ILLAROO has taken out the first major Shoalhaven Senior Football trophy for the year, downing Shoalhaven Heads Berry 2-1 in the FA Cup Final at Ison Park, South Nowra on Saturday night.

In an action packed clash in front of a huge crowd the final went down to the last 10 minutes when referee Josh Bradshaw awarded a penalty, which Illaroo converted through Joey Leedham for a 2-1 win.

Earlier The Roos opened the scoring midway through the first half when Jamie Thomas scored for a 1-nil lead at the break.

The Sharks responded when Brad Page got above the pack to head home a corner to make it 1-all midway through the second stanza.

It then became an arm wrestle with both sides having chances before Leedham’s penalty secured the cup win.

Illaroo coach Scott Goodger was happy with the win, but was mindful of the bigger picture, saying the competition championship is still the side’s main focus.

• Full details of the match and Sussex’s dramatic win over Manyana appear on page 53.