Backing up from the success of their Madden Trophy side, Tolland came from behind to defeat Henwood Park in a 2-1 thriller and successfully defend their 2017 title.

“We got two results we wanted to today, so I’m pretty happy,” Tolland coach and goalkeeper Florence Wilson said.

“Seeing both teams get up was great, really great.”

Such a result seemed impossible after an opening 15 minutes in which Henwood Park dominated territory and possession.

Star Hawks duo Brooke Gayler and Bronte Buik fired off shots to test Wilson, who was up to the task on both occasions, but Tolland still took their time to warm into the contest.

Veteran midfielder Bernadette Blake then lit a spark for the Wolves in the 16th minute after being awarded a free kick outside the top right corner of the box but her cross failed to find a target.

Charlee McPherson threatened with a free kick of her own four minutes later as Henwood Park wrestled back control and it was only a matter of time before the floodgates burst.

Buik's grand final pedigree soon shone through when the midfielder delivered a cracking 22^nd-minute strike that sailed from outside the box into the back of the net, handing her side a 1-0 advantage.

The Hawks continued to press ahead but Tolland's defence clung grimly on, denying gun duo Gayler and McPherson any space to maneuver.

Lizzie Read worked hard to lift her side in attack and eventually created an opportunity for Carly Perrin in the 37th minute.

Perrin's shot went high but the move saw Tolland camp deep in Hawks' territory and when Blake found space in the 41st minute, there was nothing Marie Cirillo could do to stop her from blasting an equaliser from 30 metres out. 

The second half saw skills drop off from both sides as the desperation to score took over.

Tolland had their chances with Read and Neva Walker getting past the defence but nothing troubled Cirillo until a 77^th minute corner from Blake.

The arcing shot found Olivia Webster, who wrangled her way around a tangle of legs to tap in a decisive goal.

Henwood Park threw everything they had at the tiring Wolves with Madeline Harris and Kasey Miller giving 100 per cent as the seconds ticked away but Tolland held firm and refused to budge.

A late shot from Harris almost snuck in but Wilson had one last save left in her, diving low to her left and sealing the result.

“I guess it could’ve ended a lot worse,” Wilson said.

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