All Age Men Bill Cullinan Cup Final
Gwawley Bay made the early running, putting some pressure on the Griffith defence but both sides were working their way into the contest. Griffith had a fine opportunity in the 16th minute after a corner was not cleared by the Gwawley Bay defence. Griffith found the ball in front of goal but Gwawley Bay keeper Luke Johnstone pulled off a quality save from point blank range.
Griffith City FC were battling to stay with Gwawley Bay but did manage a counter attacking raid or two into the Sutherland side?s territory. The best scoring chances, however, were coming from Gwawley Bay.
Both teams were defending well though the Gwawley Bay side looked the more composed. Neither team could trouble the scorer though. The stalemate continued into half time in what had been an entertaining first half.
After the break it was Gwawley Bay who became dominant. They were eventually to open the scoring through Nathan Abel who finished nicely to give his side the lead.
Griffith City attempted to rall but the Gwawley Bay defence, led by Captain Dylan Hughes, was able to soak up everything thrown at them. Gwawley Bay moved the ball nicely; creating a number of chances before Chris Russell was on hand to double their lead with a well taken chance.
At 2-0 down it looked curtains for the brave boys from Griffith but they didn?t stop trying. Any chances they were getting though were tending to be from distance as they had great difficulty in breaking down their opponents defence.
Eventually though it was Gwawley Bay who scored again when Chris Russell completed a brace to give his team a well deserved 3-0 win.
Griffith City FC did a marvellous job to progress all the way to the final and did their club and association proud with their effort. Gwawley Bay though, watched by the family of former Football NSW stalwart Bill Cullinan, in whose honour the Cup is named, were supreme. I?m sure that the celebrations would have been long and noisy in the shire last night!
This was the last Bill Cullinan Cup to be played at Football NSW?s home at Valentine Park. Prior to next year?s tournament Football NSW will begin it?s move to Riverstone and their spectacular new facility. The day of State Cup Finals was a nostalgic affair therefore as the tournament said goodbye to Valentine Park.
Congratulations to the two finalists on a fine display of football.
For a full list of the day’s results, click here
– Ross Anderson
