Recap
Grey United knew a draw was enough against Marist in the men’s game, but Marist ended the first half 1-0 up. Blustery conditions made life difficult for both teams, but Marist made the most of their advantage in the first half. Grey United’s back four held strong for most of the first half, but a dangerous cross by TK Katene was turned in by goalkeeper Ant Jurgens, to give Marist the lead. Grey United had the wind advantage in the second half, but some early pressure and running by the Marist attack in the second half made it clear that it would not be easy to get the result they needed. Once again, clear-cut scoring chances were few, but Grey United got their opportunity to equalise after Anton Merkushev was fouled right on the end of the Marist goal box. James McLean went for placement rather than power, sending the free kick into the bottom right corner. Grey United kept the pressure on, and after one in-swinging corner from McLean forced Ethan Kelleher in the Marist goal to tip the ball over the bar, his second caught out the Marist defence and swung straight into the goal, to give Grey United a 2-1 lead. Marist kept the pressure on, but Grey United defence was well controlled by their player of the day Chris Wong. Katene earned Marist’s player of the day with hard work and good running.
The win also saw Grey United claim the Sarah Clearwater trophy for the very first time, with it changing hands for the second week running.