Football Queensland capped off a triumphant day with a commanding 2-0 win over Football Victoria to claim the 2024 Rigby-Willis Cup, adding to their earlier Jones-Millman Cup victory in the women's fixture.
The match began with Queensland asserting their attacking intent early as Victoria's goalkeeper Liam Driscoll was called into action within the first few minutes, scrambling back to make a diving save to prevent an early goal. Moments later, he was involved again, this time in a collision with Queensland’s Andy Pengelly, briefly halting play.
Victoria had their chances in the opening 20 minutes but couldn’t convert. Cian Cuba’s free kick from just outside the box narrowly sailed over the bar, and a dangerous cross from Emmanuel Peters appeared to strike Queensland defender Josh Phelps’ hand, but penalty appeals were waved off by the referee.
Queensland capitalised on Victoria’s missed opportunities in the 23rd minute when Pengelly finished off a sharp cut-back pass from Jack Skinner, giving the home side a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Naoki Maeda nearly doubled Queensland’s advantage with a free kick, but his shot drifted wide after a clumsy challenge by Danny Kim.
Despite further chances, the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
The second half saw Queensland extend their lead in spectacular fashion. Andy Pengelly fired a stunning long-range strike just after the break, leaving Driscoll with no chance as the ball sailed into the top corner, making it 2-0.
Victoria, sparked by Cian Cuba, continued to battle but struggled to break down Queensland's solid defense. Tensions flared in the second-half when Cuba found himself in a tussle after a late challenge from his Queensland counterpart, adding to the intensity of the match.
In the end, Queensland’s clinical finishing was enough to secure a well-deserved 2-0 victory and the Rigby-Willis Cup, capping off a successful day for the team in maroon.
Player of the Match:
Queensland’s Andy Pengelly claimed the Player of the Match honours for his match-winning goals.