The first round of finals was a mixed bag for Whitsunday United, with only the Division 1 Men’s team securing a win. They faced Wanderers in Mackay on Friday night in a semi-final match. After a scoreless first half, Whitsunday came out strong in the second half. Caleb Vanderdrift scored early on from a cross by Tate Butler, and Aaron Morgan added a second with a late header, sealing a 2-0 victory. The Division 1 Men will face either Lions or Wanderers in the final.
The Under-13 Division One team had a tough match against Rangers. Despite only one point separating them in the league, Rangers took an early lead with two goals in the first 14 minutes. Whitsunday managed to score in the 29th minute, but Rangers proved too strong, winning 4-1. The team will look to bounce back in the semi-finals next weekend, with a chance to reach the grand final.
In another intense game, the Under-13 Prem team faced Rangers in a final. Rangers led 1-0 at halftime, but Whitsunday equalized in the 60th minute through Sam. The game went into extra time and then to penalties after a 1-1 draw. Despite efforts from Shannon, Nick M, and Eli W, who all scored in the shootout, Rangers ultimately won. It was a hard-fought match that highlighted Whitsunday’s determination and teamwork.
The Under-15 Premiers played against Country, who started strongly, scoring in the 11th minute and converting a penalty in the 43rd. Whitsunday dominated the second half, and Max O’Keefe scored a penalty in the 70th minute, but they couldn’t find another goal, resulting in a 2-1 loss.
The U23 Women’s team, after securing second place last weekend, faced Lions SC in the first round of finals. Whitsunday dominated possession and created several scoring chances, but the game remained 0-0 after regular time, thanks in part to a crucial save by goalkeeper Robyn. In extra time, Lions managed to score, winning 1-0. The U23 Women will face Magpies next weekend for a spot in the grand final.
The Premier Ladies faced a strong Lions squad, losing 6-0 on Saturday night. Despite having a depleted team, Whitsunday worked hard but struggled to contain the Lions’ attack. Special mentions go to Imo, Kiki, Robyn, and Ellyse, who played through extra time in the Reserves and still performed well in the Premier match. The team aims to regroup and secure a spot in the grand final next weekend.
The U23 and FQPL Men both ended their seasons with losses to Rangers. The U23 team had an exciting game, leading 4-3 late on with a hat trick from Lincoln Fricker, but a late penalty for Rangers forced extra time, where they lost 6-4. The Men’s Premiers also faced Rangers, taking an early lead with a penalty from Alan O’Donnell, but eventually losing 2-1 after a strong comeback from Rangers.
All eyes will be on the Women’s teams this weekend as they fight for a place in the grand finals alongside the Division 1 Men. The teams are determined to bounce back and finish the season strong.
Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic
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