30 April 2019, 1:20 AM
One of Lismore's smallest football clubs has once again kicked above their weight, winning three of the six trophies in the Tursa Employment and Training ANZAC Cup and Callan McMillan Memorial Shield played at Crozier Field over the weekend.
The 53-year-old Italo Stars, based in North Lismore, won the Men's ANZAC Cup Open A and Open B titles and the women's Callan McMillan Memorial Shield B Division title. The women's side's victory was the sixth time they have won the title since 2005.
"The Italo Stars has a close-knit family feel," said Vice-President Emily Cox, who played on goal for Callan McMillan Memorial Shield B Division final.
"Winning these titles means a lot to our club. It gives the teams confidence going into the normal season and importantly it shows other bigger clubs that the Italo Stars can compete with them this season."
Cox said registrations were steady across females and juniors this season, with more male players, for the club which is based at the Lismore Italo-Australian Club in Barrow Lane, North Lismore. The club's President is Warren Walker.
The Italo Stars claimed their first trophy in the Men's Open B division, when the side coached by Mark Maslen beat Ballina 3-1 after extra time with two goals by Craig Wiblen and one from Jesse Levy. Wiblen was named Player of the Match.
The Italo Stars Open B Division winners. Photo: Steve Mackney / Football Far North Coast
Italo Stars Men's Open Division B captain Corey Murphy with the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield. Photo: Steve Mackney / Football Far North Coast
In the Open A Division final, the Italo Stars side coached by Ben Perry beat Tintenbar East Ballina 2-0 with goals to Jack Turner and Beau Lavis. Captain Joe Schofield was named Player of the Match.
The victorious Italo Stars after winning the ANZAC Cup A Division trophy. Photo: Steve Mackney / Football Far North Coast
Italo Stars' captain Joe Schofield with the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield after being named Player of the Match as his side won the A Division. Photo: Steve Mackney / Football Far North Coast
On Sunday, the Women's ‘B’ Division saw the Italo Stars coached by Matthew Whitney and managed by Steven Osbourne defeat Dunoon 6 – 0 with goals by Keira Hayward (two), Ashleigh Brown, Sophie Want, Kendelle O'Reilly and an own goal.
The women's side was Kendelle O'Reilly (captain), Emily Cox, Sophie Want, Ashleigh Brown, Casey King, Racquel Smith, Jodi Morris, Kaitlyn McRae, Hannah Pearce, Aleks Gaigals, Keira Hayward and Oliva Ban Varnannen.
"I don't think we have ever completed that (winning three out of six titles) before," added Perry.
A summary of all ANZAC Cup and Callan McMillan results:
ANZAC Cup
Callan McMillan Memorial Shield
.