The Far South Coast Football Association can lay claim to the best talent in south-east NSW, taking out the senior men and women’s Southern Branch Championships in Merimbula across the weekend.
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The Mark Heron and Paul Webster-coached women’s side remained undefeated throughout its three round-robin matches before clinching the final 2-0 against Eurobodalla.
The women did not concede a goal in the tournament, fighting out a 2-0 win in their opening pool game against Shoalhaven A on Saturday morning, before accounting for Eurobodalla 5-0 in the afternoon match.
Sunday’s 8-0 romp against Shoalhaven B ensured the home team finished atop the ladder ahead of the final.
Heron said he enjoyed watching the team develop over the course of the tournament.
“Football Australia asks that representative teams play a 1-4-3-3 line up, which most of our local girls don’t play,” Heron said.
“The technical ability of the girls to produce some outstanding football was recognised by the opposition, the crowd and match officials.”
Heron said it was not until after half-time of the opening match that the women started to gel as a unit.
“It’s bloody hard work playing that formation. I did not expect them to play as well as they did,” he said.
Heron also praised the work of Paul Webster, team manager Kate Webster, Craig Howker and Ray Hale.
The men’s campaign started under unusual circumstances when the Eurobodalla goalkeeper sustained a serious leg injury, which resulted in an ambulance being called to the field.
The match was moved to the opposite Berrambool oval, where the visitors scored a quick goal.
Despite the Far South Coast’s best attacking efforts, Eurobodalla hung on for a 1-0 victory.
The men made up for the loss in their afternoon match, taking care of the Southern Tablelands 6-2.
A solid Sunday session saw the side make amends aginast Eurobodalla, winning 2-1 before holding Southern Tablelands goalless 3-0.
Far South Coast finished top of the table in the three-team tournament, earning them the championship title.