EIGHT teams are preparing to do battle tomorrow at the Ocean Drive Hockey Complex, Port Macquarie … and each side has endured a hard-fought season to joust for a position in the grand final.
All four grades will be featured, beginning from noon with the B grade women’s decider between Crescent Head and Tacking Point Cruisers.
Following such a close year, everyone has a point to prove and “sheep stations” to win.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association president Jarrod Smith believes this weekend could showcase the “best grand final day” for a number of seasons.
“Due to the combination of teams and clubs playing, there are some pretty large scores to settle,” he said.
“That, mixed with some personalities as big as beach balls, will guarantee to have the sparks flying.
“The competition has been tight this year in all grades.
“I expect every team to fight with their elbows up – to be the ones holding the winner’s shield and drinking from the cup of success.
“Don’t miss a great day of hockey.”
The B grade men’s decider will see Tacking Point Thunder and Port City Heritage locking horns.
“Tacking Point has been the side to beat all year,” Port City captain Ken Little said.
“However, I’m hoping our experience will help us on the day.”
In the women’s A grade grand final, Port City Heritage is looking to make it three-in-a-row against the Wauchope Warriors.
Port City scored an excellent win last Saturday over Tacking Point’s Omni.
After leading 3-2 at the break, the side managed to put together a great team finish for a 5-2 triumph.
“Wauchope has played consistently good hockey throughout the year, managing to win the minor premiership,” said Little, who doubles as the women’s coach.
“We’ll have to be switched on from the start and not allow them to dominate the play.
“We’ve only had our full side together for a few games in 2009, so hopefully we can continue on with the team work that we displayed on the weekend.”
The main event pits Rovers against Thunder, from 4.30pm.
Long-standing Rovers skipper Peter Gleeson is predicting a tight encounter.
“Even though they haven’t beaten us this year, the Thunder has improved on each occasion,” he said.
“In our last outing, we trailed 2-0 before prevailing 4-2.
“I’m sure their goalie Warren Ryan will get a good workout tomorrow.
“But, in saying that, I’m also positive we can finish the season off on a high.”
Tomorrow’s teams
Rovers – Peter Gleeson (c), Craig Maltman, Ashley Grummitt, Luke Ottaway, Craig Milburn, Steve Holt, Ryan Schaeffer, Dean Taylor, Tim Bardell, Al Forrester, Tony Leahy, Scott Lisk, Tom Phillips, Wayne Gleeson
Port City Heritage (men) – Ken Little (c), Dion Shoesmith, Mat Cook, Ian Robertson, Mark Burns, April Trickett, Steve Trickett, Russell Clucas, Dennis Lisk, Barry Hunter, Keith Smith, Bruce Snape, Terry Rourke, Dean Webber
Port City Heritage (women) – Moni Cooke (c), Carol Wright, Cindy Younie, Wendy Welsh, Kirsty Netzler, Katie Alchin, Donna Anttilla, Carla Gibson, Kara Smith, Jacqui Olleveau, April Trickett, Cherise Anquetil, Kym Trickett
Tomorrow’s grand final program:
Noon: women’s B grade, Crescent Head v Tacking Point Cruisers
1.30pm: men’s B grade, Tacking Point Thunder v Port City Heritage
3pm: women’s A grade, Wauchope Warriors v Port City Heritage
4.30pm: men’s A grade, Rovers v Tacking Point Thunder
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