Westside Panthers Soccer Club celebrated one of its most successful seasons with a strong turnout at its annual presentation dinner at the Westside Hotel on Saturday night.
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In 2008 Westside won four out of five minor premierships in the local senior divisions and each of those four sides went on to win their respective grand finals.
The Western Premier League first grade and under-18s sides, the All-Age men and All-Age women all finished the season victorious while the premier league second grade side also did the club proud, finishing third.
Saturday night was especially sweet for the All-Age men, who were named the club’s Team of the Year after they won their grand final 5-0 over South Dubbo Wanderers - a side they had not previously beaten heading into the decider.
The All-Age men were most proud of their season, with players aged from 16 to 49 in the side who built a strong camaraderie throughout the year.
There were many special stories within the team, but none more so than that of central midfielder Mick Bye, whose wife Cathy gave birth to Joel William Bye at 2.20am the morning of the grand final, which also happened to be Father’s Day.
The team had players travelling from Cobar, Nyngan and Mendooran to play throughout the season.
The commitment of the players was highlighted by the efforts of Stu Marr, who at various times including the semi-finals came directly from nightshift work near Nyngan to put the boots on. Marr was named Player of the Year for the club.
Meanwhile first grade captain and second grade coach Pat Auld was deservedly named the club’s Sportsman of the Year, while long time player with the club David Ivers took the accolade of first grade Player of the Year and Justin Sutton was named Rookie of the Year.
All-Age goalkeeper Brian Furner was named the club’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
