Dinniget Luaine and Suresh Gomez have eyes on the Colts’ attack.
After a great year for the club’s senior squads, it wasn’t the end the Border Raiders wanted on grand final Sunday.
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Although both finished on top of the ladder, neither the men’s or women’s sides were able to cap their year with the championship in Football Victoria Greater Bendigo league 2.
Jessica Pemberton battles for possession.
Both teams travelled to McEwen Reserve in Shepparton for their respective deciders, the Border Raiders women challenging Swan Hill Soccer Club and the men Strathfieldsaye Colts United FC.
The women took to the field first in what was sure to be a tense encounter after the two sides went to penalties, which the Border Raiders won, in the qualifying semi-final.
Rishabh Kothari looks for options.
Unfortunately for the locals, spot kicks weren’t required this time, as Swan Hill rode out an early goal to prevail 1-0.
Trinity Sheldon made the crucial breakthrough in the 15th minute, and Swan Hill was able to defend the lead until full time despite the Border Raiders’ furious search for an equaliser.
Charley Schwenke makes a forward run.
The men’s game followed, and after winning the toss, the Border Raiders elected to have the strong breeze at their backs in the first half.
However, the locals’ best chances went begging, and the sides entered the break with the game still scoreless.
Gaston Dassis drives forward.
Colts took advantage of the change of ends quickly, slotting two goals in a five-minute stretch, with Ben and Reece Yarwood both striking.
Down two with half an hour to play, the Border Raiders pulled one back through Patrick Barry in the 77th minute, but couldn’t find an equalising goal.
Diane Forsythe slides in.
Echuca-Moama coach Adrian Richardson said the wind and using it to advantage, was a key factor in the game.
“The wind in the first half, we didn’t take advantage of that, and we knew it was a two-goal wind advantage,” he said.
“We had plenty of shots on goal but couldn’t put them in the back of the net, and in the second half they had the wind with them, and they took advantage of that.
“We were able to get one back, but we just couldn’t get that second one.”
Paige Pinson tracks back.
It was a difficult result to take for the Border Raiders, who finished eight points clear at the top of the ladder.
“We had a great year, so we have to look at it overall,” Richardson said.
“Winning (13) games straight virtually at the end of the season was pretty good but on the day, Colts brought their game together and we didn't do it.
“Very disappointed that we didn't get the two (premierships), but pretty happy with what the boys achieved for the season.”
Border Raiders’ Bhavish Nunkoo puts his foot through it.
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As regular season premiers, the club’s first senior men’s silverware, the Border Raiders men and women both have the right to promotion to League 1 for next season if they want it.
The women’s side competed in League 1 in 2025 and held its place, but opted to voluntarily return to League 2 this year.
A key consideration for the men’s side is the requirement for League 1 clubs to also field a team in the youth league.
Dinniget Luiane spots the run in behind.
“It's definitely better to go and challenge yourself,” Richardson said.
“You can always go and win games and things like that but to challenge yourself in that sort of league, it gives you more potential to go to that next level, and drive the boys a bit harder.”
Offseason player movement will be a defining factor for both sides, Richardson saying the men’s decision will likely be made based on player numbers at the end of this year.
There was some joy for the Border Raiders in the junior divisions, the club’s under-16 B side taking the title in a thriller against Strathdale on Wednesday night, 5-4 at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.
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