ILLAWARRA-South Coast fought back from a three-goal deficit, only to concede the NSW Championships final in a nerve-shredding grand final at Narellan on Sunday.
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Taking on North West Sydney in the final, Illawarra went to extra-time after scores were locked at 4-all at the end of regular time.
They’d trailed 4-1 in the second half, but ensured it progressed to a drop-off extra-time situation at Narellan, before North West Sydney claimed the state title with a 4-2 shoot-out victory.
What a game put up by Illawarra in the second half for a final 4-4 score line which saw the game go to a drop off and finally the shoot out which the locals lost 4-2 after some great entertaining play.
Coach Steve Mayo was happy with their team play coming back in the second half and praised his players.
“We just played our normal game and did not change any plan in the second half. The boys played well", Mayo said.
Captain Tristan White was proud of the remarkable turnaround.
“We had a great fightback from 4-1 down against a star studded line up. Proud of the boys, everyone fought it out no questions asked,” he said.
Down 3-0, Heath Ogilvie reduced the deficit from a penalty corner with two minutes to go in the first half to trail by two at the break.
North West re-established a three-goal lead, but Tom Miotto scored twice and Brady Anderson also found the net to level the scores.
With the teams unable to be separated, only Jack Hayes and Daine Richards could convert in the strokes.
Illawarra had beaten Goulburn 5-nil to qualify.