Shepparton South secured the Central Victorian League One men’s championship at the weekend, with a forfeit win helping lock in a first place finish.
The competition benchmark throughout the season, South did not lose a game all year, with a draw against Tatura in round 12 the only blemish on a perfect run.
Due to play Strathfieldsaye Colts United on Sunday afternoon, South picked up a 3-0 win due to forfeit and, while the non-event is a disappointing way to end the regular season, the upcoming finals series is sure to provide plenty of thrills.
For South’s title rival, Tatura, a second place finish was also a significant achievement, with the side ending the season three points behind the ladder leader.
The Ibises defeated Strathdale 2-1 away from home on Saturday evening, with coach Tristan Zito saying it was a scrappy game in muddy conditions.
“We got a goal pretty early on, Zac Ferlauto scored in the 17th minute and I thought we controlled the game from there on,” Zito said.
“I scored later on in the 70th minute and then they scored in like the last minute, so I thought we had control of the game, we weren’t really too worried.”
Zito said it took a team effort to down Strathdale and, while the result was not enough to win the league title, he was happy with how the season had gone.
“We only dropped four points in total for the whole year, so it’s a really good effort and we will hopefully get another crack at South later on in the year, but I can’t complain, I’m really happy with everyone,” he said.
“We beat a couple of teams that we hadn’t beaten before, so it’s a lot of improvement from previous years, so I’m rapt with it.”
For the region’s other division one men’s side, Shepparton United, it was a successful weekend with the side picking up a 4-0 win against La Trobe University at McEwen Reserve.
An Alisina Alizada hat-trick headlined the victory, with Qader Karimi also finding the back of the net in a win that secured the club a fourth-placed finish.
Meanwhile in the division two men’s competition, Shepparton Jaguars secured second spot with a 5-1 win over Moama-Echuca Border Raiders.
Elsewhere, Shepparton United’s League One women’s team remains in the hunt for a top-of-the-table finish, defeating Eaglehawk 2-0 in Bendigo on Saturday.
Pippa Grabham and Rebekah Lawson scored the goals that got United over the line and coach Lucy Ciancio said it was a well-fought out win.
“It took a bit to get settled in, but once we settled our passing and play was great,” Ciancio said.
“Everyone played well, but both of our wingers, Raihana and Alana stood out, they definitely strung some good passes and runs together.”
Currently sitting two points behind the ladder-leading Strathfieldsaye, United goes into the last round with a chance to win the league.
“It’s exciting for the girls,” Ciancio said.
“They are doing exceptionally well and to be sitting in second and hopefully stay second after this weekend is a big achievement for them.
“I couldn’t be any happier.”
In the League Two women’s competition, Tatura played out a 1-1 away draw with La Trobe University.
The Ibises, who have already secured first position, went ahead early through a Colette Suter goal and despite a second half equaliser, remain six points clear at the top of the table.