To be Grand Finalists for the second year in a row is a huge achievement.

The coaching staff would like to congratulate all players that have contributed to assisting the First Grade squad reach the 2013 Grand Final. This year a total of 23 players have played in First Grade. It just shows how important it is to have a solid depth of talent in the Reserve Grade line up. Thank you guys and thank you to our Reserve Grade Coach and Manager, Keiran Clerke and Trevor Jones for your support throughout the year.

The squad trained well leading up to the Grand Final and the bbq’s at the ground after training and lunch at the Planto prior to the game were top team bonding sessions.

To see so many lovers of the World Game in the grand stands was fantastic and most importantly to see the Blue and White army of supporters was brilliant.

To the game itself. It was fast, intense, full of wonderful passages of possession, technical skill, fiery encounters and scoring opportunities galore. Coffs knew they had to be at their very best for this game but I sincerely believe they underestimated how competitive Storm would be. To say that Storm missed many chances is an understatement. It has to be said that Coffs missed chances as well but nowhere near as many as Storm. As one official said to me after the game, “That was the best game of footy I have seen all year and I can’t believe you lost when you had at least 60% possession - you were the dominant team”. I think this statement sums up the game.

Coffs scored in the 40th minute of the first half and again in the 27th minute of the second half. It wasn’t until the 38th minute of the second half that Storm’s super impact player, Daniel Keam, scored. Storm had squandered too many early chances but not one player gave up trying. Every player played their hearts out. Not just for themselves but their fellow team mates, family, friends and the great Northern Storm Club.

At the conclusion of the game there were many people shaking their heads, disbelieving that the game had slipped away from them. The lads remained truly professional throughout the award ceremony bearing in mind that it takes 2 top teams to make it to the Grand Final and the coaching staff were so proud of the lads in the manner in which they conducted themselves both on and off the field. The emotion was enormous and to see the expression on people’s faces was amazing. Our own No 1 supporter and life member “Widdow’ was in tears and inconsolable for some time after the game. When I was told that “Widow” was not good, I took him into our sheds and said to the lads “if you think you feel bad have a look at Widdow” – the lads could quickly see what it means to so many Club supporters to have their First Grade team in the Grand Final and to compete at such a high level. Widdow was embraced by the coaching staff and players and all was good thereafter. The time that man continues to put into the Club is unbelievable – the passion he has for the Storm Club is sensational. Thanks mate.

On behalf of the First Grade coaching staff and players, I would also like to thank every Storm Club player, coach, manager, fitness trainer, medic, assistants, parents, partners and supporters and the very hard working Club Committee members for all being part of the Storm Club and I hope that we see you at next week’s Presentation Awards. Sincere congratulations to our Over 35’s and 16 Girls who won their respective 2013 Premierships – YIP YAH

To Jade Porter – you did it again mate – a top effort. To Richard Frith, Brian Lacey, Keiran Clerke and Trevor Jones – you guys are simply brilliant.

To our First Grade squad – without you we can’t compete - You have done us proud again lads and thank you for the memories and the journey you have taken us on. You are a top group of men and I’m proud to have been a part of your life.

Have FUN.

Man of the Match: Every Player

First Grade – report by Colin Scully 

WOW WOW WOW - YIP YAH

Breaking News – Storm In the Grand Final for the second year in a row!!!!!!!!!

The second Semi Final played at the Cabbage Patch was full of intensity, suspense and was simply breathtaking.

Last week the coaching staff told the lads how important it was not to concede a goal as it would make it harder for Urunga to qualify for the grand final as “away” goals under the new semi finals format mean so much for teams. How true was that. Storm went into the second semi 2 goals up.

Last Tuesday and Thursday the coaching staff told the lads that we needed to score a goal at Urunga as Urunga would then have to score 4 goals to beat us and if we then drew with them we would win as we have the away goal. How true was that!!!!!!!!!

So the scene was set for battle. Widdow had got under the Raiders radar and strategically set up the huge Storm signs behind the goals so all could see. This upset the Raider’s players, supporters and in particular their coaching staff who complained to the ref and to the Storm coaching staff, that the signs were upsetting the Urunga players as they couldn’t see the goals clearly – their protests fell on deaf ears.

From the start of play, Urunga threw everything at Storm throughout the whole match - but not enough to knock out the Mighty Storm.

It was Urunga who scored the first goal in the 25th minute of the first half as Bruce Mackie (ref) awarded a penalty to Urunga so Storm went to the break 1 nil down. Some reassuring words from the coaching staff and the lads meant we had to knuckle down and toughen up.

However it was Urunga who scored again in the 23rd minute of the second half – hence the aggregate scores were level at 2 all. Both sides contested hard for the ball. Both sides had to step up. Both sides needed the next goal. Two minutes later it was the “thief” Jamie Kennedy who received a brilliant through ball and pushed it around the Urunga goalkeeper to score the important “AWAY” goal that Storm needed. Two minutes after that goal Urunga again rallied and scored their 3rd goal – another penalty was awarded by Bruce Mackie (ref) against Storm which was quickly taken. So in the space of 5 minutes – 3 goals were scored. Storm had to hold on for another 13 minutes. Both sides competed intensely for possession and both sides had many scoring chances. When the whistle sounded for full time (which seemed like forever) the aggregate scores from both semis were equal at 3-3 but Storm had scored the only “away” goal and rightfully WON the game and the opportunity to compete in the Grand Final – Again.

Lads, sincere congratulations!!!!!!!

To all the Storm supporters who made the journey to the Cabbage Patch we thank you for your support and we make no apology for the nail biting game that it was. This is what semi final football is all about.

STORM IN THE GRAND FINAL (GF)

Last year was the first time that a Storm first grade team had made it to the GF. As they say “you have to lose one to WIN one”.

Well lads, we have lost one – now it is time to WIN one – not just for yourselves but for every Storm supporter, player, coach, manager, past and present.

Believe in winning lads – let’s do it.

So bring on that other club and let’s place that GF trophy where it belongs – in the STORM cabinet.

The Premier League team would also like to congratulate the Over 35’s and Under 16 Girls who are also in their respective Grand Finals.

To all Storm supporters - lets get to all three Grand Finals – they all need your vocal support.

Man of the Match: There were so many outstanding achievements by so many players which made selecting the Man of the Match a very difficult decision. In fact, again there were three MEN of the Match were selected – Michael Turner, Jamie Kennedy and Mitch Weeden who was simply brilliant in goals.

First Grade – report by Colin Scully

Next Match:

Northern Storm Premier League in the Grand Final, again!!!!!!!!!!!

When – next Saturday evening, 7th September, at the Stadium – kick off time to be confirmed.

See you there.