At the beginning of the season the 'boys' were just happy to be together and thanks to the Tigers Coaching staff, who were brave enough to accommodate the team as a complete and ready made unit, they were signed to represent Northern Tigers Futsal in the Super League 2011-12 Youth Men's competition. The 'boys' have repaid that bravery, by taking out both the Minor Premiership and the Grand Final.

In the Youth Men's premiership battle, Tigers and Crusaders finished with the exact same points and goals but Tigers were awarded the title based on the head to head result. In the 1v2 semi-final, the Tigers boys demonstrated their right to the 'number 1 slot' with a convincing 6-0 thrashing of the off-form Crusaders to advance directly to the Grand Final. The play-off spot was contested by Crusaders (3) and GWS Vikings (2), with Crusaders just winning at the last, to setup a re-match with Tigers for the fourth time this season.

The Grand Final was not typical of the previous three encounters, with neither team wanting to make a mistake, the play was essentially safe and solid on both sides. Tigers dominated the possession, had plenty of shots at goal but none were able to converted. West City had a clear chance to take the lead before half time when the ball was cut across the face of Tigers goal, but just not able to be met for the tap in. This missed opportunity coupled with some excellent 1v1 defence from Danny and a great save after a slick interchange of passes between both Todd's, meant that the half finished 0-0.

The pace picked up in the second half with Tiger's pressing hard for a goal. The Crusaders keeper maintained parity with a couple of great saves, first a shot from Kyle and then a right footed strike from Grant. Off the bench, Aron got straight into the game, helping to maintain the pressure. A rocket of a shot from Nick cannoned off the crossbar. The deadlock was finally broken with a free kick taken by Hatzy, the Crusaders keeper didn't see it coming, a top right screamer and 1-0 Tigers. The goal provided a spark for the Crusaders and sensing that more was needed, their keeper made an outfield run to force yet another great save from Oran. Messi missed his chance of glory from only a yard out but with the clock running down, intensity lifting and the crowd getting more vocal, Tigers took advantage on the counter and Nicks 'dancing feet' provided the heartbreaker, turning the defender, beating the keeper and a low strike into the open goal to give Northern Tigers a 2-0 lead and the Championship win against the strong Crusaders boys who were just not able to get a goal to help their cause.

At the buzzer, the joy, relief and celebration was evident for all to see. This victory was three years in the making, with the 'boys' having played together for two years previously, and this year playing under the watchful eye of Dan Sheppard.

More photos of the Super League Youth Men's Grand Final and other 2011-12 Northern Tigers 2011-12 Futsal season photos are available at:
» http://not24get.smugmug.com/TigersFutsal201112