By KATIE LAMBESKI
THE VU St Albans Spurs, formally the Sunshine YCW Spurs, celebrated a major milestone on the weekend with a formal function on Saturday marking the 21st birthday of the club.
The occasion was marked with speeches from past and current players throughout the night, such as founder Debbie Lee, current Reserves coach Kate Jennings and youth girls co-captains Maddy Burgess and Jacinta Ganino.
All captured what the club and the game meant to them. A commemorative jumper with the names printed of every player to represent the Spurs was also unveiled.
A range of highlights of the club were shown throughout the night, as well as both the Team of 21 Years and Reserves Team of the Decade being named.
Famous past and present names around the club like Shannon McFerran, captain Bree White and now president of the club, Tina Macumber were all named in the historic 21st side.
A trip down memory lane was certainly in order to mark a great moment in the club’s history. A host of past and present Spurs helped make the night one to remember.
Earlier in the day, second-placed Diamond Creek dominated to a win over the Spurs at Coburg City Oval, 22.18 (150) to 2.1 (13).
An underdone and undermanned St Albans side battled away in a fluctuating performance against a side that is the reigning premier and will contend for this year’s premiership.
Being able to press the Spurs in an 18-player zone had the Creekers in control for most of the day, winning the ball in the most dangerous areas of the ground. Well organised for most part, Diamond Creek was in control.
They added between five and six goals throughout each quarter in an even effort.
Stars of the league Steph Chiocci and Katie Loynes stood out for the Creekers, as did Amelia Barden.
The Spurs battled away, led by Maddy Keryk, Lee Grogan and Bridget Caddy.
In the reserves clash, Diamond Creek cantered away to a 13.7 (85) to 1.0 (6) win over the Spurs.
