The divisional championship crown gains the Highlands promotion to the “B” division next year.

Coach Glen Isedale said it was a fantastic performance from a very young team, with six players still eligible for the under-13s.

The Highlands first round match was in sopping conditions on Friday and the boys started on a winning note with a 5-2 disposal of Bathurst.

In the afternoon, New England proved to be much harder opposition. Locked at 0-0 at halftime, New England scored first after the break and dealt the Highlanders their only loss of the carnival, 5-1.

In the final match of the round-robin, a must-win, open game, both sides attacked at every opportunity, with the Highlands finally prevailing 8-5.

Scorers were Sam Cupitt (three), Jake Isedale (two), Owen Chivers, Tim Eringa and Sam Pointing.

The win took Highlands to the semi-final against Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven topped their pool in the preliminary stages, winning all three matches without conceding a goal.

But the Highlanders stepped up to the mark and played a very controlled match, giving little away and finished 3-0 up. Scorers were Jake Isedale (two) and Hugh Chivers.

Sunday’s grand final pitted the Highlands up against New England, who flogged them 5-1 on Friday.

The Highlands spent the first 10 minutes defending, with goalkeeper Wes Bollinger making several match-winning saves.

Highlands settled and matched New England for the rest of the half.

Early inthe second half, Sam Cuppitt redirected a through pass into goal for a Highlands lead.

New England equalised before Owen Chivers scored to regain the lead for Highlands. Two quick goals for New England with only two minutes left on the clock had the Highlanders staring down the barrel of defeat.

But in a dramatic finish, Hugh Chivers scored to make it 3-3 and take the match into extra time.

Neither team could gain an advantage in extra-time and the match was decided on penalty flicks.

The Highlands out-flicked New England 3-2 to cap off a truly remarkable weekend.