Thirroul secured their fourth premiership in a row under coach Kevin Lewis with a dramatic victory prevailing on penalties at Crehan Park on Sunday in the Illawarra District League Reserve Grade Grand Final.

This was the Thunder’s sixth final in nine seasons and they did in difficult circumstances after losing Tom Goodier with a broken leg in just the eighth minute.

The injured delayed the match for about 30 minutes as Goodier was treated by medical staff on the field before being transported by ambulance to hospital where he later underwent surgery.

Thirroul opened the scoring in the 70th minute when Mitchell Jones powered a volley under the keeper from inside the box.

Jones’ strike was cancelled out seven minutes from time when a low ball across the box allowed Kyle Tipping to convert from close range.

A goalless period of extra time left the prospect of a penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Liam Harris was the hero for the Thunder saving three penalties and scoring one of his own.

For the full match report, click here.

Match details: Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ Crehan Park, Cringila

Man of the Match: Liam Harris

Thirroul Thunder – 1 (Jones 70’) (3)

Helensburgh Thistle – 1 (Tipping 83’) (2)

Thirroul Thunder: Liam HARRIS, Jeremy HARRISON, Mitchell JONES, James TOWNSON, Adam WARD, Lachlan DUNN, Jonathon DELYALL, Jonathon TOBIN, Oscar PRUKS, Matthew KELLOND, Thomas. GOODIER

Substitutes: Samuel ALLISON (TOWNSON), Matt SPARGO (JONES), Benjamin WALCHLI (DELYALL), Simon WARD (GOODIER), Lachlan JONES

Helensburgh Thistle: Matt WARDLE, Blake KIRKLAND, Aaron DARK, Nick HARRIS, Adam COFFEE, Bradley MATIUSCENKO, Aiden BROOKS, Andy GARCIA, Josh BRADY, Reggae ROWLEY, Jason WELLINGS

Substitutes: Adam THOMPSON (BROOKS), Luke FALKINER (MATIUSCENKO), Kyle TIPPING (COFFEE), Andrew RUSSELL (GARCIA), Braden GILBERT

Referee: Blake HERBERT

Assistant Referees: Caleb BLANCH and Brendan FOTHERINGHAM

Fourth Official: Mick AGIM

Report by Timothy Gibson, on Twitter @Timg123_

Photo by Pedro Garcia