EUPHORIC grand final victory scenes at Thagoona highlighted the Rosewood United Soccer Club’s incredible progress on and off the field this season.
Rosewood club officials, parents and supporters swarmed the under-12 Roses’ players after the young guns upstaged Division 1 competition leaders Beaudesert 2-1 in extra time.
The Roses scored a late goal in regular time to force 20 minutes of additional play needed to break the deadlock at Caledonian Park.
The spirited Roses’ players rose to the challenge to score again to seal a wonderful season-ending victory.
It was the first time the Roses beat Beaudesert, the team that topped the ladder all year.
Delighted coach and “extremely proud” dad James Lyon shared the excitement after joining the emotional post-game celebration on the Rosewood club’s home field.
“It’s fantastic,” James said.
“The girls did absolutely amazing, couldn’t ask anything more from them.”
Queen’s famous song “We are the champions” played over the loud speakers as Rosewood club supporters savoured a memorable moment.
It was James’ first grand final success as a coach, having brought together a team of young players who gave each other nicknames to build a united bond.
Rosewood’s goal scorers were Annie and Sarah in a side of 15 committed players.
Team manager Lauren Howard also played a major role encouraging the players in the Queensland Christian Soccer Association competition grand final.
Lauren led the chant “Let’s go Rosewood, let’s go” as her team battled hard for an equaliser late in the game.
The players responded, sending the game into overtime with heightened exhilaration.
Parents rode a wave of anticipation as every Rosewood shot at goal missed and each Roses’ save was made.
James and Lauren displayed their team spirit wearing skirts in club colours.
“It’s all about building the future army and supporting Rosewood,” James said.
The Roses’ under 12s had finished the season in second behind the Beaudesert Pink Panthers.
That made the latest win even more special.
“I’m so happy for the girls,” Lauren said.
“They’ve worked so hard this season.”
Lauren also played in the Rosewood Over-30 women’s team that beat Silkstone 2-0 in the grand final later than afternoon.
The victorious Roses’ 12 years girls cheered on the senior Crusaders players, which earlier won this year’s premiership.
A third Rosewood United side – the club’s undefeated under-13 Division 3 premiers – finished their season sharing the grand final title after drawing 4-4 with Logan United Purple in Brisbane.
Club president Tammy Crawford was elated with the club’s efforts, especially the under-12 victory that kicked off seven female grand finals at Thagoona.
“It’s fantastic,” Tammy said.
“It started off with a really good feel straight from the get-go. Even better that our, 12 (years) girls came up and won.”
Tammy, who also played in the Over-30 grand final, was proud of what Rosewood United achieved in hosting a major grand final carnival.
The field was in top shape, the spectator facilities were excellent and the club even provided a big blow-up changeroom to accommodate visiting teams.
“We spent the afternoon yesterday getting everything set up ready to go,” she said.
However, the soccer season is not finished yet.
Rosewood club officials will back up on Saturday hosting the annual West Zone Country Carnival at Thagoona.
Eighteen boys’ and girls’ regional teams are expected to deliver more entertaining soccer after the latest grand final exhilaration.
