Just champion!

THE YOUNG Arsenal Yellow side picked up the coveted Ladies League GulfWeekly Premiership title in a 10-goal thriller at the Soccer City Stadium in Janabiyah.

They beat Saudi visitors 6-4 in a thrilling encounter. The win means that with only one round of matches left to play, the Yellows cannot be caught in the competition run in association with Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain.

Second place, however, is still very much up for grabs between fierce rivals Arsenal Red and Joga Bonito, who drew 3-3 last week.

In the third game of the latest fixtures, last year’s champions St Christopher’s Seniors’ secured a fine 2-1 win over Venus.

The Premiership-winning season is a tremendous achievement by Arsenal Yellow, who field a squad each week with easily the lowest average age – made up of Rayeh Al Khalifa 12, Kia Hanahoe 12, Alaw Meleri 12, Lauren Moir, 12, Georgia Moulder, 16, Regan Mcellan, 13, Darya Vyshegorodskaya, 13, Jennifer Loveland Rose, 13, Catherine Martin, 13, Natallie Myatt, 13, Ella Huckervale, 13, Alia Tariq, 15, Sarah Welch, 13, and Nadine Raad, 13.

The youngsters have featured regularly, supported by senior players Sam Turner and coach Deena Rahman.

"This team was entered into the league to gain valuable match experience," explained Rahman.  "To see them play so well as individuals and as a team, and develop and grow as the season progressed was very pleasing.

"We did not expect them to win the GulfWeekly Premiership title, but they never gave up when they were behind, and played some brilliant football."

This week the final round of league matches were being played with the Yellows playing Joga Bonito, the Reds facing St Christopher’s and Venus up against the Flames. 

Next week a knock-out cup contest will be staged and league trophy presentations will follow.