The Blues drew 2-2 with Kodak before scoring 5-4 on the Penalty Shoot Out to win the Jeff Nardin Cup. This was not a match for the faint hearted. The Dragons were in command for much of the first half but, just as the referee was checking his watch, Kodak scored to make it 1-1 at the break. The second half was a very mixed affair. Kodak pulled ahead to 2-1 and then, horror of horrors, were awarded a penalty which they duly dispatched. The Dragons spectators sank back in despondency whilst Kodak’s whooped with joy. Salvation was however at hand as the referee disallowed it. It would be fair to say that the average Dragon hadn’t a clue as to what had happened. Wiser fans advised that Kodak’s penalty taker had hesitated on his run up which is not allowed.
On being apprised of Kodak’s shocking breaking of the rules the Dragon fans immediately burst into loud praise of the referee’s perceptivity and whooped for joy. Kodak’s stand was somewhat quieter. The match continued, Kodak remaining 2-1 up and with every intention of keeping it that way. Every time the Dragons built up momentum a Kodak player would fall to the ground writhing with pain leading to play stopping. Kodak’s “medical man” did not win any awards for quickness. His slow amble out to his stricken players was further delayed by having to stop every few paces to check his bearings to make sure he was still heading in the right direction.
It was stop start. Eventually the referee lost patience and let play carry on around the latest Kodak player to fall to the ground. The seconds ticked by and then, almost at the final whistle, the Dragons scored and it was on to penalties. Kodak first penalty was saved by the Dragons keeper’s lightening reactions, aided by the ball being kicked almost straight at him. The Dragons keeper had made the right decision – not to dive to the left nor to the right in favour of staying exactly where he was. The Dragons went on to score all five of their penalties and so win the Cup. The atmosphere had been electric and the Dragons cheering deafening. It had all been a great deal of fun.