and an absolute scorcher from Martyn Goodey who was also rock solid in defence. A remarkable display of football from the Whitsunday team who celebrated the win and their progression to the Grand Final.

They received their Minor Premiership Trophy, all the while singing out the club song across Mackay Football Park.

Whitsunday United’s Premier Men’s side received their medals and trophy after winning the minor Premiership last week

U14 Whitsunday United Premier side were crowned as minor Premiers for 2022

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