The International and Apollo rivalry did not disappoint in the 2021 Steeline Limestone Coast Football Association Reserves grand final at Casadio Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The contest took place on the brand-new second pitch at the venue and the fans packed on the hill were captivated until the final whistle.
After both sides finished the home-and-away season on level footing, it was tough to determine a favourite despite Apollo winning the 2020 flag.
But on home turf Inter was not to be discounted and made the first move when Lachlan Charlton scored inside the opening five minutes.
After managing to regain some momentum in the midfield, the blue and white threw themselves back into the game off the boot of Pah Ni.
The next quarter of an hour was evenly fought, but Federico Pepa put the black and blue back in the ascendancy just before half time.
Both rivals struggled to find an opening as the pressure rose in the second half.
However, Apollo cracked and conceded an own goal to put Inter on the brink of victory.
To make things interesting best-on-ground Reuben van Eyk found the back of the net in the 83rd minute, but it was too little too late as International held on to win 3-2.
Under 17 – Blue Lake/United 5 def International 2
After a high-octane finale, Blue Lake/United overcame International behind enemy lines to take out a sought-after Under 17’s premiership title.
It was an open decider with minor-premier Apollo out of the equation and the Rangers sensed a huge opportunity and broke through just six minutes after kick off.
Gay Nay Say Ler was the architect behind the key strike, but the game settled down after the early blow.
Both sides settled into a rhythm and got set for a huge conclusion with the score 1-0 at half time.
Initially it was Inter looking the goods when Mitchell Cornolo levelled the scoreboard before the game changed.
With the game to be won Blue Lake/United launched an almighty onslaught led by Shar Nay Than, who scored two goals within 60 seconds.
Gay Nay Say Ler and Jack Latham both scored another for good measure to leave International rattled 5-1 down.
For his match-winning feats from close range Than received top honours.
Under 16 – International 4 def Gambier Centrals 1
International was too classy for Gambier Centrals in the Under 16’s grand final.
After Isabella Morello and Leonie Robertson scored for Inter and Centrals respectively within a minute, the game was in the balance at the main break.
But the black and blue showed their hunger by taking control during a siege straight after kickoff.
Just seconds after the resumption of play, Laura Murdock sent International into the lead before Evany Rex doubled the advantage immediately.
The Lions had no answer as Rex scored another in the 63rd minute to complete the 4-1 triumph. Morello was named as the best player on the pitch.
Under 14 – International 1 def Blue Lake/United 0
The Under 14’s LCFA grand final went down to the wire and International prevailed on home turf over a spirited Blue Lake/United outfit.
Both sides threw everything at each other with the Rangers playing aggressive and the black and blue also attacking hard.
The goalkeepers at either end earned their stripes by holding off the relentless attacks at goal which ensured the entire game was stacked with tension.
But the decisive blow was made by Matthew Winter and his clean strike ensured International won its first trophy on grand final day at home.
Despite finishing on the wrong side of the scoreboard, Blue Lake/United’s Gay Ni Hsar was rewarded for his inspirational effort by collecting the best-on medal.
Under 13 – Apollo 2 def Gambier Centrals 1
Alate twist meant Apollo surged ahead of Gambier Centrals in the opening clash on the new second pitch on Sunday morning.
The Lions appeared to be in the box seat after scoring the first goal and defending their advantage deep into the game.
However, a free kick was the perfect opportunity for Apollo to hit back through Riley Kuchel. Kuchel calmly put the chance away to level the scores before sending her team in front with another goal moments later.
The inspiring performance not only pushed the blue and white to glory, but Kuchel also received top individual honours.
It was a shock defeat for Centrals which had not lost a game all year.
Under 12 – Gambier Centrals 4 def International 1
The Under 12’s decider kicked off grand final day at Casadio Park and Gambier Centrals spoiled International’s dreams of a home-pitch win.
The Lions were methodical in their approach and showed their intent scoring two goals before half time.
Inter kept things interesting after captain Bailey Vorwerk found the back of the net.
However, Centrals was a cut above as Jai Hillstone and Coby Beimans rose to the occasion. Beimans had a fine day out scoring a stunning hat-trick and being named best player in the win which completed a perfect campaign.
