Semi-Finals – Season 2024
Greenbottles White vs Dartmoor – Under 13
It was top placed Greenbottles White taking on second placed Dartmoor in the U13 qualifying final. With rain threatening to fall, Darts came out strongly pushing the ball into their attack but were kept at bay by the Greens defenders. A very even first quarter played out with no score.
The second quarter saw Greens engage in some attacking runs of their own but the experienced Dartmoor defence denied them. Dartmoor’s great team play and short passing out wide eventually paid off with the first score of the day giving them a slender lead.
The “older” Dartmoor heads were supported well by their younger brigade and whilst the Greens line-up continued to push and challenge, it was one way traffic as Eddie Dolphin ended his game with 3 goals and a single goal to Cooper Foale. Greens certainly did not lack in effort and pushed hard for the whole game, running the ball well and ensuring they made it a hard fought game.
Greenbottles Green vs Kingston/Lucindale – Under 13
Greenbottles dominated early and Henry ‘Chippy’ Fry scored the first of many on their tally. As the quarter progressed, play settled and despite several tries from both teams, including a short for Kingston/Lucindale, Fry was the only player to score again that term.
Greenbottles gelled well to regain control, and forced a few short corners of their own. Harriet Waters scored a neat goal from one and later found the goals again with a clean hit past goalie John Clothier, who otherwise made some excellent saves. It was heartening to watch the older Greenbottles players confidently utilise their younger budding teammates.
A highlight of the game was Greenbottles’ Henry Evans fighting for the ball on the wing and rewarding himself with a magnificent goal, which helped solidify Greenbottles’ win. K/L’s persistence was unwavering; they constantly turned-over play and pressured Greenbottles’ defence and were unlucky not to score.
Dartmoor vs Greenbottles – Under 16
In the semi-final match between Dartmoor and Greenbottles, the first quarter was marked by strong defensive play from Greenbottles. Their defense effectively thwarted Dartmoor’s attacking efforts, preventing them many times from scoring.
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as Dartmoor began to exploit gaps in Greenbottles’ defence. Their persistent pressure eventually paid off, resulting in a couple of well-executed goals past the Greenbottles goalkeeper. However, a swift play by Greenbottles led to a penalty corner, which they utilised effectively to score their first goal, narrowing the gap.
During the third quarter, both teams engaged in intense midfield battles, with Dartmoor continuing to push forward and capitalise on their attacking opportunities. Dartmoor managed to score additional goals, but Greenbottles’ defense remained resolute, with their goalkeeper and fullbacks making several crucial saves to limit further damage.
In the final quarter, Greenbottles mounted a determined effort to counter Dartmoor’s advances, pushing hard to disrupt their attacking flow. Despite their relentless attempts and tactical adjustments, they were unable to prevent Dartmoor from scoring more goals. Overall, it was a compelling match, with both teams demonstrating skill and perseverance throughout.
Tatiara vs Redlegs – Under 16
Tatiara scored in the first 10 minutes through a sneaky post rebound by Hannah Harkness. Redlegs scored soon after with a lovely tap in by Madric Brennan. Both sides then had equal play throughout the game.
Redlegs were passing well to Seth Gale at centre who calmly passed out wide demonstrating mature use of the ball. Redlegs penetrated the circle on quite a few occasions with excellent shots on goals. Tatiara defence was very good. Tom Gill for Tatiara directed the ball well numerous times.
Great team play by Tatiara saw 5 more goals scored over the remainder of the game with another to Hannah Harkness. Oisin Gill-O’Donovan, Zach Hutson and Finn Quilter. The standard of skills at this under 16 level is outstanding and a pleasure to watch. Tatiara will now play Greenbottles next weekend.
Dartmoor vs Tatiara – Women
Tatiara strong from the starting blocks. Imogen Williams (T) strong hit deflected in past Dartmoor’s goalie, Brittany Chaston in the first 2 minutes of the game.
Putting Tatiara on the fore foot for the full 4 quarters.
An extremely well matched 2 teams, for the whole game. Darts were pushing Tatiara hard into playing very defensive. In the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter Grace Gale (D) scores to send both teams into a golden goal extra time play.
It was like the battle of the titans and no team was going to let the other score in this extra time. So Amanda Edwards and Andrew Doecke (sibling umpires) took the one on ones position. Each team nervously used all five nominated players to fight it out, in an 8 second battle. 1 x Player and 1 x goalie only per run. Leaving the final score 1(3) vs 1 (2), sending Tatiara straight to the 2024 grand-final and Dartmoor to the prelims on Saturday afternoon against Greenbottles.
This semi final game was a déjà vu game that replicated the 2023 grand final game.
Greenbottles vs Kingston/Lucindale – Women
Energy ran high on Saturday as the Greenbottles faced off against Kingston/Lucindale Rangers in a tense Elimination Final. Both teams came out strong, knowing that only a win would keep their season alive.
The Greenbottles struck first with a beautifully executed goal by Anna McGregor, capitalizing on a short corner. This was swiftly followed by a second goal in similar fashion, with Lucy Possingham and Jada Copping injecting the ball with precision.
Kingston/Lucindale Rangers, led by Nicola Turner and Sile Legoe, responded with determination. Their quick runs through the middle of the field resulted in a short corner, and Sile managed to break through the Greenbottles’ defence to score, intensifying the pressure.
As the final quarter unfolded, both teams were eager to secure the goal that would extend their season. Ultimately, it was Greenbottles who succeeded, with Tillie Derrington scoring off another well-executed short corner.
Both teams are to be commended for their efforts. The Greenbottles’ defence, anchored by Phoebe Yates and Leisha Munro, worked tirelessly to protect their lead, while Harriet Waters consistently delivered the ball to an ever-ready forward line, setting up repeated attacks.
Greenbottles vs Redlegs – Men
The semi final between 1 and 2, set to be played between Redlegs, who were the early flag favourites, and Greens who have come from nowhere, to take out the minor premiers.
Redlegs unfortunately were starting on the back foot with their usual abundant bench missing while Greenbottles missing bench was overflowing with many enthusiastic bench warmers.
Within the first quarter Redlegs made some costly mistakes with turnovers providing Greens a 2-0 lead by striker Matt McGregor. Reds regrouped, but McGregor was once again on fire and slotted another past Reds determined defenders to make it 3-0 by half time.
The fast-paced game made for some excellent passages of play with determination from both teams. With Jacob & Buzz trying to take control of the midfield and aided by Tyrone, Redlegs tried to get back into the game but Greenbottles defence and young midfielders kept repelling their attacks.
Greens young striker Cameron Taylor proved to his teammates that it was worth the trip down from Adelaide by displaying a brilliant individual passage of play of a skilful solo effort to put the score 4-0.
Redlegs performed a textbook drag flick goal at the final whistle to secure themselves a consolation goal, too little too late for this game.
Greens looking forward to a week off before the Grand Final with Reds getting a second chance next week by playing Dartmoor in the Preliminary Final.
Dartmoor vs Kingston/Lucindale – Men
In an exhilarating semi-final that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Dartmoor emerged victorious over Kingston/Lucindale in a thrilling nail-biter. The match, which was a crucial elimination final, showcased the high stakes and intensity traditionally associated with such pivotal games.
From the outset, both teams displayed remarkable skill and determination. Each team scoring and then the other countering it. The score was 2-2 as the clock wound down and the tension escalated, Dartmoor rallied and found a gap in Kingston/Lucindale’s defence for a 3-2 victory!
Credit must be given to Kingston/Lucindale for their hard-fought battle, pushing Dartmoor to their limits and showing tremendous character all the way to the end. Both teams are to be applauded for their skills, sportsmanship, and the memorable hockey display they provided to the fans.
Preliminary Finals – Saturday, 24th August
10.30am – Under 13 – Greenbottles White v Greenbottles Green
12.00pm – Under 16 – Greenbottles v Tatiara
1.30pm – Men – Redlegs v Dartmoor
3.00pm – Women – Dartmoor v Greenbottles
Canteen/Bar duty
Redlegs & Greenbottles
Publicity – Winning teams