After eight years out of the spotlight, Albion Park White Eagles became kings of the Illawarra Premier League once more with an enthralling 4-2 victory over Kemblawarra Fury on Sunday at WIN Stadium.
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In one of the most entertaining and high quality finals in years, Park’s Japanese stars Shohei Okuno and Riku Iwauchi shone brightest to propel the White Eagles to their first grand final win since 2008. Both players scored doubles in a Park performance that will live long in the memory for all in attendance.
Park coach Jeff Allport couldn’t understate the importance of the victory for his club as the White Eagles attempt to rebuild it’s status as an IPL heavyweight.
“This is really great us,” he said.
“We had a few lean years where we won’t close to making semis and we are trying to build. We have got some good young players coming through and had stacks of people trialing.
“They need to have something to aspire to and anyone with any sort of talent as a club we are happy to help towards that next level with the Wolves. I think there is going to be some good seasons ahead.”
Fittingly Park’s victory came against a Fury side which has been the benchmark in the Illawarra in recent years.
They knew they were in a tough contest from outset and it was Kemblawarra who struck first in the 20th minute.
Fabian Iacovelli met David Hartas cross at the back post for a tap in. Park leveled just a minute later when Kotaro Higashi slipped Iwauchi in on goal.
Iwauchi fired a deflected effort past Fury keeper David Poeira. Five minutes later the White Eagles were in front.
This time it was Okuno.
The George Naylor Medal hopeful fired a stunning left foot effort from 25-yards into the bottom left corner to give Park a 2-1 advantage.
Shortly after the break, it was Okuno who added to the scoresheet in stunning fashion.
Outdoing his first effort, the superstar playmaker curled his free kick from 25-yards around the wall and into the net.
The Fury pulled a goal back through Cameron Morgan’s head in the 71st minute, but as Kemblawarra pushed for an equaliser, the sealing goal came at the other end through Iwauchi.
After being played in by Okuno, Iwauchi kept his composure to fire past Poeira and seal a 4-2 victory.
Despite the loss, Fury coach Luke McGuire couldn’t fault his beaten troops.
“I thought we were outstanding and I have no complaints,” he said.
“We put a game plan in place and unfortunately we were beaten by a team that was in better form than us on the day.”