The Echuca Moama Border Raiders men’s and women’s senior sides are gearing up for a first home double header on Sunday, April 21.
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The men’s side is beginning its campaign in the Central Victorian League 2 of the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League when it hosts La Trobe University Black at Jack Eddy Oval at 2pm.
The Raiders men competed in the League Cup over the past fortnight, winning their round of 16 match 5-1 against Strathfieldsaye Colts United FC before falling to League 1 side FC Eaglehawk 7-0 in the quarter-finals.
“I think (the League Cup) was good preparation,” said Raiders coach Rish Kothari.
“It is a new team; we had eight debutants in our first game, and we won 5-1, so it was good to see the new players coming together and gelling with the existing six-odd players.
“I think that’s the best preparation you can do when half your team is new, play the cup games like practice matches, get to know the team better, get together and make sure you’re ready for the season.”
Last year the Border Raiders compiled a 6-3-7 record and fell in the first round of finals, 2-1 to La Trobe Red.
Kothari believes the squad can rise to the occasion this year and is targeting a top-four finish for his side.
“As a club, we want to have fun and we want to create an atmosphere where guys want to come and play for the team,” he said.
“You want to win at the end of the day, the real joy comes out of that,” he said.
“Being a new team, yes, we can aim for the title, but being a bit realistic if we can get that top four similar to last season.
“We’ve got some core players still there from last season.
“The new players, we’re still working out what’s the best position for them to play, who would work best with who on the left-hand side or the right-hand side.
“The aim is still to keep winning as much as we can.”
Kothari sees La Trobe Black as a tough opening-round test.
“They will be a side which will be gunning for that top two and trying to get the promotion,” he said.
“I see La Trobe and Golden City as two difficult teams to face this year and they’ve shown that last year.
“We managed to beat them on one occasion which means obviously we have a good side.
“It will be an even contest but they would be one of the more difficult teams we’ve had.”
Meanwhile, the defending champion women’s Border Raiders have already kicked off their season in the women’s League 2, defeating Strathfieldsaye 5-3 before a 7-2 thrashing of Golden City White in round two.
“So far, it's been really good, the girls have been putting in a lot of effort, they’ve been working really hard, and we’re bonding as a team,” co-coach Paige Pinson said.
“We’re a pretty new side, most of the girls on the team are brand new, a few of them have never played before so it’s been nice to get a few wins under our belt and build some confidence.
“I feel like (the top of the ladder) is what everyone's always pushing for.
“Obviously winning is always fun and we’re definitely looking to win and definitely trying to get in that top four.
“I think there's going to be a few teams that give us a run for our money but that's okay.”
Pinson has taken the coaching reins this year along with co-coach Amelia Richardson.
An undefeated Castlemaine Goldfields FC will be the opponent on Sunday and will test the Border Raiders at home, with the game set to kick off at noon.
Castlemaine currently sits atop the table on goal differential, while Echuca Moama is the third of the three sides with a perfect season thus far.
“It’ll be a bit of a tough game so it’ll be nice to see how we go against a team that is definitely going to make us compete,” Pinson said.
“We’ve got a few girls away this weekend, a few core players, so that should make it a bit more interesting, but either way, I’ll just be happy as long as the girls keep the positive attitude they’ve had.
“We’re just trying to create a safe positive environment for the girls and the community and those who want to play.”
The women’s team remarkably claimed the premiership in 2023, recovering from a 2-0 deficit in the final against La Trobe to claim the title 3-2.
The club’s junior sides are also set to begin their seasons this week.
In the mixed divisions, the under-12A team will travel to Spring Gully Cricket Oval to take on the Spring Gully Giants in their first match, while in the under-12C league, the Border Raiders Vikings will be at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve to battle Epsom Stingers.
The under-14A team start its year with a bye, and in the under-14B league, the Border Raiders Pirates and Vikings will clash in a local derby at Jack Eddy Oval.
In the under-12B Girls league the Border Raiders will be in Strathfieldsaye to take on the Colts Black team.
The club will be holding its women’s day on May 4, celebrating the contributions of women in soccer and in sport more broadly as the women’s side takes on Swan Hill.
The event will feature live entertainment, food and drink, market stalls, door prizes, and a silent auction.
The women’s day starts at 1pm at Jack Eddy Oval with the women’s game set to start at 2pm.
Tickets are $53.50 for adults and $27.50 for under-18s and include front-row seats to the football and two free drinks.
Tickets for the women’s day are available at www.stickytickets.com.au/g1diw/border_raiders_womens_day.aspx
Cadet sports journalist