VICTORIES on home turf are always sweet, but for two of Sunraysia’s up-and-coming soccer outfits, competing at the elite level and going through undefeated was the candy on top.
Both the under-18 girls and under-14 boys did not lose a game across three days of competition at the Victorian Country Leagues Football Association Country Championships at Aero Ovals, winning their respective grand finals on Monday.
After finishing as runners-up 12 months ago, the top age female Football Federation Sunraysia side secured the 2024 championship title with a 2-1 victory over Loddon Valley.
The talented squad securing four wins and draw through the pool stage.
The under-14 boys Sunraysia outfit finished 0-0 against Ballarat forcing extra time, and when the extra 16 minutes could not produce a victor it went to a penalty shootout.
Some solid saves from keeper Harry Stranger left the home side in a strong position, with Ahmed Hassan nailing the winning strike.
They also went through undefeated with six wins and a draw from their seven pool matches, posting a huge goal difference of 15 in the process.
The under-18 boys, who had been a force at the country championships through the grades, missed out on securing back-to-back titles after going down to regular foes Albury Wodonga 1-0 in the final.
Silver medals also went to Sunraysia’s under-16 and under-15 boys, who were also defeated by Albury Wodonga in their respective grand finals.
The under-16 girls finished third.
Football Federation Sunraysia general manager Susan Watts said reviews from more than 1400 players, plus support crew on top of that, was very positive.
“All the reports I’ve heard said the event was fantastic and for some it was the best one they’ve been to, which I think a lot had to do with all the pitches being within walking distance of each other rather than kilometres away,” Watts said.
“Some visitors said to me they initially didn’t want to come because of the travel distance but once they were here they really enjoyed it and can’t wait to come back again. I think that was an eye opener for most people.
“I’m not sure what the final total was of but I think we underestimated just how many people would be there. The fact all the accommodation and different venues were all booked out for the weekend was great.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to do this again, we have fantastic facilities here but with a bit of touching up it could allow to hold these kinds of events more regularly.”
