Sport
17 June, 2026
Costly win for the Lions
THE Corangamite Lions division one men’s team scored its fourth win of the 2026 Ballarat Soccer Association season, defeating Bacchus Marsh 2-1.
The win (at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve) came at a cost though, with the Lions ending the day with several injured players.
“It was a crucial win, and it was good to fight one out because we probably haven’t really had to fight as much as that this season,” Lions president Jamie Norton said.
Star striker Roman Fachetti scored the goal of the game in the 14th minute with a header from a pass from Ezequiel Ripa.
Unfortunately, by the half-time break, Fachetti had injured his hamstring; the Lions going in with a 1-0 lead.
“We were down our striker for the second half, so we made a few little moves and then went back out there and had another two injuries in the second half,” Norton said.
Andres Diaz scored the second for the Lions in the 67th minute.
“Andres scored after a run down the wing, he cut in and had a shot, which scored the second goal.”
But things were about to get tougher for Corangamite.
“We thought we’d go defensive and start sitting pretty deep, and unfortunately when we all sat defensive we had two more injuries and really had to fight it out in the last 20 minutes.
“We just battled it out, they scored one against us in that time and we just held on to take the points, but obviously we’ve got a pretty big injury list now going into next week.”
Bacchus Marsh got its goal with an 80th minute score from Pelle Castelijn.
The win sees the Lions retain third place on the ladder.
The division one women’s game saw the Corangamite Lions score an imposing 14-0 victory.
“It was a dominant win, but it’s the first time that Bacchus Marsh has entered a women’s side, and they’re all fresh and new to the game,” Norton, also coach of the women’s team said.
“We’ve been there before and we know what it’s like to build, so I’ve got a lot of respect for them, the game was played in pretty good spirits even though the result was the way it was, they have a lot of work to do, hopefully they can stick together.”
Lenise Mantell and Lara Graham continued their prolific goal scoring, both putting five goals each into the back of the net.
“Lara played the midfield and Lenise played as a striker, so they were pretty dominant.
“Ddee Baynes was player of the match, she played a great game at centre back.”
Graham scored her goals in the first, 35th, 68th, 72nd and 79th minutes, with Mantell scoring in the third, 11th, 58th, 64th and 67th minutes.
Julieta cause goaled in the seventh and 26th minutes, with Baynes scoring in the 45th.
First year player Samantha Coxon scored in the 30th minute, her first ever goal.
“Sam was playing as a striker; the through ball had come through on my side, and I’d just crossed it back in from the right-hand side, and she was just standing exactly where she should’ve been and where she’s been taught to,” Lions star Lenise Mantell said.
“She just stuck her foot out, and it went square past the keeper, straight into the net, she stood there for a minute then the screams started,” Mantell laughed.
Jessica Moulden, a local women’s cricket and speedway star, made her soccer debut in this game, playing as the goal keeper.
“Jess didn’t know the rules, but she didn’t have to because given how the game went, I think she touched the ball only three or four times.
“I think she enjoyed it, she liked catching and booting the ball when she did pick it up; she got to pelt it up the other end – she’s a powerful kicker of the ball.”
Norton also had praise for Moulden’s game.
“Jess played in goals for a full 90 minutes, so it was good to see her out on the pitch.
“Unfortunately (regular goal keeper) Lizzie Sotak hurt her ankle at training on Thursday night so we were wondering what we were going to do; Jess stepped up and gave it a go, there wasn’t a heap of pressure but she enjoyed herself, she’s an athlete who throws herself around at everything.”
The division two men’s game saw Bacchus Marsh score a 3-0 win with goals in the 19th, 30th and 77th minutes.
Mohammed Faiyaz was the division two player of the day.
This Sunday the Lions’ senior teams play Creswick SC at the Camperdown Showgrounds.