As the finals series is determined on aggregate goals, away goals are vital in the two games. Macksville put the strongest 11 players available on the park and from the outset the Stingers moved the ball well from one end of the field to the other however Northern Storm were equal to the task and with a few different faces in their squad they found room to move in the midfield.

The back line of the Stingers was up to the task with Tim Zirkler leading Strawb, Brody Moran and Luke Wilson well to cover any potential threats. The weather was playing havoc with the ball slipping on the pitch, but the cool head of Paul Coulter moved the midfield and forwards into position to strike.

Paul led the way to find the net for the first goal to the Stingers. Northern Storm got one back due to a mix up the back and the score was 1-1 at half time.

Stand in coach Andrew Moran moved Matt Flockton to the wing and the return of Harry Mitchell to the left side of the midfield gave a much needed injection of speed, control, and the ability to transition into defence easily.

Flockton moved past his frustrations of poor execution to find the back of the net with a beautiful strike, followed soon after by the persistence of Mango Jones who controlled the ball everywhere around the field. Northern Storm were relentless for the last 10 minutes of the game but Tim Brown and the rest of the backs made sure of the final result 3-1 to the Stingers.

* The return leg of the final series sees Northern Storm travel to the North Macksville Playing Fields to take on the Stingers on Saturday with kick off at 1pm. Get down and support your local senior football team in their march to the grand final.