Level on points but with a far superior goal difference to Golden City White, the Border Raiders knew that a win over La Trobe University on Saturday would be enough to finish on top of the ladder regardless of other results.
In a cagey first half, La Trobe frustrated the locals, and the game was well in the balance at half-time, with the Border Raiders leading just 1-0.
Knowing a draw would take promotion hopes out of their hands, the Border Raiders came out with renewed vigour in the second 45, breaching the La Trobe defence on four more occasions for an eventual 5-0 victory.
Pipped in the final round by Kyneton’s Sian Hooppell for Golden Boot honours, Asha Davies nevertheless made her presence felt once again, slotting home goals 29 and 30 of the season.
Captain Erika Love, Isabella Barton and Amelia Richardson also got their names on the scoresheet.
Men’s
The women’s side’s crowning victory highlighted a perfect round for the Border Raiders with all eight sides across the grades picking up victories.
The men’s team were away to La Trobe University Black and dispatched the league’s bottom side 4-1 in a strong showing.
A hat-trick to Joel Fataolisia sealed second place on the league goalscoring charts, while Jean-Claude Herman also chipped in a goal.
Despite the win, a similar success for Golden City White holds them above the Border Raiders on goal difference, with Echuca Moama having to settle for fifth.
Coach Rishabh Kothari believes the Border Raiders have a good shot at competing with most of the other teams in the finals series.
“If you look at the ladder Swan Hill’s a bit out of reach with an undefeated season but number two to number five have a difference of four points, so it has been a really good competition in that sense,” he said.
“The three teams around us, we’ve drawn or defeated them (this season), and it’s been a good contest with them, so I see us on par with those other teams.”
Under-14s
In under-14 A, the Border Raiders scored a 7-0 triumph over Golden City Rams, thanks, in part, to braces from Billy Quirk and Charlie Gotch.
The side has topped the table after a perfect 11-0-0 season.
In under-14 B the Border Raiders Vikings will play finals after finishing in third place, earning a 2-1 win over FC Eaglehawk at the weekend.
Border Raiders Pirates also had success, defeating Kyneton Blue 4-3.
Currently in sixth, the Pirates are waiting on other results to see whether they will feature in the post-season.
Under-12s
In under-12 A, it has been a tough season for Echuca Moama, with the side currently on the bottom of the ladder.
The Border Raiders picked up a confidence-boosting second win of the season at the weekend, 1-0 over Strathdale Whale Sharks.
In under-12 B, the Border Raiders Vikings picked up a solid 5-1 victory over Strathdale Roar.
Despite the win, the Border Raiders will miss the post-season, currently in 10th place.
Rounding out the eight-for-eight round, the Border Raiders under-12 girls picked up a 2-0 win over Golden City Merinos, handing them only their first loss of the year and keeping Echuca Moama within the top three.
Echuca Moama will host a huge round of finals soccer on September 1 at Jack Eddy Oval.
