SUNDAY’S Far South Coast Football Association grand finals saw upsets for the minor premiers in all three senior grades.
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That meant the Devils claimed upset wins in two of their clashes, while the 33-game undefeated streak in the first grade came crashing down.
The Pink Devils scored a massive upset on the day, pipping the Eden Killer Whales 2-1 in the ladies contest.
Devils defender Kerryn Constable was elated after the match.
“It was awesome, there was tears, so many tears after the game,” Kerryn said.
The win was made even more sweet for the visiting Bega squad after losing a player to a handball in the goal box.
“We came in as underdogs, but you know, we beat them with 10 players.
“We wanted it more than them.”
Ladies coach Wayne Constable echoed the sentiment.
“Thirty-five seconds in and we were down a player, we were one down and we still came home,” Wayne said.
The Pink Devils played defensively to hold back the renowned Eden strikers in Amber Seckold and Kamilla Grubesic, with just a few playing in the front lines.
“We played defensively the same way we did last time against Eden, but we also set out to see if we could get a quick goal,” Kerryn said.
A feat the squad accomplished with a sweeping shot from a direct free kick outside the box.
After gaining the advantage, Kerryn said the squad relied on the pace of Madison Parbery and Amanda Stevenson up front, while the midfield joined the backs in shielding the Bega goal.
“Dakota can push up to the midfield and then Amanda and Madison go forward, they’re awesome strikers.”
Eden levelled the odds to 1-1, but the Pink Devils weren’t finished.
A stunning set play out of the midfield saw the Devils going two on one with the Eden goalie.
The ball looked to be swept wide, but the Devils charged past and turned the ball into the net.
Eden launched a volley of desperate attempts at the Bega goal, but the clock wound down for Bega to win 2-1.
Wayne said it was a huge moment for the team, and himself as a coach.
“There is nothing I could say or do to make anyone prouder,” Wayne said.
“It was just amazing, even the opposition was saying what a gun game it was.”
It was also a shock win in the reserve grade clash as the Devils conquered the returning premier Wolumla Tigers.
The match boiled down to golden goal extra time, but the Devils scored in a two on one exchange early in the extra period.
The Devils were 3-1 up at the half-time break, having played with the wind at their backs.
The defending premier Wolumla Tigers weren’t going down easy though and played with intensity in the second half.
The Tigers scored early in the second half and then again before the break to force the extra play.
The headline first grade game saw the Tathra Sea Eagles conquer the 33-game undefeated streak of the Bega Devils.
Play was a stalemate for the first half as kicks and passes fluctuated through the midfield.
Bega had an opportunity in the first half with Jordan Stafford going one on one with the Tathra keeper.
Unfortunately, the kick soared high.
In the second half Tathra increased its intensity, while the Bega team “fell off” a spectator said.
The Devils backline worked hard to keep the Tathra squad at bay.
However, the Sea Eagles were able to fire two goals to secure a 2-0 win and halt the Devils’ dominant streak.