“It was the first time the Tenterfield club has hosted a final,” Mr Haynes said. “The committee voted on Tenterfield’s proposal and was impressed by its professionlism, the new teams the club has introduced and the facilities at Federation Oval.

“We were confident they could handle it, and they did a great job. It’s a credit to them.”

The following day the Tenterfield Senior Colts kickstarted Sunday's elimination matches playing Stanthorpe City at CF White Oval. The boys team plus Samantha Chapman showed plenty of grit in the first half.

Jacob Chawner made some miraculous diving saves whilst the backline continued to body block any shots on target. City finally managed to put a long range goal in the top corner at the end of the half. The Thunder again put in a valiant effort in the second half with a few scoring opportunities. Josh Gower and Thomas Newman combined well up front throughout the game. Final score was 2-0 to City. 

The Tenterfield ladies showed up with a full squad for their clash with Carlton Bears, with the Bears showing plenty of aggression and physicality in the first half dominating both field and ball possession.

Brittany Reyner gave Carlton plenty of opportunities with her blistering runs up front. Carlton scored two quick goals and were in control at the break. An unfortunate injury to midfielder Jane Muller opened up the game in the middle of the park. The Thunders’ patience and determination saw two well-finished goals from Tia Campbell and Murraya Horan. It was a deadlock at the final whistle and went into extra time and then a penalty shootout. Luckily the Tenterfield ladies had been practicing dot shots at training and comfortably slotted their four shots to Carlton’s one.

The Thunder now plays Stanthorpe United in the preliminary final on Saturday at Ballandean from 2.45pm. Supporters welcome.