Calder United clinched the NPLW Victoria Premiership on Tuesday night with a tense 1-0 win over Box Hill United at the Veneto Club in Bulleen.
A tight affair largely lacking clear-cut chances needed just one moment of brilliance to be decided in the end.
Just hours after being announced as a member of Western United’s inaugural Liberty A-League Women squad, Emma Robers stepped up in the 28th minute to send a looping long-range effort into the roof of the net.
Calder continued to control the remainder of the contest and came close to adding to the lead on a couple of occasions before having to fend off a late corner to hold onto the win.
The Premiership is Calder’s second in a row after it finished first in 2019, with the subsequent two seasons being suspended due to COVID-19.
It is Calder’s third Premier’s Plate since the club’s inception and the introduction of the NPLW competition in 2016, in which time no other club has won it more times.
Known for many years for its outstanding attacking talent, it’s Calder’s defence that has been so crucial this season.
As well as not conceding a single goal on the way to a fifth straight NIKE F.C. Cup title, Calder has allowed just six goals all season in NPLW. The next best defence in league is second-placed Heidelberg United, who have conceded 20 goals.
Mark Torcaso’s side still leads the league with 51 goals scored, but the hallmark of the team’s attack has become its wide range of contributors.
No one player has streaked ahead in the top scorer race – Raquel Deralas leads with six, with six players on five goals and 14 players finding the net all together across the season.
That dependability throughout the squad will prove pivotal as attentions turn to the finals, once Calder concludes its regular season with a trip to Alamein FC this weekend.
Calder United won the Premiership and Championship double in 2019 and will be looking to do so again, going for a third NPLW Victoria Grand Final win to cap off a tremendous 2022 season.
Photos via Jack Dilks
