It came after some stern resistance from University, but Albion Park remain the benchmark of Illawarra women’s football after claiming a fifth consecutive grand final on Sunday afternoon.
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A double from Brittany Ring and a late goal from Renee Crowe guided Park to a 3-0 victory in a competitive clash at Myimbarr Park.
It provided Park with their 56th straight win and their third title of the campaign after already claiming the State Cup and regular season crown.
They accomplished the same feat last season before going on to take out the prestigious Champion Of Champions title at the conclusion of the campaign.
“It’s been a great year that’s right up there with last year,” Albion Park coach Richard Davis said.
“It’s always going to be hard because you have teams wanting to beat you when you’re in this position.
“The girls deserve everything they get. They want to get out there, they train hard and that effort is always there.”
Davis admitted his squad had to work hard to overcome an improved Uni outfit.
Ring’s opener came on the half hour mark after the striker pounced first on a rebounded effort.
She would have to wait until the final 15 minutes to get her second when she found the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Crowe sealed the victory after some neat work from Kristina Glisic found the attacker at the back post.
“They are a good team and that was probably the hardest game we have played all year,” Davis said.
“I think you fitness maybe told a little bit in the end and our experience when it counted with the ball in big moments.
“We knew what to do at the right time. Our drive showed.”
Park will now turn their focus to the Champion Of Champions, where they will face-off against the Blacktown Association’s Marayong FC on Sunday, September 23.
Davis said his side were determined to defend their title.
“We hope to win it again,” he said.
“Obviously we don’t want to count our chickens before they hatch but we will be doing our best.
“We will get back to the training paddock after a little break, which the girls deserve, but we won’t change too much.
“If it’s working, we don’t need to change it.”
In the lower grades, South Coast beat University 1-0 (div 2), Kiama overcame Oak Flats Wildcats 3-2 (div 3), South Coast United defeated Coniston 4-1 (div 4) and Wollongong United enjoyed a 3-0 win over Jamberoo (div 5).
In youth grade, Thirroul prevailed 1-0 over Warilla.
