Werribee’s annual pre-season pennant tournament was run on the 16th-17th of March, hosting 6 teams of high quality, including Footscray’s Pennant A squad. Throughout the weekend, the young squad of 16 players gave it their all and came out with some great results. At the end of the round robin section one draw, a loss and three excellent wins had resulted.
The decision as to who would play in the grand final against Geelong came down to goal difference between Footscray and the Werribee Black team. An outstanding 11-1 win against PEGS in Footscray’s final game however boosted them into second position. Footscray was now set to verse Geelong. On the Saturday, Footscray had held to a 1-1 draw for most of the game, before the more experienced side scored 2 late goals, defeating Footscray 3-1. Due to prior commitments and unavailabilities, two Footscray spectators, Lisa Anderson and Ning Boonprakob, were asked to help out and provide a bench for the sixth game in two days. Geelong came into the final the clear favourites, but the Footscray team played an excellent game and rose to the challenge. At the end of full time it was a nil all draw. At the end of extra time golden goal, it was still a draw! Unfortunately the decision came down to strokes. Geelong managed to put four balls in and Footscray placed three. Well done to all those who were brave enough to step up and have a go, and to Kaitlyn Grimaldi, our goal keeper for saving two shots. Runners-up to Geelong’s 1sts, a State League 2 team, is a fantastic achievement to be proud of. A big thank you to Geoff Peacock for coaching over the weekend, and to everyone who came down to support the team. Every player was enthusiastic, hard working, committed and strong, and as a team real promise was shown for the season ahead.