Farrer 1st XI makes History again

Following solid wins against Caringbah (13-1) and Wollongong (5-1) in the first two Top 8 knockout rounds,

Farrer lined up against Grafton High School for the state final.

The strong Grafton side came out firing. Thankfully Farrer’s quick reaction enabled them to turn the play and gain two attacking short corners. Unfortunately, these brought Archie Clarke no result against the opposition’s tight defence. Grafton's attacking play was kept out by Farrer defenders and goalkeeper, Logan Hayward. Grafton were awarded a short corner with three minutes to go in the first quarter that was saved by Logan and cleared by Oliver Burrows.

The second quarter saw both teams jostling for possession, Farrer demonstrating good control and tenacity against a tough side. Despite many warnings from the umpires to the opposition, it was Farrer who was given a green card for a tackle early in the second half. The boys played one man down for two minutes in hot conditions yet continued to hold strong. They were awarded two successive short corners with 4 minutes to go on the clock for the third quarter, both plays looked promising, yet were prevented from crossing the line. Grafton gained a short corner next, excellent running by Nathan Mumford thwarting the attack. The final quarter brought attacking opportunities and excellent defence as Grafton and Farrer vied to score a goal. A tomahawk by Archie on a short corner was saved by Grafton’s keeper. A final short corner for Farrer, also expertly shut down. The teams fought for some glory right up to the last second, but the game finished with a score of nil all.

The teams then prepared for shootouts. A strong attack and two shots from Blake Judd were kept out by the Grafton keeper. The opposition’s first attempt went in. Ollie dragged left to score in Farrer’s second attempt. Logan’s quick feet kept Grafton out. Archie completed a spin and drag to secure our next goal from a tight angle. Logan, once again, seamlessly kept Grafton out. Nathan showed great composure and ball skills to secure Farrer their third shootout goal. Logan expertly blocked Grafton’s fourth effort, and Farrer secured the win.

A tightly contested match against a formidable opponent gained Farrer the title of state champions, for the fourth year in a row. An exceptional feat not achieved by any school prior.