Premiership Triumph

Posted: Sunday, 16 September 2018 - 7:08am

Camberwell overcame the odds, and powerhouse Williamstown, to take out the 2018 Division Two premiership on Saturday 15th September. Coming from fourth place on the end-of-season ladder, the Chiefs squeezed their way past Altona and Surrey Park to make the Grand Final. Having dominant player, Mat Kerr, out of Victoria on business set the challenge for the day.

The team responded magnificently with a high standard display of lacrosse, grabbing the lead with early goals and resisting gallantly as Williamstown swarmed with their characteristic physical style coupled with slick ball movement and shooting. The score see-sawed until the three-quarter break had the teams tied at 7-all and all set for a tight finish.

What a nerve-wracking final quarter it was, set off with a brilliant dodging goal from Ward and some tough defending to hold off continued desperate attacks as Williamstown threw everything at Camberwell. Ross netted a skilled quick stick goal close in to make the lead two with 8 minutes to play and the Camberwell bench watched nervously as the minutes ticked down. The defence, led by co-captain Brett Barnard, kept Camberwell in the game holding out a big push by Williamstown. Goalie Aidan Holmes pulled off many brilliant saves and Ethan Hausler continued to intercept Williamstown attacks, using his speed and agility to create offensive opportunities for Camberwell.

It was all smiles and cheers when the siren rang. Great credit must go to Coach, Bruce Churchward who bonded the team well, displayed great leadership confidence and kept the players focused on the reality of the end result. It was a great team effort and the win was an acknowledgement of a strong team ethos and every player in the squad playing their role and giving 100%.

Goals: Ross 4, Mizrahi 1, G Anderson 1, Tulloch 1, Barritt 1, Ward 1 

PS. A big thankyou to all the Camberwell fans who turned out to cheer the boys on in almost-arctic conditions. Drizzle, strong winds and a temperature of 8C did not dull the enthusiasm and cheering.