Under 17 Girls Champions, the North East Diamonds.
After a fantastic summer of football, the 2009/10 Victorian Champions League concluded yesterday.
Semi finals and grand finals were played over the weekend at Epping and Thornbury for the under 13, 15 and 17 girls, and under 13, 14 and 15 boys.
The warm weather didn’t affect the quality of football on display, as the best young footballers in the state vied for Championship honours in their age group.
State selectors were again on hand for all matches, keeping a keen eye on the talent from regional and metropolitan Victoria.
Championship match reviews
Under 13 Girls - South East Cougars versus Loddon Mallee Lightning
After finishing seventh at the conclusion of the home and away season, no one would have predicted that the Under 13 Girls team from Loddon Mallee Lightning would be playing off for the Championship game.
However, after an amazing Championship series where they didn’t lose a game, Loddon Mallee won the opportunity to play in the grand final against top-of-the-table South East Cougars.
It wasn’t quite the fairy tale finish Loddon Mallee had hoped for, as the Cougars proved too strong winning 1-0, however it was a gallant effort to make the final from so far behind.
South East Cougars coach Steve Stroud congratulated his team on their win and applauded Loddon Mallee’s efforts.
“To the Loddon team, it was a great effort to get to the final, and to be honest, it could’ve gone either way.”
Under 13 Boys - Western Wolves versus North East Diamonds
The Western Wolves started favourites for this match, after finishing on top of the table and conceding only three goals after the home and away season.
The North East Diamonds had the first opportunity to score in the first minute of the match from a corner kick.
Less than a minute later the Diamonds were awarded a penalty after a hand ball in the box. Jesse Mills-Warthold didn’t waste the opportunity and put the Diamonds in front, scores 1-0.
It was a feisty encounter which had the crowd enthralled as they watched an extremely skilful and competitive game unfold.
During the second half both teams had opportunities to score, however the Wolves were desperate to equalise and they were relentless on the Diamonds’ defence.
In the end, time ran out for the Western Wolves and they were beaten by the North East Diamonds 1-0.
Western Wolves’ Coach Joe Sweeney congratulated his side on a wonderful season, and told his team to take the wins with the losses.
Under 14 Boys - Central City versus South East Cougars
The first grand final of the Championship Series saw Central City take on the South East Cougars at Epping.
The Western Wolves were favourites to win this Championship, however they were sensationally knocked out in the semi final by a determined Central City side on Saturday.
Central looked to settle earlier than their counterparts, with Iosif Zudov lively up forward early on.
Shortly after, the Cougars found their rhythm, using their pace out on the wing to mount attacks on Central’s defence. David McKessie was solid in defence for the Cougars, whilst creating many attacking opportunities.
In the 20th minute Central City’s Ajdin Hrustic scored an amazing goal from a free kick 35 yards, nailing the ball into the top left corner, leaving the keeper with no chance.
Central’s confidence grew after this and they were starting to dominate.
Central’s second goal came shortly after through Lewis Smirlis.
Final score Central City 2 versus South East Cougars 0
South East Cougars Coach Michael McBride congratulated Central City and said his team were just outplayed by a better team on the day.
Under 15 Girls - North East Diamonds versus South East Cougars
The North East Diamonds faced tough competition to advance to the grand final, they overcame a determined Rivers FC side 2-1 in the semi final on Saturday. The South East Cougars were also tested in their semi final against an unlucky Loddon Mallee Lightning side who went down in penalties.
Yesterday, in the searing afternoon heat it was the North East Diamonds who proved too strong for the South East Cougars in the under 15 girls grand final, winning 2-0.
Under 15 Boys - North West Wanderers versus South East Cougars
The North West Wanderers defeated the Western Wolves to advance to the grand final of the Under 15 boys competition, while the South East Cougars overcame the Southern Blue Tongues 4-2 for the right to play off for the Championship.
The match was very even for the duration, with the half time scores sitting at nil-all.
In the second half the Wanderers were starting to mount some attacking pressure and it looked like they had the upper hand.
The Wanderers’ Baran Karagoz scored the first of his two goals for the day to put the Wanderers in the lead.
Soon after, a penalty was awarded and the Cougars were able to equalise through Jon-Luc Silvestri, scores 1-1.
North West Wanderers hit back a couple of minutes later, as Karagoz scored his second and match winning goal for the day.
The North West Wanderers won a very close contest 2-1 against the South East Cougars.
At the after match presentation, North West Wanderers Coach Joe Montemurro, congratulated his team on a great win and a great season.
Under 17 Girls - North East Diamonds versus Loddon Mallee Lightning
The Under 17 Girls grand final was played in hot conditions at the Events Worldwide State Football Centre.
The match was very close, however during the second half the Diamonds looked the more likely to score out of the two sides.
The Diamonds’ Morgan Anderson was looking dangerous up forward, hitting the cross-bar twice within minutes.
Time ran out for both sides, however, and the match went to penalties. The North East Diamonds were able to keep their cool under pressure and defeated Loddon Mallee Lightning in penalties.
Winning Coach Bobby McGuiness credited the wonderful team atmosphere for his side’s successful season.
Football Federation Victoria’s Business Development Manager, Georgie Herbert, said it was a wonderful weekend to finish a fantastic second season of summer football.
“The commitment from the players, parents, coaches, team managers, referees, Zone administrators and all the other volunteers has been enormous, and I’d like to thank them all for their contribution.
“I can’t wait to come back with a bigger and better VCL in 2010/11.”
Last updated: Monday February 8, 2010 12:57PM
Back