Lee's Lions 8-5 Brewster's Buffalos
(2-2 Half Time)
Goals (Lee's Lions)
Dave Lennett (3)
Kester Harvey (3)
Lee Young
Junior Marquez
Goals (Brewster's Buffalos)
Tim Muller (on loan from Owen Mumford)
Ryan Doherty
Philip Merchant
Junior Marquez
Aaron Brewster
With the weather set fair, the match started in frenetic fashion with a few early chances for both sides.
Lee's Lions opened the scoring only to be pegged back by two quick fire goals from Brewster's Buffalos.
As half time approached, Lee's Lions dug deep and found an equaliser just seconds before the break, taking the tie level at 2-2 into the half time interval.
The game was played in a superb spirit aided by referee Julie Haggie who kept both yellow and red cards pocketed and had very few matters to arbitrate over. Anecdotally the mark of a fine referee.
Refreshments were taken and the teams took to the astroturf once again hoping to break the deadlock and avoid the dreaded penalty shoot-out.
The game became more and more stretched in the second half and as the gaps opened up, the goals flowed. Four goals, two apiece, set the tie at 4-4.
Lee Lion's continued to press home their advantage and despite Junior Marques disposing with the red training bib and switching allegiance to the Buffalos, Lee's Lions fired three late goals with only one conceded to seal the tie 8-5.
It was with dignity and respect that each team shook hands at the end of a match that was surely a superb advert for football with two teams keen to play a very open and entertaining style.
With great honour, Lee Young kissed, then held aloft, the TRC World Cup Trophy to announce the arrival of his young Lions as the inaugural holders of this prestigious honour.
Thanks goes to all those who were present, spectating and playing, and to all who kindly donated towards this worthwhile charity.