Internationals dominance of the Steeline Limestone Coast Football Association reached new heights on Sunday after the side completed its perfect campaign with a two nil Seniors grand final victory over Gambier Centrals at Webb Street.
The win secured an impressive four-peat of LCFA titles for Inter with the latest arguably the club’s best yet.
Inter found an emphatic answer to the challenges thrown its way during a difficult year and won every game before lifting the trophy.
The black and blue’s class proved decisive during the compelling decider, which started at a hot pace with both teams searching for the early advantage.
Inter managed to wrestle most of the possession and created multiple chances at goal.
The aggression of Matthew Bueti and Noah Koko Htoo looked threatening, but they could not score as the Lions held firm.
The closest Inter went to finding the breakthrough was a Sam Bueti header, but he narrowly missed and was caught off side.
After escaping unscathed from Inter’s early onslaught, Centrals crept back into the game through Jake Blackwell and Lewis March and the fight for the ball became intense.
The players were not afraid to rub shoulders, but neither side could land the killer blow before half time.
With the scoreboard locked at nil-all and little separating the rivals at the main break, a thrilling fight for the title loomed during the second half.
Both coaches hoped to inspire their men, but it was the black and blue who rose to the occasion.
Sam Bueti was awarded a free kick on the sideline and nailed the shot into the back of the net just six minutes after play resumed.
The long-range strike put Inter in front and released the pressure off the squad.
Suddenly the Lions felt the heat and Cameron Saint was sent off after an incident behind the play.
Just six minutes later another Centrals’ player received a red card after a dramatic sequence of events in front of Inter’s goal.
Sam Bueti charged towards the net and his initial shot was saved by Lions’ goalkeeper Steven Hughes.
However, he was caught out of position for a second strike at goal and Centrals’ player Ciaran Buckley was the last line of defence.
But he instinctively raised his arm to stop the ball from reaching the net and was forced to depart the playing arena for handball.
The result of all the drama was a second Inter goal courtesy of a Matthew Bueti free kick.
The blow was the final nail in the coffin for the Lions, who struggled to gain possession with just nine men on the field.
A strong team effort handed the black and blue a 15th premiership in 16years.
Nicholas Morony was named as the best player after he controlled them infield and created countless scoring chances for Inter.
International coach Tony D’Agostino was a proud figure after the game and could not speak highly enough of his team after an undefeated campaign.
“This win is a special one” he said.
“We have had some ups and downs during the year and everyone was devastated when the league was postponed.
“But when we returned to training, I could not keep the players away even though we had to do it in stages and groups.
“Then I knew it was going to be a good season because of their belief.
“Our leaders stacked up on the field and led by example, while the young kids fed from that confidence.”
The Lions have been the only outfit to challenge the black and blue all year and D’Agostino said they created a tough fight on the pitch in the decider.
“Centrals fought hard and at half time we knew they held us back with some good soccer,” he said.
“At half time it was about re-evaluating for us and start working off of our opponents.
“In the second half we decided to push more and the game opened up after we scored the first goal.
“But Centrals still pushed after two red cards and never gave up.”
However, after 13 premierships and a taxing year on and off the pitch, D’Agostino believes now is the right time to step away from the coaching reigns.
“After winning premierships with men who I played and coached with in Joe D’Agostino and my cousin Tony Bueti, I think it is a good time to give it away,” he said.
“I have been here for many years and it is time give it to someone else because it is now a younger person’s game.”
Inter also fielded four other sides in deciders during an action-packed day, but its Reserves team was not successful against Apollo.
Playing on its home turf, Apollo emerged victorious in a tense battle, which erupted midway through the first half after two red cards were dished out in as many minutes.
A handball incident created the perfect chance for Heath Widdison, who converted the free kick to send the home crowd into raptures.
Inter pressed hard for the full 90 minutes, but could not find an equaliser and Apollo captain Samuel Auld was named as best-on-pitch.
Inter returned to the winner’s list in the Under 17’s grand final against Blue Lake.
A high-scoring first half entertained onlookers with a Noah Koko Htoo hattrick handing the black and blue an unassailable lead.
Blue Lake’s only goal scorer was Shar Nay Than, while Rangers’ captain Gay Nay Say Ler was named as the best player.
Centrals did not leave Webb Street empty handed and won the Under 14’s decider over Inter 2-1, while Richard Kinyabugum performed for the victors.
Inter also opened the day with a win after it claimed a high-scoring triumph in the grand final for the Under 12 grade.
The black and blue won 4-2 with Marcus Gajic the most notable player.
