The forecast was for blustery winds, rain, possible hail, even snow, but the Kyneton U/12A Girls soccer team travelled up to Bendigo on Saturday morning thinking about nothing but the momentous match ahead of them.
It was the first time a junior girls team from Kyneton has ever made it into a Grand Final and both their coach, Luke Curcio, and supporters already felt like they were champions for getting this far.
Their opponents were the formidable Castlemaine Green team who had remained undefeated for the entire season. After the first final saw Castlemaine advance following extra time and winning the penalty shoot-out, the stage was set for an epic battle in the Grand Final.
The first half was a little shaky for Kyneton with Castlemaine’s strong midfield booting three goals to one. But with spirits high and nerves harnessed the girls exploded in the second half kicking two more goals and tying the game up 3-3 at full time.
With momentum behind them, Kyneton came out firing and scored a goal in the first seven minutes of overtime putting the Rangers ahead for the first time.
Not letting themselves lose focus, the girls all worked together to keep the opposition from scoring and when the final whistle sounded it was an explosion of joy, cheers and happy tears.
This team was determined to never give up and it sure paid off.
To top it off, Charlotte McKimm was named player of the match at the medals presentation. Great game, brilliant team, memorable season – well done girls!
