It was action aplenty in the East Gippsland hockey scene as five teams won through the weekend’s preliminary final games played at the Gippsland Regional Sporting Centre at Sale last Saturday.
Played in glorious conditions and umpired at the highest level, it brought out the best in hockey for the crowd of spectators. The umpires themselves, mostly players within the local competition, are acknowledged for commitment to take on this extra responsibility and their efforts are to be commended.
The first game started with the under 14s played between Maffra and Swan Reach. Maffra, who finished as minor premier, struggled to find its form in the semi final game, but was able to turn things around to match Swan Reach across the ground.
At the end of full time the teams could not split, the scoreline at two apiece. To break the deadlock required the best of five penalty shuffles to find a winner. In the end it was Maffra winning 5-3, booking its spot into the grand final against Sale.
The under 16 game was played between Nagle and Sale. Sale took an early lead as Nagle struggled with early game nerves. A couple of missed opportunities didn’t help Nagle’s cause as Sale found the net on another two occasions before half time.
Nagle play the last half full of determination, though it was unable to break through and find the net.
Sale progressed into the grand final against Swan Reach following the 3-0 win.
In another fast-paced game the under 18s was played between outside favourites Nagle, taking on a classy Wellington outfit. Played in good spirits the game was played with skill and speed. Wellington chose to play through the centre while Nagle played a wider, more inclusive game.
Nagle was able to find the net first, before Wellington equalised late in the game. The scoreline remained 1-1 at full time, requiring penalty of shuffles to find a winner. Wellington’s goal keeper, one of the best in the game at this level, was unable to keep out enough shuffles, Nagle wining 3-2. It will take in Swan Reach in the grand final.
The women’s match between Swan Reach and Maffra saw both teams confident of winning.
Maffra’s strength lies in its midfield, while Swan Reach has a formidable backline, thus abilities in finishing in front of goal would be paramount to who would likely be the winner.
Maffra had the better of the scoring opportunities and in the end was a comfortable winner 3–1.
Maffra will now take on Sale in the grand final.
In the last game for the day, it was a local derby in the open’s between Sale and Maffra. On paper Maffra, being the higher placed team, was favoured, though in terms of years of experience Sale would be well in front and hopeful of an upset.
Both teams considered had earned the right move through to the grand final. With plenty of energy being expended, neither team was able to break the deadlock in the first half and it was looking likely that another game would be decided by penalty shuffles.
In the end it was Maffra scoring in the third quarter from a short corner that proved the difference between the two sides in an evenly-matched affair. Maffra will take on Swan Reach in this sweek’s game.
All grand final games will be played at the WORLD precinct in Bairnsdale on Saturday, September 14.
