Preliminary Finals – Season 2024
Greenbottles White v Greenbottles Green
The intensity was palpable as Green scored first through Henry Evans but the goal was quickly matched by White’s Eliza Withers. Plenty of back-and-forth play followed with both teams displaying abundant skill and grit. Henry Fry, capably assisted by his crew, scored for Green and it appeared that the deal was sealed until the last minute when a series of short corners resulted in Alice Fry cracking one through for White to level the score.
The match was so evenly contested, that with the two-all score at full time, not only was extra time called for but one-on-ones were then required as well. The nominated players each battled with the opposition goalie for a maximum of eight seconds and an outcome was finally reached as Henry Fry, Harriet Waters and Winnie Schinckel all scored for Green compared to just Eliza Withers for White. Toby Holden-Young – normally a field player – deserves praise for stepping-up as White’s goalie when his older brother unfortunately had to come off at half time.
It was a bitter sweet win for Greenbottles Green as their training peers and fellow club members bow out of the competition. Both teams ought to be congratulated on their determination and sportsmanship in such a competitive yet good-natured match. A big shout out must go to Alice Fry, Elle Copping and Lachie Withers for mustering up the energy to play after spending a week in Cairns representing SA at the U12 national hockey championships.
Greenbottles v Tatiara
The game gets underway and Greenbottles take charge with Jada running up the field and scoring their first goal, with only 20 seconds gone from the timer.
Tatiara fighting back with great attacking press but unfortunate to lose it to Greenbottles, Jada, with a great intercept. Maintaining possession she brings it back down the field, going head to head with GK, Piper for Tatiara. Piper hot on her feet as she kicks it out the circle and clears it.
Tatiara get their first short corner of the game, forced by Oisin but was not successful. The game is evenly matched with the ball going end to end. Bill and Oisin have a clear run down the side of the field, working together with short passes. A quick break for Greenbottles, a wide pass down into the circle hold them up to be able to get a penalty corner. A quick turn around and Tatiara force not 1 but 3 penalty corners, one after the other but were unable to convert.
Greenbottles starting the second quarter off nice and strong with Jim switching play across the field. Henry not long after collects the ball and works his skills into the circle, but tats GK, Piper straight out at him clearing the ball right out.
Greenbottles maintaining pressure but Tatiara pushing the ball down the field with Finn dribbling around the circle, he lines up a clear shot on goal putting Tatiara on the board. Keeping the intensity, Tats force a short with a strong drive into the circle, once again by Finn. A strong hit from Michael but just misses inches away from the goals.
Archie from Greenbottles maintains great control and clears it out of their defensive end. They still hold the ball and bring it straight up Tats defence and are awarded their first short for the game. Unsuccessful with the ball just dribbling over the base line, leaving everyone biting their nails!
Persevering with the fire in their belly’s, Greenbottles bring it back into the circle for another short corner just as the half time whistle goes, as its injected an unlucky wide ball leaves them with no score.
The second half get underway and Scarlett from Tatiara, runs down the field, has a nice pass off to Oisin on the wing. He runs onto it into the circle and connects with the ball and it goes straight into the left corner of the goal.
Greenbottles fighting back hard, forcing it into Tats attacking circle with Jada slamming another goal, putting another goal to her name. Both teams are fired up, the adrenaline pumping. The ball going up and down the pitch, showing off great skills and great plays.
Greenbottles get 2 short corners, one after the other, Harriet just topping the ball making it bounce over the backline. Michael floating in the middle for Tats backing up play exceptionally. Oisin creating a short corner which lead to another but with a miss trap at the top, tats set up for a 16 yard hit.
Greenbottles on a roll down the field with Lachie having a shot on goal but unable to convert. If you didn’t know this could’ve easily been a game of tennis, the ball makes its way back into Tatiara’s attacking circle. Finn with a beautiful back stick slap, he manages to get it through Greenbottles GK, Jack’s legs, putting Tatiara on top. The pressure that Greenbottles are holding in defence is outstanding.
The sun is starting to shine and both teams aren’t letting the heat get to them, Jada is hot on the ball with a fast break down the field but stopped by Oisin. A tussle between Toby and Michael puts them both on the ground but help each other up and push on.
Greenbottles with possession in their attacking circle, Tatiara holding tight with a quick break that was shortly turned around. Tom with a stretch to clear Tatiara’s defensive circle, he overheads a pass from the 16 to take the ball down the other end of the pitch.
Oisin taking the ball down, drives the ball into space after using his skills to pass to Finn into the circle, who unfortunately misses. Lachie using his skills to get around the taller players in the Tats defence. Not long after, Jada with the space of the whole attacking half gets it around the defenders, with a short awarded from a high ball. Tom clears it out wide.
Greenbottles eager to get another goal, they maintain possession and pressure. Persevering with one another, they are awarded another short corner. With everyone on the edge of their seats, Toby lines up for a goal, takes the shot but gets deflected off a Tats stick into the GK, it clips her glove and finds its way into the back of the goals. The crowd goes absolutely nuts for them.
Tatiara straight on it and brings the ball back down the field and holds it in their attacking half. The final whistle goes and both teams ready to go again for extra time.
Extra time starts and Tatiara takes off with the ball, Greenbottles right up in their faces with pressure to turn it around. Eliza for Greenbottles has a great run down the field with a received pass from Jada but unable to keep the flow going with Tats defence stopping her in her tracks.
Tatiara fighting back, taking the ball back down the other end but unable to keep possession as Lachie runs back down the field, turned over by Tom in defence. Shortly after, Jada has a shot on goal but GK, Piper runs out and gets the ball out of the circle but Greenbottles push it back in, creating a short just as the whistle goes to swap ends.
Finn in the right spot for Tats is unable to execute a clearance, Greenbottles are awarded another 2 shorts, one after the other. Well defended by Tom the ball escapes the circle and they swap ends immediately.
Michael driving the ball right down to the circle, Greenbottles unable to stop him with an unlucky trap causing a short for Tatiara. The short commences, Michael with clear shot on goal, he slots it right in, giving Tatiara the win to take them through to the Grand Final next week.
Dartmoor v Greenbottles – Women
In an exhilarating preliminary final clash, Dartmoor faced off against Greenbottles with a spot in the grand final on the line. The last encounter between these two teams saw Greenbottles emerge victorious, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
Dartmoor began the game with a burst of intensity, immediately putting Greenbottles’ defence under pressure. Their aggressive start paid off when a well-executed short corner led to the opening goal. Dartmoor maintained their momentum, and another short corner shortly after saw them double their lead.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Greenbottles responded with renewed vigour. They dominated the quarter, forcing Dartmoor’s goalkeeper into several crucial saves. Greenbottles’ persistent efforts eventually paid off, resulting in their first goal and narrowing the gap.
The third quarter was marked by a balanced contest, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Despite several opportunities for both sides, neither team could capitalise on their chances, keeping the scoreline unchanged.
In the final quarter, Dartmoor came out with determination, utilising their short passing game to maintain possession and control. Greenbottles, undeterred, launched a series of aggressive attacks, but Dartmoor’s resolute defence held firm.
The match concluded with Dartmoor securing a narrow victory in a hard-fought battle. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making it a thrilling encounter. Dartmoor will advance to the grand final next week, while Greenbottles can hold their heads high after a commendable performance.
Redlegs v Dartmoor – Men
In warm conditions Redlegs and Dartmoor faced off in a preliminary final to secure a spot in the Grand final. In the first quarter Redlegs were doing the majority of the attacking, being able to slot a goal midway through the first quarter. Dartmoor were able to hit back almost immediately and score a goal to level it up in the first quarter.
In the second it was a good contest with both teams passing well and setting many good forward attacks. Once again Reds were able to break through to score and again Dartmoor almost answered immediately to once level the score at half time.
The third term was again a good contest with both teams attacking. Reds again were pushing hard and were able to slot 2 past the defence to end the third quarter 2 goals in front.
The fourth quarter was a tense battle with both teams pushing hard trying secure a spot in the grand final. Dartmoor were able to break through Reds defence one last time but unable find the equalising goal going 4-3 in tight contest.
Grand Finals – Saturday, 31st August
10.00am – Under 13 – Dartmoor v Greenbottles Green
11.30am – Under 16 – Dartmoor v Tatiara
12.30pm – Junior Presentations
1.00pm – Under 9 – All teams – mini tournament
2.00pm – Women – Tatiara v Dartmoor
3.30pm – Men – Greenbottles v Redlegs
5.00pm – Senior Presentations
* Please note that some game times may be a little later than scheduled if extra time is required for the previous match.
Publicity – Winning teams