The Macedon Ranges is home to more state championship teams in Gisborne Soccer Club U14 and U18 Girls.
Winning in dramatic fashion that will be etched into the club history, the U14C Girls team claimed the premiership and championship title, defeating Bentleigh Green 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a nerve-shredding Grand Final on Sunday.
The match, held at the home of the Matildas attended by hundreds of spectators, was a testament to the tenacity of both sides.
Bentleigh opened the ledger early with a classy goal from their key striker to lead 1:0 leading into the first half break.
Second half nerves proved Gisborne had their work cut out, only to be deflated by another early goal by Bentleigh.
Two nil, down it seemed like a forgone conclusion as some heard the band warming up and corks popping. But no one told the Gisborne girls, rallying together to find striker Remy free for a goal late in the second half. However, 2:1 down, there was still work to be done. The game came down to who wanted it more.
Digging deeper the Gisborne Girls kept passing, cheering and forcing the pendulum to sway momentum back in Gisborne’s favour, they never gave up. And when a loose ball found Darcy at the top of the box, she knew what to do. Dispatching that ball “Platinum Express” to the top of the net, drawing the game 2:2 in the most sensation fashion, with only seconds remaining to the umpire’s whistle.
Overtime was tight with the wind picking up, but neither defence yielded a further score, forcing the undefeated Gisborne side into a penalty shootout to decide the champions.
Girls from both teams showed incredible poise and camaraderie under immense pressure, but it was Gisborne’s part-time goal keeper Mary who made the final save to clinch the cup and go undefeated against 30 teams winning 6:4.
Gisborne U14 girls weren’t the only successful female team in the 2025 season. The U18C girls claimed the premiership and championship titles with a strong 5-1 win over Mount Martha on 14 September also at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora.
