After clawing their way back from a 2-0 halftime deficit, Port Macquarie went down 3-2 in the final 12 seconds to Southern Highlands in the grand final.

Coach Steve Cox said it was a satisfying result as he didn't believe the association had fielded an over-50 team at the carnival before.

"None of us have been to the 50s before so it was unknown territory for us but it was good fun and not a bad result," he said.

"It's veterans hockey so it's more of a carnival atmosphere which is pretty good and the further you go into the tournament the main thing that happens is the old fellas get more injuries."

As a result Port Macquarie only had one fit player on the bench in the grand final due to hamstrings and calves tightening up at the end of the three-day tournament.

"There weren't high expectations, but it was a good result in the end," Cox said.

Port Macquarie defeated Illawarra 2-1 and Metro South West 2-1 before a 2-all draw with the Southern Highlands in the final group game.

They then cruised past Illawarra 3-1 to book their place in the final before they fell short.

"(Their goal) was a bit of a messy bit of play in the circle, but it's veterans hockey and it's not the end of the world," the coach said.

"We're not playing for not sheep stations or anything like that."

Cox admitted the team exceeded expectations, but had Warren Ryan and Steve Moreton selected in the state team.

"Steve was our most consistent player who went really good," he said.

Cox also led from the front and claimed the team's leading scorer honours.

"I scored most of our goals; I think I scored one in each game," he said.

"We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the company of the fellas for veterans hockey."

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