THE 2021 branch championships were ones to remember for the Shoalhaven District Football Association, winning six out of a possible eight age divisions on offer.
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A standout at the Goulburn-based carnival was Brad Banks' under 12 girls side, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 win against Tablelands.
The four goals were scored by Milton-Ulladulla's Tully Williams, Shoalhaven United's Alyssa Quirque, Huskisson-Vincentia's Rose Atkins and Shoalhaven Heads-Berry's Annalise Munley, while Panthers' Nevaeh Haynes made numerous exceptional saves in her first game as goalkeeper.
Banks' side backed this up with a 2-nil triumph against Eurobodalla - with star midfielders Quirque and Joanie Miller (from Shoalhaven Heads), finding the back of the net.
Game three pitted them in a reverse fixture against Eurobodalla, which saw Shoalhaven dominate their coastal rivals to the tune of 4-1.
After falling behind 1-nil early, strikes from Atkins (two), United's Ryley Megahey and Quirque sealed Shoalhaven's comeback win.
Banks made special mention of the efforts of Haynes and Sussex's Emma Murphy for their strong defensive performances against their southern opponents.
Game four was the final of the weekend, with Shoalhaven needing at least a draw against Tablelands to win the branch titles.
With only 11 players available, the girls played with plenty of heart and pushed themselves to fightback from 1-nil to secure the draw and remain undefeated for the weekend.
Chloe Chilby created numerous scoring opportunities, worked hard all weekend and was rewarded with the vital goal in the decider.
Goalkeepers Ryley Megahey and Stephanie Fleming kept the dream alive of an undefeated campaign with countless saves between the sticks.
"To win the first game really showed how much potential these girls have," coach Banks said.
"These girls really came together, had a great attitude and worked hard every game.
"Every player deserves to be mentioned because they each had amazing moments during the four games.
"The midfield was very impressive playing strong games to turn defence into attacking opportunities.
"Joanie Miller and Emma Murphy were rocks in defensive midfield and Alyssa Quirque was creative at every opportunity.
"Our centre-backs of Tully Williams, Annalise Munley and Lilli Sutcliffe set the standard and were supported by strong displays from Layla MacDonald, Stephanie Fleming and Nevaeh Haynes.
"Our forwards showed they will develop with more games together with Rose Atkins leading the line supported with great attacking options by Chloe Chilby, Ryley Megahey and Amelia Croker.
"A brilliant beginning to these players representative careers and a pleasure to work with."
Another Shoalhaven side to taste branch glory was the under 12 boys side, coached by Robert Ward.
The boys' side opened with a 4-2 win against Far South Coast, before downing Tablelands 5-nil in game two.
Then on Sunday, Shoalhaven edged Eurobodalla 1-nil before drawing 3-all with Far South Coast.
On the final day of the competition, Shoalhaven found themselves down 1-nil at half-time against Tablelands before fighting back to win 3-1.
In the final encounter, Shoalhaven stepped it up a notch and smashed Eurobodalla, to claim the branch crown.
Special mention to Riley Watts who took out the Ray Tweddie Medal for his strong play across the three days.
Another Shoalhaven team to claim branch title was Eric Keenan's under 13 boys, who scored 41 goals and only conceded four on their way to winning all six of their matches - seeing them book their spot at Orange's upcoming country cup.
Other victorious sides included Greg Pignataro's under 14 girls (where Isabella Pignataro took out player of the tournament honours), Mark Johnston's under 10 boys (who won three of their four matches) and the under 15 boys - coached by Ash Hale.
Unfortunately, Al Martin's under 11 boys and Blake Horton's under 16 girls sides fell just short of making it a Shoalhaven clean sweep.
During the tournament, Horton's side started with a 1-nil loss, before winning 5-nil, losing 2-1, drawing nil-all, winning 1-nil and losing 7-2.
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
