Spring Hills produced a stunning comeback to claim the state league 5 soccer championship on Saturday.
Needing a win to secure the title, the Stallions found themselves on the back foot from the outset, conceding a goal after just 15 seconds against Sporting Carlton.
Making the equation even tougher, Spring Hills gave up another goal shortly after to fall 2-0 behind.
However, as they have done all year, the Stallions produced their best when the situation called for it most.
After going into half time 3-2 down, Spring Hills mounted a daring comeback.
Led by a dominant second half from striker Brandon Grech, Spring Hills sliced the margin before going two goals ahead to seal the win, 5-3.
Stallions’ coach Darren Traynor was full of praise for his side’s fighting effort.
“It is an unbelievable feeling. It is so rewarding,” he said after the match.
“When the whistle went I just took it all in and there were so many people that were so happy around me.
“It has been a long trek over the last two years. We were in a good position last year and we threw it away.
“I could not be more proud of this bunch of boys and the way they have bounced back. We just absorbed everything that was thrown at us and fought so hard.”
Brandon Brancatisano finished the match with one goal while Tom Markovski also got his name on the scoresheet.
However, it was hard to go past Grech for best afield honours. The star Stallion booted three goals in his side’s win.
“Brandon is an unbelievable talent,” Traynor said.
“In the second half he turned it on and they just couldn’t hold him. It is so good to see him do well.
“He has been terrific for this club. Every opposition tries to take him out of the game because they know how good he is. He always gives everything he’s got for this club.”
As well as championship glory, Spring Hills has also secured promotion into state league 4 next season.
Traynor said playing at a higher level would be great for the development of his young players.
“There are a lot of great juniors down at the club so it is really exciting,” he said.
“We will bring in a couple of players but I really want to look predominately through our junior ranks for next season.
“It is so important to get out of this league (state league 5) and for this club to have a good standard to play in. It is not just about winning the league. It is about growing this club.”
