The game was close with the second versus third team on the table. 

The winning team would get a week off and a guaranteed final appearance in the finals.

The loser however, would have to play in an elimination final this coming Saturday. 

Young and Henwood both started off well, with controlled passing and opportunities at both ends.

However, neither team seemed to be able to push ahead. 

Halfway through the first half the biggest player on the field fell to the ground in the Young goal box, earning his side a penalty kick in what was a dubious call from the referee.

Henwood Park slotted the penalty home and the score was 1-0 by half time.

In the second half, a Young player higher up the field attempted to equalise the teams, however could not find the net, with opportunities falling to Javarn Hurcum, Conor Quinn and Alex Wark. 

Suddenl,y an errant pass saw Henwood sprint away for what seemed like their only attack, and to Young’s dismay they pushed further ahead, finding their second goal of the day. 

Although the Young Lions were playing like the stronger team, with better field position, it just was not working.

Later Young were then given a late free kick near the Henwood goal. 

Ray Mitchell took the kick and placed the ball over the Henwood defensive line onto a waiting Charlie Crisp’s head, who determinedly found the back of the net. 

The game ended with a solid 2 goals to Henwood and 1 to Young.

This means that the Young third grade boys are now in an elimination semi final this coming Saturday, September 8, against Wagga Wagga United. 

“Although we lost today, I am really proud of the boys and how they played. They were the better team today, it just didn’t come off for them,” Mark Mellish said. 

“We will just re-group and with how our younger players have developed this year, we should beat United.”

See More:

Lions third grade win seven in a row

Young Lions in top four of the ladder

Young Lions roar into the season