By RICHARD PHILIP
THE scene is set for a Tweed Coast clean sweep in the first division hockey titles this year with Casuarina triumphing 2-0 in the women’s grand final on Saturday afternoon at Barrie Smith Hockey Field, Murwillumbah. The Kingscliff men also won their preliminary final to earn a grand final spot this weekend.
After a convincing 4-0 win over the Burringbar Falcons in Tweed Border Hockey’s major semi-final two weeks ago, Casuarina went into Saturday’s women’s final as the red-hot favourites. However you can never underestimate Falcons who were putting a lot of pressure on the defending premiers from early on and it looked like it could have been anyone’s game.
They were looking at their best with solid defence by Candis Henry and Petrea Martian and midfielder Stacy Butters, later named player of the match.
Casuarina still had quite a few goal-scoring opportunities with Casuarina Junior and Jillaroos player, 16-year-old Madison Fitzpatrick attempting her drag-flick on penalty corners.
Falcons’ goal-keeper, Carly Paron defended her goal well and managed to save these attempts which also inspired her team.
At half time, coach Sharon Buchanan, reinforced the game plan, the importance of persistence and patience were also emphasised. After the break the Casuarina girls went on to dominate the game. Ten minutes into the half during a scramble around their attacking circle, a penalty stroke was awarded and was converted by Madison Fitzpatrick.
Later Madison also made a great run from just over halfway to the right back line and slapped a centre pass across to Hannah Raftery who was positioned just off the left post. Hannah trapped and converted the goal securing the game 2-0 for Casuarina.
It was a big team performance for Casuarina – who are a mix of youth and experience. Fourteen-year-old Grace Pollock and 16-year-old Brook Hawkey also made some great attacking runs up front, penetrating through the Falcons’ defence on a number of occasions. Deb Dolan’s great trapping and tackling skills managed to negate any play that the Falcons attempted down their right side. Allie Farrell played a strong marking game and stopped many attempts by the Falcons attack before it made progress beyond the halfway. Her cross-field transfers were faultless. Another Junior, 15-year-old, Jade Prestwich played a great role in controlling the defence from her sweeper role. Jade plays with maturity and composure well beyond her years.
Casuarina also took the minor premiers trophy.
In Division Two, Waratahs defeated Murwillumbah in extra time after a two-all draw at full time. Best Player of grand final was Natasha Wybourne and player of the year Samantha Vien. Minor premiers went to Murwillumbah.
Division Three was an all Tweed Coast affair with Kingscliff Sinkers defeating Pottsville in extra time after a two-all draw at full-time. Best Player of the grand final was Kimberly Hull of Pottsville and player of the year was Louise Grace. Minor premiers were Kingscliff Sinkers.
The Junior Under-16 girls saw an extra- time win to Kingscliff Dolphins 2-1 while in the Under 13s it was 4-2 to Casurina Black. In the Under 11 there was a 2-0 win to Kingscliff Pippies
The Harcourt Hockey League, Division 1 Men’s finals saw a very close encounter between Kingscliff Stingers and the Central Comets despite a 6-2 scoreline to Kingscliff. It was a fast game with both teams going into attack mode but it was Kingscliff who went to the break 1-0 up.
The second half was the same until Kingscliff turned up the heat and scored five more unanswered goals in 15 minutes to have a 6-0 lead with 10 minutes remaining – three to Henry Prichard, two to Brad Julis and one to Andrew Ridgway. Murwillumbah got two late goals to Ryan Farrell to end their year with a 6-2 loss but it was a great season for this bunch of guys.
This weekend sees the final hockey matches for the 2013 as the junior boys and senior men play their grand finals in Murwillumbah.
On Saturday at 8.30am it’s Under-11 boys with Warapots playing Casuarina. At 9.45am it’s Under-13 boys Warapots v Casurina and at 11.00am the Under-16 boys Casurina v Murkings.
The seniors start at 12.45pm with Division Two men Murwillumbah against Casaurina and at 2.30pm Division Three Murwillumbah play Waratahs and then the main event of the year, Division One men in the Harcourt Hockey League, it’s minor premiers Waratah Bobcats against Kingscliff Stingers at 4.15pm.
Waratahs are: Mitchel Paron, Josh Alcorn, Adam Guest, Mark Irby, Dewayne Newell , Captain/Coach Tim Willis, Dean Stanfield, Todd Stanfield, Kerin Walker, Brad Frappel, Lucas King, Alex Hetherington, Matt Williams, Jayden Dixon.
Kingscliff are: Sam Loskoski, Troy Tagget, Corey Gleeve, Steve Liefiels, Captain Henrey Prichard, Joe Prichard, Callum Gall, Andrew Ridgway, Marcus Holt, Chris Faye, Jordan Wilson, Breydon Todd, Brad Julis and Martin Shang.
All six grand finals will all be played in Murwillumbah at the International Hockey Field and complex, admission is free with canteen and bar facilities. Sure to be a large crowd and a great day of fast entertainment.
