Tara Murray
Gisborne overcame several hurdles on the way to the FV state league 4 west women’s title.
After a strong 2021 season which included just one loss before COVID-19 hit, the Sky Blues had to rebuild their team this season with 10 players departing.
They were able to do that and entered the final round of the season needing a win to seal the title.
They were able to do that beating Point Cook 3-0.
For Sky Blues coach Tony Trimboli and the side it’s an amazing achievement.
“We [the club] had never won a women’s one,” he said. “Everyone wants a championship next to their name and we could not be happier.
“We had five young ones, five old ones and five new ones. We put this team together this year and were able to achieve this.”
Trimboli said after the pre-season and early game’s they had an idea that they would be in the mix come the pointy end of the year.
They had the chance to wrap up the title a couple of weeks ago, but a loss to Sydenham Park meant it came down to the final match.
The Sky Blues finished on the same amount of points at the Sydenham Park, but claimed the title with a better goal difference.
Both teams had just two losses for the season.
“We’re the first women’s senior team to do it and I don’t know if the men have won one,” Trimboli said.
“It’s credit to the girls. Speaking with other coaches they said they were happy for us to win the title.
“That’s amazing to hear from other teams. A few refs would say to us, ‘you’re not a state league 4 side’.”
The win wasn’t without challenges. When they’re goalkeeper got injured, Katerina Karatsoris, who is in her 50s, stepped into the role.
When she had to miss games, 16-year-old Emily Walduck stepped into the role. Walduck was thrilled when Karatsoris returned later in the season, with Trimboli saying he had never seen someone so excited for another player to return.
Trimboli’s wife was diagnosed with cancer last year, which made coaching difficult at times. She has since got the all clear.
The Sky Blues will be promoted to state league 3 next season. The club was given the option this year, but decided not to after losing so many players.
Trimboli said they were looking forward to it.
“Most of the girls look like they’re coming back and hopefully we can add a few more,” he said.
The Sky Blues were set to face the state league 4 north champions, Uni Hill Eagles on Sunday, after deadline, as the four division winners play off for the overall state league 4 winner.
It’s been a big few weeks for Gisborne soccer players, with former Sky Blue Niamh Ryan taking to the field for the Preston Lions as they claimed the Victorian Premier League Women’s title.
Trimboli said he encouraged the 15-year-old to step up and play with the Lions this season.
