Saturday September 26 2009: TAREE scored a hard earned 2-1 win over Macleay Valley to claim the Football Mid North Coast Premier League championship in the grand final played at Taree’s Omaru Park.
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The Wildcats won 2-1. It was the club’s first premiership since 2001.
Taree hadn’t appeared in the semi-finals since 2004. The Wildcats were third after the competition proper than accounted for Port FC in the preliminary final before upsetting minor premiers Macleay in the major semi-final. This gave Taree the right to host the grand final for the first time.
The grand final was played in windy and dusty conditions that drew a crowd estimated at 1500.
Taree led 1-0 at halftime following a goal to Troy Modderno however Macleay made it 1-1 in the second half. Then with 10 minutes remaining a brilliant floating lob into the Rangers’ goal area by Taree’s Josh Ferris saw player of the match, Ricky Campbell, make the most of some hesitant defence to slot home the match winner.
Taree’s defence held firm in the time remaining. Campbell and goal keeper Luke Bramble were Taree’s best while captain-coach Nathan Towle played the entire game despite being hindered by a foot injury.
However, it wasn’t all good news for Manning-based clubs with Old Bar’s reserve grade beaten by a penalty shootout in the match against Port United.
Scores were locked at 0-0 after 100 minutes, necessitating the shootout.
