They had a successful campaign, having had an equal four losses and four wins during the round-robin stage, and then a convincing quarter final win (5-1). It came down to the wire in their semi final against 1st placed Sunshine Coast as the game finished in a 2-2 draw and so they went to shootouts. But our boys kept their composure and sealed their place in the Grand Final with a 3-0 win in penalties.
While the Grand Final score wasn't the fairy tale ending they had hoped for, our boys played with integrity and grit and never gave up - as is the true Darling Downs way.
Congratulations boys, Matt. H (Coach), and Matt. M (Manager) on a successful tournament, you've done our region and yourselves very proud.
Further congratulations go to Toowoomba Grammar students Goy Yous and Iskcon Gyawali on their selection in the 13-14 Years Boys QLD Futsal Merit Team.
13-14 Years Futsal Girls - 6th
Our 13-14 Years Girls had a very energetic and promising tournament, starting off with quite a bang with four wins, including one against the reigning champions of last year's championships Met East.
Exhaustion and injury caught up to the girls by Day 3, however, which saw them slip down the ladder. But the girls finished 6th in the competition after playing very hard-fought games against some strong regions and we couldn't be prouder of them.
Many of our DD girls caught the eye of selectors, playing some very skilled, structured, and positive futsal which saw them smiling at the end of the tournament which is the most important part.
Congratulations girls, Andrew (Coach), and Sarah (Manager) on an exciting tournament. This team showed great promise and skill, and we can't wait to see how they go in 2025.
15-16 Years Futsal Girls - 2024 Bronze Medallists
Our 15-16 Years Girls also had a successful campaign as they snagged the bronze medal in a thrilling shootout!
Our girls played steadily and skilfully enough to remain in the Top 6 so they could contest for finals, and contest they did. Coming into the finals 6th, DD knocked out 3rd placed team Peninsula in a dominant display of hard, skilled futsal after drawing with them the previous night.
Their semi final against South Coast was also one for the books, with both teams scoring 6 goals each throughout the game to bring them to their first shootout of the day. Keepers saved and strikers scored, but even the best of five couldn't split these teams. Heartbreakingly, the game was eventually won by South Coast and DD's chance at a gold medal was taken.
But the girls rallied one more time in their Bronze Medal match against Met North, playing as if they hadn't already played two hard-fought games that day. Again, when the final whistle blew, the two teams were equal with neither able to score in regular time. Back to shootouts they went, but they didn't muck around this time, banging in 3 cracking goals and Chloe O'Rourke (goalkeeper) saving all that came her way. And so, the bronze medal was DD's.
Congratulations girls, Shaun (Coach), and Sammy (Manager) on a hard-fought and well-earned finish to the tournament. You should all be so proud of yourselves because everyone else certainly is.
Extra congratulations go to Harristown SHS student Millie Miller (pictured below) on also being selected in the 15-16 Years Girls QLD Futsal Merit Team. Such a great achievement.
(Millie Miller - third from left)