Football: Kamo hold their nerve to win the Stafford Choat Cup

Kamo's Steve Schimmel and Onerahi's Thom Bradshaw battle for possession in the Stafford Choat Cup final. PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

Kamo held their nerve to clinch the Stafford Choat Cup in a decider against Onerahi that went to penalties at Toll Stadium.

In the last game of the season, neither side disappointed in an instant classic.

Kamo, who brought back their Northland FC contingent, fell behind in the first half as Onerahi's Mike de Vetter opened their account with a top effort.

Kamo equalised by their veteran midfielder Calvin Erick who, despite his advancing years, wound the clock back in a vintage display.

The game went on and both teams had opportunities to win the game, the best falling to Kamo with player/coach Sam Walker unable to meet a pin point cross from young Lewis Miller.

Onerahi's Thom Bradshaw, Dan Hanmore and Josh Hacker were strong contributors to their team's efforts.

The game went through extra time with neither team able to break the deadlock.

It was fitting that a penalty shootout should decide the winner after an enthralling 120-minute spectacle where neither side could gain the upper hand.

Both sides comfortably slotted their first two penalties to keep things level but it was on the third strike the game was decided.

Kamo goalkeeper Shane Stanners made a great save off a shot from Onerahi stalwart Christian Reynolds, putting Kamo in the box seat.

Onerahi's Dan Hanmore gets the jump on Lewis Miller of Kamo. PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

Kamo knocked in the next one and had the Cup on the line when Walker made his way to the box.

Walker held his nerve and coolly stepped up and placed the ball into the side netting and was surely mobbed by teammates in the celebrations.

Walker was rapt with his side's efforts but paid tribute to a strong effort from their opponents.

"It was a fantastic game, both sides deserve a lot of credit for their performances," he said.

"Onerahi worked hard and should be proud of the performance. It's a great way to end the season for us.

"The lads have worked hard and it's just reward after a disappointing league season. Jo Luiten has been superb all year and it was nice to see him lift the trophy in the absence of injured regular captain Gavin Allan."

This was Kamo's tenth Stafford Choat Cup title in the past 12 seasons.

Meanwhile their women's counterparts got the job done in emphatic style as they thumped Kerikeri High School 5-0.

In a sublime exhibition of attacking football, Kamo proved far too hot to handle.

Carolina Mariani starred with a double while Trudy Sandle, Cassandra Wood and Dallas Olsen all got their names on the score sheet.

To Kerikeri's credit they never gave in but the power of Kamo football was too much for them.

Bream Bay took out the Northland Women's Knockout Plate Final 4-2 over Kaitaia United.

Meanwhile Central Brown M3 also required penalties to beat Tikipunga Bake Cafe. Tied up at 1-1, Central Brown took out the penalty shootout 4-3.

The other match saw Madhatters Green beat Tikipunga 5-3 in a high-scoring battle to win the Stafford Choat Bowl.

Results: Stafford Choat Plate Final
Central Brown M3 beat Tikipunga Bake Cafe 1-1 (4-3 on penalties)
Stafford Choat Bowl Final
Madhatters Green beat Tikipunga Orange 5-3
Stafford Choat Cup Final
Kamo beat Onerahi 1-1 (5-4 on penalties)
Northland Women's Knockout Plate Final
Bream Bay beat Kaitaia United 4-2
Northland Woman's Premier Knockout Cup Final
Kamo beat Kerikeri High School 5-0