BALLARAT'S premier women’s soccer team is on top of the world.
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A dramatic end to the season means the Ballarat Eureka Strikers have been crowned FFV women's state league one champions for the first time in the club's history.
The undefeated Strikers were due to face North Geelong Warriors on Wednesday night for a shot at title, needing only a draw to finish on top of the table.
However, North Geelong sensationally forfeited the match, handing Ballarat a 3-0 victory that saw it finish two premiership points clear of second-placed University of Melbourne.
It was somewhat of an anti-climactic end to the season, given Ballarat’s season had been relying on the outcome of the game. However, it did nothing to stymie celebrations over what had been a remarkable season.
“It’s a reflection of a phenomenal season from the girls,” said Ballarat assistant coach Laura Brady.
“It’s not really the way we wanted to do it (with a forfeit), but that’s not something we can control.
“We would have liked to play and win our final game but when you look back at the entire season, it really makes you happy.”
It is the first time the Strikers (formally the Lady Devils) have finished on top of the table.
They won a grand final in 2011 after finishing third, but Brady said this achievement was far more significant.
“This is what you play for in soccer so it’s massive for the girls,” she said.
It also strengthens the Strikers’ claim to earn a spot in the inaugural women’s National Premier League Victoria, which was originally due to announce the eight teams competing early this week. The decision has been delayed indefinitely.
They will now chase the magical double-crown, with the finals series starting on Sunday.
Ballarat will meet fourth-placed Keilor Park in the semi final at 12pm at Morshead Park, with the winner to advance to the grand final.
The original match against the Warriors had originally started 10 days prior but was abandoned when an ambulance was called for one of the North Geelong players.