In fact Vincentia’s Rhianna Brown kicked a Beckham inspired penalty to give her team the 1-nil win that named them South Coast champions of the Combined High Schools Championships.

Vincentia’s under 15’s team were unstoppable in the lead-up to the final, winning three straight games against Albion Park, Nowra and Shellharbour high schools, while only conceding one goal.

The final was played in Wollongong against Mary Star of the Sea on Friday, June 20.

The girls were on the back foot in the first half, but entered the break 1-nil up after Brown found the back of the net from a 25 metre penalty.

Coach Corey Ryan changed the team’s strategy in the second half to focus on defence and Vincentia managed to keep their scoreboard clean and be named South Coast champions.

Ryan said it was a big celebration from players, teachers and parents at the sound of the final whistle.

A high school coach of four years, Ryan said the team had come close to the championship in the last few years, but this was the first time in 11 years Vincentia’s junior team has taken South Coast honours.

“The last time they won was in 2003, when I was in year nine, so the school has always had a good bunch of core players,” he said.

The win puts them in the top 16 teams in Australia.

Ryan said it was a gutsy effort from the girls, who showed plenty of Vincentia High School spirit.

“It is a really good achievement from the girls and the school. They never gave up and I think we are all happy to be in this situation,” he said.

As well representing their high school, the girls, ranged from 11 to 15 years-old, also play for local clubs St Georges Basin and Huskisson, as well as for Southern Branch.

The team has one more game to play, and if successful, will get to contest the state level Bill Turner Trophy in August.