Grand Finals – Season 2023
Grand final day brought the sun out and the butterflies.
Dartmoor were rested and ready to play and make it their day. Greenbottles were determined after their win in the preliminary final to go all the way. From the first whistle, everyone knew this game was going to go down to the wire.
Dartmoor’s nerves got the better of them and Greenbottles took advantage, attacking hard. There was scrambling, running and attacking, but Dartmoor’s goalie kept her cool and cleared the ball.
Dartmoor’s fire in the belly kicked in and their forward line worked hard, but Greenbottles goalie wasn’t going to let anything through.
Dartmoor’s break came when Mason White was able to make the back board sing with a nice hit putting them in front.
Both teams were amazing, and it was a fantastic game to watch. Congratulations to Dartmoor who were undefeated premiers.
Best on Ground:- Jack Hutchesson (G)
Dartmoor and Kingston/Lucindale had faced off two weeks ago in the semi final. You could feel the tension in the air as both teams wanted the premiership. This was a game not to be missed.
Kingston/Lucindale and Dartmoor both had strong attacks and defence which is what made this game so exhilarating. Kingston/Lucindale having to play the extra game to get to the grand final had worked in their favour, their team work had tightened up and they made good use of their short passes, often putting pressure on the Dartmoor backline.
Dartmoor were able to score but not to be outdone, KL put one on the score board not long after. The game was intense.
By half time Dartmoor had found their groove and while the end score might look like it was an easy win for Dartmoor it was anything but, Kingston/Lucindale left everything on the field.
Both teams played their hearts out and it was great to see such sportsmanship displayed by both teams.
Best on Ground:- Lochie Dolphin (D)
The first half had Dartmoor playing offensively hard into Tatiara’s defence, Clarry Martin, Laura Nash & Holly Pietsch holding out Darts attacks. Tatiara had plenty of dashes down the right side by Olivia Williams and Nikki Taylor, but sent back through Kate Schubert linking with Jenifer Ellis and Jane Angew. Nil all at half time.
The second half of the game still had both teams playing hard in the midfield. As the third quarters seconds ticked over a slight lapse in Tatiara’s defence saw a long hit down the pitch to Dartmoor’s Sarah Hamilton in the circle on her own. Who attacks with Tatiara’s defence scrambling back but unable to stop the sneaky goal as the 3rd quarter whistle blew. Dartmoor 1-0 going into the 4th quarter.
Both teams picked up the pass in hope to get a goal. Abbey drew a free in the attacking quarter, past to her mother who was bolting past, who sent it right of the post to Hannah who tapped it in behind the Brit Darts goalie. Levelling the score.
Again both teams gathered themselves, wanting to take the lead.
Elf ran the ball into the circle, fell to her knees in a desperate attempt to pass cross face, Elley popped in a deflection goal less than a second after a short corner was called. Tatiara failed to convert the short corner runs into a goal.
Shortly after Dartmoor, utlising escapee striker Sarah, popped another would-be goal, overturned for danger. Tatiara failed to capitalize on the confusion, with Dartmoor intercepting the 16 yard hit out.
Full time finished on a Dartmoor short corner. Teams took a few minutes to catch their breaths before overtime began. 4 quarters of 5 minutes. Momentum built over the first 3-4 minutes of each quarter, with no score and whistles stopping the play that was surely building to scoring opportunities. The final quarter ended on a Dartmoor short corner once again, with Darts failing to convert, Leisha Munro launching the ball out of defence to finish off the extra time.
Leading the teams into “one on one” shoot out.
Tatiara’s goal keeper was quick and nimble rejecting Dartmoor’s plays.
Best on Ground:- Olivia Williams (T)
In a highly anticipated and fiercely contested hockey grandfinal, Greenbottles emerged victorious, defeating Tatiara 2-0. The match, hosted in front of a roaring crowd, showcased the exceptional skills and determination of both teams, but it was Greenbottles who ultimately claimed the championship title.
Right from the start, Greenbottles displayed an outstanding level of teamwork and precision. Their offensive lineup of Matt McGregor Charlie Legoe and Cameron Taylor relentlessly pressured Tatiara’s defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Through strategic passes and impressive stick work, Greenbottles managed to unlock Tatiara’s defense, with Cameron Taylor scoring the first goal of the match.
Tatiara, however, fought back fiercely, refusing to be easily overcome. With an exceptional display of resilience, they created several counterattacks, attempting to level the playing field. Scott Copping and Henry Norcock of Greenbottles’ defense, stood strong, halting Tatiara’s attempts and maintaining their slim lead.
As the match progressed, Greenbottles continued to dominate the midfield with Henry Boord and Callum Carruthers Murray showcasing their relentless determination to gain possession of the ball. Tatiara battled valiantly, Nathan Pietsch and Brody Lock making every effort to regain control of the game, but they struggled to break through Greenbottles’ steadfast defense. The atmosphere in the stadium grew intense, with both teams giving their all in pursuit of victory.
Young guns Toby Boord, Archie Carruthers Murray and Harvey Zerk worked well on the wings pushing the ball forward.
Greens acquired their second goal through a short corner, by their go to striker Matt McGregor, who sent a sizzling ball to the right hand corner of the back board leaving Tatiara’s defense no chance of getting a stick or pads to it.
Third quarter had Tatiara on full attacking mode, moving the ball forward with impressive overheads, relentles forward pressure but unable to get the ball in the net.
In the final moments of the match, Greenbottles launched some impressive offensive maneuvers catching Tatiara off guard. With impeccable coordination and lightning-quick reflexes, Greenbottles executed single one touch passes of stunning play, narrowly missing the mark, and unable to put another score on the board.
As the final whistle blew, Greenbottles celebrated their 2-0 hard-fought victory, earning them back to back champions in the hockey grandfinal.
Best on Ground:- Henry Boord