The Firsts secured promotion, the Women’s Premiers continued their undefeated streak and the U16 Hurricanes won through to next week’s cup final on a brilliant Gala Day celebrating 25 years of Healesville Soccer Club.
Healesville Firsts 3–1 Bayswater Strikers:
At home amid Gala Day festivities, second-placed Healesville faced off against third-placed Bayswater in a huge game for both clubs.
After fifth-placed Monbulk forfeited against top-of-the-table Gideon’s Warriors, this became a must-win match for both teams.
Healesville wanted to keep their title chances alive, while Bayswater were hoping to stay in contention for the second promotion spot.
Aaron Violi MP gave a pre-match speech, and it seems Bayswater were still thinking about this when Healesville took the lead after 20 seconds of the contest with Daniel T finishing off a nice team move.
Things got better for Healesville as they scored a second inside five minutes with JJ finding the back of the net after a goal-mouth scramble from a corner.
The home side had the edge in the first half, but Bayswater worked their way into the contest and had their first strike on goal with five minutes of the half to go.
This spurred the Reds on, and they scored their third immediately afterwards with Daniel T’s second of the game, effectively putting the game to bed.
The second half was a more disciplined performance from Healesville with Bayswater throwing bodies forward at every opportunity, knowing they needed four unanswered goals.
Daniel T almost got his hat-trick before Bayswater finally got on the score sheet with less than 10 minutes to go.
Healesville have now sealed promotion to the top tier but need nothing other than a win next week.
They head to Cranbourne and must beat Gideon’s to seal the title in a game befitting a Grand Final.
Healesville Women’s Premiers 2–1 Bayswater:
The team continued their undefeated streak as they accounted for Bayswater on Saturday.
This fixture has become a derby over the years, and the game was as hotly contested as always.
After a messy, half-finished interval it was 0–0 at the break despite Healesville having the better of the chances.
The second half started better, and chances kept coming and going.
A little blunder put the team one down, but in a testament to their character they didn’t give up.
Kiera scored a cracker to level things up, then Kiah put one through at the death with a trademark run to the back post.
Healesville U16 Hurricanes 3–0 Knox Force:
In the cup semi-final away at Knox, the Hurricanes were under pressure early as Knox made a fast start and looked likely to score.
But once Healesville settled, their midfield combination of Mia K, Isla C and Eloise S began to take control, linking up with confidence and turning the game their way.
At the back, Summer C and Hana P stood strong, starting the attacks and giving the team a solid platform to build from.
The breakthrough came when Sophia B showed her pace and composure on the right wing, gliding past defenders to slot home the opener.
Moments later, more sharp passing through midfield sent Sophia clear again, and she calmly doubled the advantage.
The relentless pressure paid off once more before the break when a loose ball fell to Mahlea D at the back post.
She made no mistake, scoring for the second game in a row and giving Healesville a commanding 3–0 half-time lead.
Knox came out determined in the second half and created some chances, but Healesville steadied quickly.
With midfield control and disciplined defending, they were able to keep Knox at bay while continuing to create opportunities of their own.
Although no further goals were added, the Hurricanes always looked in control.
The 3–0 result sees Healesville through to a Cup final clash with Berwick at Blackburn next week.
Healesville U14s 5–2 Maroondah:
The Reds rounded out the season with a convincing win against Maroondah to finish in the top four.
Healesville U11 Ninjas 4–2 Mooroolbark Panthers:
With the coaches away, the team came to play.
The Ninjas defeated the Panthers at Morrison Reserve with Rohan and Scott looking after the team.
The highlight was Felix scoring a well-deserved first goal of the season.
Healesville U12 White Diamonds 2–2 Berwick B:
In a dazzling and exciting game, the Diamonds only just missed out on a win against Berwick.
Helping out again to make a full team, Saskia started early, shooting a corner penalty directly into goals.
Unfortunately, this brilliant shot was followed by a quick equaliser from the opposition to make it one all at half time.
Relentless pressure from the Diamonds, who held the ball for a greater part of the game in their attacking half, saw at least 10 solid shots on goal that all missed by millimetres or hit the post.
The Diamonds allowed a sneak opposition breakaway to get through their solid defence line, leading to an unfortunate goal and Berwick up 2–1.
In the dying minutes of relentless pressure on goal the Diamonds secured a penalty on the box line.
Saskia beautifully slotted it into the upper right side of goal, and the siren went seconds after for a two all finish.
All the girls played and worked so hard on the field today with no subs.
Tilly had a go in goals (as well as attack) and showed how far she can kick the ball to clear out of the goals.
Evie was unlucky not to score, as she worked tirelessly to get herself into a fantastic position in the box on several occasions.
Maddie, Anja, Emmelia, Audrey and Elodie all made deadly goal attempts also – the opposition were under constant threat and just hanging on.
Emmelia and Saskia were standouts, driving the ball through midfield into deep attack.
Other results:
Healesville U12 White Wolves 0–2 Blackburn Ospreys.
Healesville U12s 0–3 Yarra Valley.
