Bacchus Marsh Scorpions went into the Ballarat District Soccer Association under-16s grand final the underdogs but were able to come away with the premiership trophy.
The Scorpions faced Creswick in the grand final on September 20, with Creswick the hot favourites having gone through the regular season winning 15 games, drawing twice and not losing a single game.
Bacchus Marsh had come fromt fourth and won two knockout finals, scoring six goals in each of them.
The Scorpions embraced their underdog status and delivered a disciplined, powerful performance in the grand final.
Bacchus Marsh absorbed early Creswick pressure with a rock-solid back line. In the 14th minute, Darin Ssemaganda burst down the left wing and unleashed a shot from outside the box that found the net, giving the Scorpions a shock lead.
As Creswick pressed for an equalizer, goalkeeper Zane Vergles produced a flawless display, making a string of superb saves ensuring the Scorpions went into the break with a slender 1–0 advantage.
After half time the Scorpions maintained their collective focus, repelling every Creswick attack. In the 55th minute, a slick midfield interchange carved open the Creswick defense, allowing Austin Blanks to power through and score the second goal of the game and double the Scorpions lead.
Despite Creswick’s relentless search for a route back into the contest, Bacchus Marsh’s defence stood firm, closing out a historic victory and preventing Creswick from scoring a goal in a game for the first time all season.
