Tara Murray
Sunbury United has exceeded all expectations in the FV women’s state league 5 west this season, claiming the title.
Fielding a women’s side for the first time since 2019, Sunbury was one of the top two teams all season.
The championship came down to the final round, with Sunbury facing PEGS, which entered the match undefeated.
The match was played in tough conditions with the wind making it tricky.
Sylvia Stergiou put Sunbury in front after 15 minutes.
The side then defended hard for the rest of the game to hold on and win, 1-0.
Sunbury moved to the the top of the table and claimed the title, on goal difference ahead of PEGS, with both teams losing just one game.
Coach Steven Lee said it had been a crazy season.
“It’s a whole new group, only one player has played before,” he said. “The group is a little older as well.
“We have five parents of kids so to be in that position is crazy. They have come together as a group of people enjoying playing football.”
Lee said when they started the season, they didn’t even think about winning the title.
He said they won their first three games and the confidence started to grow.
“We were taking it one game at a time,” he said. “We lost a game and we quickly regrouped and continued to win games.
“The whole group have made new friends and they’ve all bonded. They are training by themselves trying to improve”.
Lee said due to commitments they trained once a week, but many of the group were keen for extra sessions which they did.
He said everyone made sure to get to training each week.
For the club, to be in a position to win a title is something new.
“Looking at the stats, we’ve never had a women’s side being in a position to win a title.
“Our senior men’s team has won one title in 40 years.”
Sunbury is set to be promoted to state league 4 west next season.
Lee said while the results were outstanding, they were looking at the bigger picture.
There had been a lot of support for the side from across the club and Lee is hoping this is only the beginning.
“We’ve had young girls come and support us,” he said. “The juniors are looking up to the women’s team and aspiring to be them.
“The support has been amazing.”
