The grand finals of Central Coast Football’s men’s and women’s Premier League were played in glorious Spring weather last Saturday, September 21 in front of an enthusiastic football crowd of locals.
Women’s Premier League
In the Women’s Premier League (WPL) grand final, Terrigal avenged their 2023 defeat by edging out a resilient East Gosford side 1-0 in extra time, capping off an incredible treble-winning season.
After an intense, back-and-forth battle, Terrigal’s Tahlor Thackray emerged as the hero, calmly chipping the ball over East Gosford’s goalkeeper Chloe Smith in the 105th minute to score the only goal.
Despite East Gosford’s multiple early chances, including shots from the Golden Boot winner Jessica Dominello, Terrigal’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Walker stood firm, making crucial saves and securing a clean sheet.
East Gosford were unlucky not to convert their early dominance into a lead, hitting the woodwork and forcing saves from Walker. However, Terrigal gradually asserted control, with their solid defence and experience eventually prevailing.
The result sees Terrigal crowned 2024 WPL Premiers, adding to their impressive trophy haul this season. Coach Gab Blanch praised her side’s resilience, saying “we weren’t at our best, but we battled like soldiers until we got what we needed”.
Men’s Premier League
In the Men’s Premier League (MPL) grand final, Berkeley Vale Soccer Club celebrated their 50th anniversary in style by securing their first-ever MPL First Grade Premiership, defeating Woongarrah 2-1 in an entertaining encounter.
After a tense start, Nicholas Trengrove’s header from a corner broke the deadlock, giving Berkeley Vale a crucial lead in the 35th minute. Conor Fitzpatrick doubled their advantage in the second half, volleying home after a precise cross from Ashton Hurley.
Woongarrah fought back valiantly, with Jacob Melling coming close on several occasions, but Berkeley Vale’s goalkeeper Steven Grimmitt made outstanding saves to protect their lead.
A late goal by Woongarrah’s AJ Henderson provided a glimmer of hope, but it was too late, and Berkeley Vale secured the historic win.
Berkeley Vale coach Mark Pratt expressed his pride in his team’s achievement, saying “to our boys in our club’s 50th anniversary, we finally broke the Berkeley Vale grand final curse.”
Meanwhile, Woongarrah’s coach Luke Rogers praised his young side’s effort in reaching the grand final.
“What a fantastic year, league champions and being a part of the grand final, an unbelievable season for such a young club,” he said.
Both top league grand finals demonstrated the increasingly high level of football on the Central Coast, with Terrigal and Berkeley Vale deserving their crowns after hard-fought victories.