Raiders blow final whistle on stellar season

Scott had spent several years away in the United States studying and playing in the college system.

He was overwhelmed with emotion upon being named the winner, likely due to a strong connection to the Border Raiders — his boyhood club.

Though a talented goalkeeper, Scott featured in the outfield this year.

The start of the season saw him mainly at centre-back before a shift into an attacking midfield role.

The goals then flowed for Scott, who netted seven in 15 matches — his free kicks a dangerous weapon for the team.

Elsewhere in the men’s program, Rishabh Kothari’s tireless work on and off the pitch was recognised with the coaches award.

And Peter Gramlick won the most improved — doing so in his first year playing the sport.

Meanwhile, Jess Hicks took out the top honour for the senior women.

This was unsurprising, given she scored more goals than games played this season — 20 in only 18 matches.

Those figures also earned the club-wide golden boot.

Diane Forsythe won the coaches award and Kaylah Lochhead the most improved, the duo key to a side that finished top.

Runner-up in the senior best and fairest was 14-year-old Charley Schwencke, much-discussed in the soccer scene with an opportunity in Spain on the horizon.

The young attacker is held in high regard at the club, also evidenced by taking out the Under 14A coaches award.

Every club puts its own twist on presentations and the Border Raiders were no different.

They handed out other club-wide accolades, with Under 12 Brock Murphy winning golden glove as best goalkeeper and Under 16 Zanda Wood the exceptional leadership award.

Finally, there were dual winners of club person of the year — both Stacey Palling and Ken Orr recognised for their work behind the scenes making the Border Raiders tick.