Our incredible U16 Division 1 team brought glory to Tamborine Mountain, securing our only piece of silverware in 2024! The boys overcame numerous challenges to triumph with a game to spare, showing remarkable courage and dedication across a fiercely competitive campaign.
It is a Premiership to be proud of! Coach Mark Benson and his team lifted the trophy with 11 wins in 14 games, scoring 41 goals in the process. Despite numerous injuries, illnesses, rained-out games, and mid-week reschedules, our U16s’ determination never faltered. When their backs were against a wall, they always found a way to defy the odds.
A 14-0 win showcased their ruthless quality, while 3-2, 4-2, 4-3, and 2-1 victories demonstrated their ability to get the job done, even when faced with difficult challenges. At the height of a strenuous period, the boys fought from 3-0 down to win 8-3 at Long Road. A testament to their relentless effort and unquestionable quality.
With the coveted Premiership trophy secured, the boys earned the right to host their Semi-Final at Long Road Sports Centre. Mark and the boys delivered a blockbuster. Two first-half goals saw our U16s trailing 2-0 at the break against Mudgeeraba. It took a stunning goal from George Langley to break their resistance on the hour mark. With ten minutes remaining, Matthew Benson buried a brilliant volley into the bottom left corner to make it 2-2, and the match continued to penalties after an intense period of extra time.
Neither side looked like missing from the spot, with each player dispatching their penalties with composure. A sharp diving save from Harrison Cox gave our Eagles the advantage, and Rupert Woolgar buried the final penalty to send our Eagles to the Grand Final.
While we couldn’t secure our second piece of silverware, it was an outstanding effort from Mark and our U16s across the course of a lengthy and competitive campaign. The Championship title evaded us, but we couldn’t be prouder of the boys for bringing the Premiership home to Tamborine Mountain.
Our only trophy of 2024 and a glorious achievement from our U16s Division 1 boys. Congratulations to everybody involved, and we look forward to building on our progress in 2025!
Story by Chandler Milligan
Photographs by Chandler Milligan and TM Eagles
