On Thursday, the ‘Big One’ had arrived, the Senior Football Final, between St. Ninian’s and last year’s winners QEII. The league game between the two schools had ended 3-3, so another close match was expected, although many had QEII as clear favourites to lift the shield again.
The opening exchanges were expectedly tense, but once into their rhythm, St. Ninian’s created a few chances with James Leece, Will Cowin and Harley Jackson linking up well and it was the young right wing-back Will Cowin who broke the deadlock. Soon after, Leece played Cowin in again who finished brilliantly for his second and to give the Saints a 2-0 lead. QEII came back into the game and saw a shot hit the underside of the bar and bounce away to safety. The left winger from Peel also had a couple of good chances but St. Ninian’s keeper Harry Callin made a number of unbelievable saves to keep the game at 2-0 going into half time.
In the second half QEII had a lot of possession and did have a few shots on goal, but that man Callin was up to the task and made two more top-drawer saves. Although the westerners saw more of the ball, St. Ninian’s always looked dangerous on the break with the pace of Connor Clark, Nathan Robinson and Harley Jackson causing them problems throughout. The defence also stood strong, with captain Ben Wilkinson, Tom Corrin, Luca Parlato, John Piercy, Thomas Healey and Will Cowin limiting QEII’s chances, with James Leece and Chris Karezis working tirelessly in midfield. That hard work was rewarded when an in-swinging corner fell to Clark at the back post who fired home to seal the victory for St. Ninian’s, a 3-0 win.
The Saints haven’t won the Senior Shield since 2012 and the days of Conor Gorman and Cameron Lee (for those who remember them), so a real achievement for this group of lads, lead incredibly by captain Wilko. Harry Callin scooped the Man of the Match for his outstanding contribution of top class saves, but honourable mention to Harley Jackson who was tireless and fully deserving of the cramp in the latter stages!
Well done to all involved!
Mr M Kelly
Assistant Subject Leader of Physical Education
