Thirroul faced off against Oak Flats in the WCG Cranes District League Reserve Grade grand final at Win Stadium. Thirroul looked to capture their fourth title in five years, which would also be their third grand final win in a row. For Oak Flats, they made the grand final from the 5th position, downing Coniston, Bellambi and Warilla on their way to the grand final. With both teams in stellar form, the game was shaping up to be a very tight contest.

The match began with both teams being nervous, coughing up possession without building up any pressure. Thirroul had an early penalty shout, but it was waved away confidently by the referee. Thirroul continued gaining momentum, Scott Woods had the first shot on target but couldn’t test Chris Jarman. It was Jordan Cox who almost put the Thunder ahead when he created space for himself with a fantastic touch and hit the ball sweetly but Jarman was up to the task, producing a wonderful save.

Cox once again had a golden chance, but this time he was denied by the woodwork after his header rocketed off the crossbar. Down the other end, Oak Flats failed to find the target, with Nathan Wilson smashing the ball well over the bar and letting Thirroul off the hook.

Thirroul finally broke the deadlock after Simon Ward was taken down inside the area in the 38th minute. With no arguments from the Oak Flats defence, Oscar Pruks stepped up to the spot. He buried the penalty with confidence and gave Thirroul a deserved lead. 

FOR FULL MATCH REPORT CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE FOR POST MATCH INTERVIEW WITH THUNDER COACH KEVIN LEWIS

Saturday 22 September 2018 @ Win Stadium 

Full time: Thirroul FC – 1 (O.Pruks); Oak Flats Falcons – 0

Thirroul FC: C. Wearing, A. Maddock, M.Jones, J. Townson, A.Ward, S.Woods, J. De Lyall, R. Gyngell, O. Pruks, J. Cox, S. Ward. Replacements:  J.Tobin, N. Orvad, C.Pickthall, A.Dark, J. Simms

Oak Flats Falcons: C. Jarman, M.Grasa, R.Graham, J.Tilden, M. Thornton, L. Condello, J.Beregshay, G.Boskovic, M.Wilson. Replacements: R. Franks, B.Crandell, C.Fernandez, J. Sovrano, A.Sloss.

Referee - Caleb Blanch; Assistant Referees - Emajen Crawley and Tristan James; Fourth Official - Mick Agim

Report by Liam Emerton, on Twitter @liamemerton