A thrilling set of grand finals and presentation ceremonies rounded out the Deniliquin & District Soccer Association’s winter competition on Saturday.
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While battling cold and windy conditions, all players rallied to put on some great matches.
After a very tight season, the three A-grade teams battled it out in a round robin contest over three semi finals to decide who would go into the grand final.
A1 (royal blue) 1 defeated A2 (light blue) 0, and then went on to suffer a loss to A3 (dark green) 1-2.
A3 also won its game against A2, 0-3.
With A2 unable to get a win in the semis, the grand final was set against A1 and A3.
A3 was consistent and took home the trophy after dominating all season, defeating A1, 4-1.
During the grand final, Elliott Loughridge was a standout.
It was a fantastic end to the season, during which an open team was introduced to give all three of the junior teams a chance to play each week.
All the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and older siblings were thanked for stepping up each week to create the open team.
Grand final awards: Best on Ground - Enzo Sztejman; Sportsmanship - Jordyn Brain.
B-grade:
Grand final game - B2 (burgundy) 2 def B4 (green/white) 0.
It was an outstanding game between two very strong teams, which ended in a penalty shoot out to decide the winner.
In terrible conditions on a very windy and cold day, neither team was able to score during normal and extra time, with the score 0-0 at the final whistle.
Still sitting at 0-all after extra time, there was a penalty shoot-out.
Meg Loughridge was MVP in the goals during the shoot-out, stopping two attempts from B4.
Both teams should hold their heads up for playing magnificently and fairly throughout the entire season.
Both teams put pressure on the whole field for every minute of play. B4 defenders kept their positions all game, which made it tough for B2.
The B4 attack end was fierce and kept fighting all game.
Awards: Best on Ground - Meg Loughridge and Raj Gill; Sportsmanship - Meg Loughridge and Lucy Loughridge.
Runners-up game - B1 (dark green) 2 def by B3 (navy blue) 4.
What an exciting final for third place it was! From the very first whistle, our team showed just how far they’ve come this season.
The team's passes were sharp and accurate, everyone was calling out to each other, and the support on and off the ball was outstanding.
There were a few tough moments – blisters, scrapes, and even a bit of blood – but players showed incredible determination and never gave up.
They kept pushing forward, smiling through the challenges, and proving what true teamwork looks like.
And then came the magic! After so many close calls, B3’s attempts at goals finally started to find the back of the net. Each goal was celebrated with high-fives, and a roar from the sidelines that could probably be heard across town!
While Green didn't come away with a win, we are proud of a team that worked hard for each other, supported their mates, and gave it everything they had.
Awards: Best on ground - Angus Priest and Rhiannon McLeod; Sportsmanship - Joe Holden and Hayden Howard.
C-grade
Grand final - C1 (yellow) 3 def C2 (purple) 2.
What a showdown!
Before the match started, there was a slight commotion as the purple team mascot (Fluffy the dog, who had been dyed purple for the occasion), made a break for freedom and had to be chased down by the entire team until he was caught.
At half-time it was 1–0 to yellow, but the purple heroes came back flying.
Yellow snuck another goal early, but then Jack Napier went full Sonic spin-dash mode and blasted one into the net, the score now 2-1.
Not long after, Max Hussey smashed one in, and suddenly, it was even.
Mitchell Burn was a Minecraft Iron Golem in goals, saving shot-after-shot, though the sneaky ball that crossed the line was like a banana peel in Mario Kart.
Stella Holden and Yuan Maragmag were the power-ups, pumping the team full of energy like mushrooms and golden stars.
Jack Gunn was as tricky as Luigi dodging shells, always causing trouble for yellow.
George Allitt zipped around like Yoshi on turboboost and Jed Chadderton was as solid as Donkey Kong guarding his bananas.
Luca Sztejman, the captain Mario of the team, lead everyone with courage.
Awards: Best on ground - Everyone; Sportsmanship - Everyone.
Runners-up match - C3 (green) 3 drew C4 (orange) 3.
Once upon a very windy day, the orange carrots faced off against the mighty green machine ... or is it the pickles? Maybe Shreks, or peas?
Green scored first, and then again. The score was 2–0 before the carrots even knew what hit them.
But those cheeky carrots weren’t going back in the freezer, and by half-time it was 3-1 to Green.
The second half was like a tug-of-war in the wind - boots flying, hair whipping, parents cheering!
The carrots got all steamed up and snuck in two more, to finish the match even.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, the two teams split the spoils and ended on a draw.
Awards: Best on Ground - Jax Hall and all senior carrots (the supporters!); Sportsmanship - Matt Hood and Zahara Irorere, and all junior carrots (the players).
D-grade:
Grand final - D2 (grey) 2 def D4 (light green) 1.
D4 played a brilliant grand final against D2, working hard as a team all game and never giving up.
George McMahon scored a dazzling goal in the second half, while Ted Pisasale and Ralph Holden played their best game of the season.
The grey team started with a great goal by Campbell Shields, off to a good start, followed by another shortly after by Zion Tamati.
Green continued the pressure and were able to get a reply from George McMahon.
A long kick almost equalled the score, spoiled by a great save.
Awards: Best on Ground - George McMahon and Campbell Shields; Sportsmanship - Rylee Raper, Zion Tamati.
Runners-up match - D1 (dark green) 9 def D3 (red) 2.
A wet, windy day saw the score not going the red team’s way early on, with green smashing two quick goals.
Lenny Morris saw the chance to kick two quick goals in reply in the second half, to make up the score.
D3 made fantastic space and kept their positioning all game.
D1 came out firing all game making it hard to keep up with.
They showed great teamwork, and five goals kicked by Harvey Shevels and one from Belle Hall sealed the deal for D1.
Awards: Best on Ground - Harvey Shevels and Lenny Morris; Sportsmanship - Belle Hall and Hazel Fowler.
DDSA committee member Ruth Landale said the season was a huge success, thanks to everyone who was involved.
“Firstly, a massive thank you to our sponsors for the 2025 season - we greatly appreciate your support of the club,” Landale said.
“Thank you also to our hard-working committee who are all unpaid volunteers who worked countless hours behind the scenes to ensure a successful season, and to our amazing players who showed up every week with smiles on their faces and fire in their bellies - despite the sometimes terrible weather.
“Thank you so much to all the supporters who cheered on from the side lines, cut up oranges for half-time and washed muddy soccer tops every week.
“A huge thank you to the people who stepped up and became our team managers and coaches this season - we absolutely couldn’t have done it without you.
“We hope you had fun, made new friendships and are keen to come back next year.”
Presentation Day awards
A-grade: Most improved - Ruth Hornung; Sportsmanship - Elliott Loughridge.
B-grade: Most improved - Zander Mulholland; Sportsmanship - Benedict Ross.
C-grade: Most improved - Raphael Olabampe; Sportsmanship - Millie Thompson.
D-grade: Most improved - Spencer Pocklington; Sportsmanship - Maxi Robson.
Volunteering Awards – Roche Du Toit and Jacob Hird.
Player’s Player and Match Ball – Daniel Burn.
President’s Award – The Sztejman family.