A jubilant Jimboomba United (JUFC) under 12s won their grand final against Souths United 2-1 on Saturday at Atthows Park, Darra.
The match was entertaining and had spectators on the edge of their seat from the kick-off until the final whistle.
Jimboomba got off to a fast start and after 15 minutes scored when Jay Moseley hammered a ball into the Souths goal for 1-nil.
Souths who were minor premiers and had been the best team in the competition all year, were throwing everything at Jimboomba only to be shut down by either fantastic defence or excellent goal keeping from the Jimboomba keeper, Owen Atkinson.
With a minute to go until half-time, a lapse in concentration by the JUFC defenders allowed an unmarked Souths player to receive a cross which was finished off well.
At half-time it was 1-all and both teams were playing exciting end to end of the field football with short passing and long balls from both teams giving opportunities but no reward.
The second half started like the first with both teams giving their all.
With just over 10 minutes remaining either team looked like winning, Jay Moseley received a ball which he pushed wide to outrun the defence and then slam the ball just inside the right hand upright for a great Jimboomba goal for 2-1.
Five minutes later Souths were awarded a penalty in the JUFC red zone and a spot kick was signalled.
Star keeper Atkinson stood his ground in goal and brilliantly saved the Souths player’s shot keeping Jimboomba in the lead.
The next five minutes of play was nothing short of breathtaking football, with Souths sending everything possible at Jimboomba who were frantically repelling and trying to clear the ball from their goal area.
As time ticked away both teams had put in so much effort they were out on their feet, but it was Jimboomba who wanted it more and they fought hard in defence.
At the final whistle of an epic grand final both sides players’ collapsed and emotions showed.
The Jimboomba team realised their dream and goal to win their first grand final under the full rules of football and on the full sized field had just occurred and they began celebrating.
The win meant the team had won their last nine games and had one draw from their last 10 matches, a super effort to finish the season.
On Sunday, the Jimboomba United club held their junior’s presentation day, where the Jimboomba under 12s team proudly presented the grand final winning shield to the club president, Tony Cooper for display.
