Tacking Point Thunder's Lightning claims open men's hockey win against Camden Haven

Both teams went into the September 19 grand final after placing first and second on the ladder in the open men's hockey division.

Tacking Point led the competition on nine wins and a draw, Camden Haven were on eight wins, a draw and a loss. Well ahead of rivals Wolverines and Bull Sharks on three wins, Cougars on one win.

During the grand final, Lightning inflicted an almost irreversible first half on their red and black opponents with five goals to zero scored before halftime.

Camden Haven captain Rob Dwyer said the team was suffering some grand final nerves and took a hit to their confidence early in the match.

"It's taken us a long time for our juniors to come through. Ten years to come through to this point and play against a more experienced team," he said.

"The first time we played them during the season it was nil-all, then we went down 5-1 but I'm very proud of the team. We played against a very strong team today.

"I think we were a bit nervous to be in the grand final and needed some more open passing for a different result.

"Lightning came out incredibly strong in the first quarter with four or five-nil, that's hard for us to come back from. Our goal keeper was a champion and had an outstanding game in goals though."

Camden Haven keeper Connor Dewbery was under seige from all sides after halftime, withstanding multiple running attacks and short-corner shots.

His team mate Brad Smith provided a brief reprieve after finding the net at the Lightning end, 5-1.

Tacking Point renewed their efforts after the goal to pile on another four points, while Camden Haven were unsuccessful in a final short corner attempt after the siren to end the match 9-1.

Lightning captain Jarrod Smith said simply playing hockey during the season was an outstanding result.

"I think it's outstanding that we have even been able to play this season (with COVID restrictions), we have done a lot better than many other sports have," he said after the game.

"We have worked at playing a fairly regimented style over the years and we are really happy with the result. We didn't get bigger than the game, playing well as a team and maintaining good sportsmanship.

"It would have better to have a higher conversion rate (in short-corners) but I think a large amount of credit has to go to the Camden Haven keeper who had an outstanding game. He was probably best on ground in a defeated team, he was outstanding.

"The goal that they got was probably a lapse in concentration on our part, but those things creep in.

"Certainly we will try to push to get back in that Taree league (next season). As much as that's a great result for us it's probably not a good result for local hockey.

"We want to play at the highest level, be competitive, give pathways for our younger players to go into and be respectful of others who play the game."

In the other match of the open men's division, Wauchope Wolverines claimed a 3-1 win over Port City Bull Sharks.

Open women's grand final: Camden Haven Hockey Club win 3-0 against Tacking Point Thunder Omni

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