United celebrates after over-35s grand final win

CLOSE : Denley Moor midfielder Nick Hyndes comes under pressure from Barnstoneworth United’s Dave Sandercock in the over 35 grand final. Hyndes was named the grand final’s player of the match.

Barnstoneworth UnIted notched a massive day for the club on Saturday taking out the Orange over 35s grand final against club-mates Denley Moor.

United ended the season as minor premiers before taking the crown 2-1 against Denley, the third time in the last three games in a row they’ve won the local derby against Denley by a single goal.

For Denley the match brought to an end the fairy tale conclusion to the season, to come from 4th place on the table to survive two elimination finals.

UnIted striker Glenn Harpley scored first in the third minute with a blast from 20 metres out. The force of the shot bounced the ball off the keeper’s chest to the find the back of the net.

The equaliser came ten minutes from half-time when Denley’s Harley Smith followed in a shot by Phil Bennett that was blocked by UnIted keeper Matt Savaro, only for Smith to clean-up and score.

The two sides settled in for a tightly balanced arm wrestle, split when United midfielder Brett Hazzard broke the deadlock. Left alone at the back post, Hazzard was on the spot to head away a high cross.

With Barnstoneworth legs starting to tire, Denley peppered the opposition goal. United keeper Matt Savaro kept his side in the game tapping a string of shots over the bar. When Savaro retired injured, Harpley pulled on the gloves and punched another series of crosses away.

The full-time whistle signalled the start of celebrations for a club now in its 20th year in Orange. United bagged their first ever premiership in over 35s and Denley midfielder Nick Hyndes picking up player of the grand final, judged by match officials.

Barnies bag B-Grade grand final

A 3-1 win in the B-Grade Grand Final capped-off a stellar undefeated season for Barnstoneworth United B-Grade side. Brendon Manning scored an early goal before Jeremy Boulton notched two more.

Kinross came back with one as winger from Riley Barron sprinted down the sideline to score, but defenders Ben Parker and Matthew Stonestreet deflected a string of attacking raids. Parker was named Player of the Grand Final.