The Yass Redbacks have put the icing on the cake of what has already been a fantastic 2022 Capital Football campaign by claiming the State League Women’s Division 4 premiership on Sunday.
The Div 4 Redbacks ladies side put in an impressive effort against Lanyon United at Harrison Playing Fields on Sunday afternoon, defeating them 7-0 on their way to premiership glory.
The achievement for the Redbacks is made even more incredible in the fact they finished the season in fourth position on the ladder and had the most work to do to win the premiership. In their journey to taking home the cup, Yass had to knock off the minor premiers in ANU FC last week in the semi-final – who had only lost one game all year – and second-placed Lanyon United in the grand final.
During the game, Yass got off to the perfect start, registering a goal in the first five minutes through Jacinta Murphy, who added another in the 10th minute which gave the side confidence and momentum to go on and claim victory.
Danni Condon notched a hat-trick when she scored three goals in the 25th, 55th and 57th minutes and put the game to rest.
Cara Hervey registered Yass’ sixth goal in the 74th minute, while Murphy completed her hat-trick in the 82nd minute with the Redbacks seventh and final goal.
The Capital Football Player of the Match was awarded to Yass’ Melanie Bullock who was recognised for her outstanding contribution.
The Yass Div 4 State League Women then added another three goals in the second half to cap off a dominant performance. Ingrid Davis, Yass Redbacks Coach and Club President, said she was extremely proud of the girl’s performance.
“The first goal went in around the five-minute mark and we just kind of worked our way up. It was a good game. We never stopped even though we were in front. The girls just kept going throughout the whole game,” Davis said.
“We were four goals up at half-time and were three goals up about 20 minutes in. We scored some great goals. Lanyon had some really good players, but they just weren’t on our level on the day.”
Yass Redbacks had an impressive season as an organisation, having successful campaigns across all their grades.
“As a Club as a whole, it was great to have all five teams make the semi-finals was incredible. The ladies going all the way is something we haven’t done since 2015. The lady Redbacks have played in quite a few grand finals but haven’t brought home the trophy for seven years,” Davis continued.
“It was pretty pleasing for all of us, especially for some of us who had been playing that entire time. For the two coaches, Jacinta and I, are part of the playing squad as well, and across our two women’s grades, almost every player played in that Div 4 side at some stage of the season.
“The whole squad of 25 players got us there and the 16 on the playing card on the day was just the finishing touch. The 7-0 victory was convincing and the girls played brilliantly, as they did in the semi-finals too.”
The Yass Redbacks squad headed back to the Yass Bowling Club on Sunday night to celebrate their premiership success.
“Quite a few of the girls all came back to the Club on Sunday night which was always part of the plan. We had so many supporters over there because of it being Father’s Day as well. Lots of the girls have kids from various ages, so there was just a really good vibe over there on the day.
“Some of those fathers and husbands and every other connection have come in, week in, week out all season and their kids on the sideline too. So a massive thank you to them for supporting us all the way through.”
The Yass Redbacks whole club end-of-season presentation is set to be held next Saturday night at the Yass Bowling Club, where players, coaches and officials can come together to celebrate the successful season it was as a club.
“We’ll have a sit-down dinner and award presentations. It’ll be good to get back to normal after missing the last two because of Covid and it’s great to finish a season. We haven’t had finals football for two years. To have a full season and the girls come home with the trophy was just brilliant.”
Tim Warren