Surf Coast FC brings home glory

SURF Coast FC is celebrating the efforts of several sides within its women’s program after a busy Grand Final weekend at Myers Reserve, Bell Post Hill.

The Torquay-based club had its Division 1 Senior Women, Under 14/15 Girls Blue and Under 12 girls team make it to their respective season deciders, two of which were crowned premiers on Saturday.

“Congratulations to our Division 1 Senior Women who got the better of the Deakin Ducks to take out the championship,” club secretary Eva Betts said.

“A massive congratulations also to our U14/15 Girls Blue team who were tied 1-1 at full time but won their championship in a nail bitting penalty shoot-out against North Geelong.”

Surf Coast’s headline act involving its Senior Women was anything but straight-forward, going down 2-0 early in the second half to an impressive Deakin Ducks side.

The momentum shifted when sharpshooter Jade Feakes netted a screamer to halve the deficit.

“After we scored the first goal, the momentum of the game changed,” Feakes said.

“We found our flow again, and we put every ounce of energy into the fight.

“It was possibly the best comeback I’ve experienced and damn it felt good to win it with such an amazing group of girls and coach.

“We’ve worked so hard this season, our training and resilience really paid off this weekend.”

A game-tying goal two minutes later by young striker Mia McCoach-Cripps equalised the game.

With the contest likely to head into extra time, Surf Coast’s Hannah Wyeth took a wondrous long-range shot that bounced off the post to secure the 3-2 win for the squad in a dramatic finish, a day head coach Mark Wyeth will not forget about.

“I was incredibly proud of the fight from my players on the day,” Wyeth said.

“They never gave up and when their backs were against the wall they dug deep and pulled off an amazing win.”

This year, the U14/15 Blue team under coach Zara McCoach-Cripps, remained undefeated throughout the season, conceding only two goals, and scoring 163 themselves, a tremendous effort.

“I am so proud of the girls’ efforts this year and the development I have seen from them, not only this season but over the past couple of seasons as well,” McCoach-Cripps said.

“I applaud them on their teamwork, having a great team dynamic, as well as the sportsmanship they demonstrate on and off the field.”

Earlier in the day, a heartbreaking finish befell the Under 12 girls, who lost their match to North Geelong in their first penalty shoot-out.

“I can’t explain how proud I am as a coach and parent to see the dedication, strength, leadership and courage the girls have shown throughout the season and in the grand final,” head coach Amy Maule said.

“Under huge pressure the girls showed such composure.”