Sport
16 February, 2024
Eagles flying high
The Narangba Eagles Football Club held aloft the Goldie Cup for the first time, as the fifth annual Goldie Cup clash took place on Saturday, January 27.
Conditions were hot and humid as the Eagles and North Pine ‘Gorillas’ Sports Club squared off at the Dakabin-based Bob Brock Park from 5pm, with the visitors ultimately prevailing 3-0.
The Cup was first contested between the men’s teams of both clubs back in 2020, as a fundraiser for the Cup’s namesake Nathan ‘Goldie’ Goldstiver, who had recently been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
‘Goldie’ had represented both clubs during his playing career, and the fundraiser was a fitting way to acknowledge a wonderful bloke and his family.
Tragically, ‘Goldie’ lost his battle with MND in 2022 but his memory lives on, as both clubs vowed to continue raising awareness and funds for MND research in his name once a year, with a pre-season friendly and, of course, the Goldie Cup.
Fast forward to the evening of January 27, and the Eagles sought to win the Cup which had been elusive to them, as it had remained in the trophy cabinet of the Gorillas for four years.
Having witnessed the Under 23s win their curtain-raiser 1-0, courtesy of an organised plan and a Jake Wheeler strike, the Eagles first graders took to the field looking to replicate the success.
With a structure featuring five new faces alongside players from 2023, it took Nick Shadbolt only a matter of minutes to find the back of the net for Narangba; tapping home at the far post, after great work from Hugh Moore and combinations between Jaryd Shaw and Ryan Shaughnessy.
The second half began as hot as the first, before the energetic Shaughnessy doubled the lead on the hour-mark and, at the same time, opened his account with his new club.
Playing two divisions above the Eagles, North Pine couldn’t seem to find any answers to the visitors’ questions, with Narangba hitting the woodwork more times than the hosts could muster shots on target.
The match was halted due to an unfortunate collision between the North Pine goalkeeper and Eagles striker Josh Fearn, who was eventually transferred to hospital in an ambulance with two broken ribs and concussion.
With almost the final kick of the game, Shadbolt doubled his tally with a mazy run from the right, beating the ‘keeper with a low drive.
Eagles president Darren Magin said, “Whilst it would’ve been a great feeling for Narangba to celebrate two wins away from home, the real winner was community.
“The fact that two clubs can come together to celebrate and acknowledge a fallen friend is testament to the great man Nathan ‘Goldie’ Goldstiver himself.
“The Cup is a wonderful legacy in his honour and long may it continue.
“Rest in peace Goldie.”
