A-grade: Top of the table teams Rovers and Amaroo faced off in the A-grade grand final. The game lived up to all expectations, a hard, tight, fight like all games played during the qualifying games. Rovers scored first through centre half Alyssa Davidson. Amaroo had their chances, dominating their attacking circle, defensively Rovers held them off in the first half. Mel Pullan for Amaroo was a tower of strength in the back line, stopping Rovers run on many occasions by reading the play and cutting off all attacking moves. Rovers went into half-time with a one-nil lead. The second half saw a determined Amaroo come out fighting. Shontae Burnett playing half back was making a number of positive plays for Amaroo. Amaroos' forwards were combining well and earned a short corner which was converted by Narelle Michalak, evening the score at one all. Both teams fought to gain the upper hand and both had numerous opportunities to score. The young players showed amazing skills and speed and they were combining well; Belle Ramshaw and Laura Crowe for Rovers and Chloe Townsend and Burnett for Amaroo. The game went into extra time golden goal; after 15 minutes of game time the score was still even making the teams go into flicks. After the completion of the first round of flicks the score was still even at three goals each making the second round of strokes becoming golden goal. Amaroo's first stroke missed, Rovers turn and they converted making Rovers Premiers for 2019. A fantastic game of hockey was played by both teams, very even and played in the best spirit; congratulations to all involved. Thanks to the umpires Steve and Jayden.
A-reserve: Like like the A-grade final, this was a clash of the two top of the ladder teams after qualifying games - Rovers and Mustangs. The game was being played between the two 25s early, with both teams trying to penetrate their attacking circles. Rovers were rewarded with a short corner; on the third attempt they scored from a trap by Caitlin Swan, who passed to the left to Shay Dewar who then converted. Not long after, Rovers scored their second goal from a hit wide outside the 25 that went through the circle and Hayley Bastow scored on the post. Mustangs didn't give up and they started to look for their centre forward in Chandler Sanford, whose pace and skill all season has been a threat. Kylie Burek, for Mustangs, was starting to put an influence on the game. The ball was delivered to Sanford who did a run up the field to put the ball in the back of the net. Score now was 2-1. Malinda Head for Mustangs was a rock in defence, stopping a number of Rovers' attacking moves. Before half-time, Rovers scored their third goal through Courtney Crowe, with a flick into goals. Mustangs goalie Jackie Lee was a tower of strength and has had a superb season and was unlucky not to save the goal. Rovers went into half-time with a 3-1 lead. Mustangs still had a lot in the tank. Players like Carly Forrest and Renae Pike were trying desperately to get their team into scoring opportunities. Rovers stable back line were proving hard to get around, with many attempts by Mustangs stopped. Tenae McDonald for Rovers scored the fourth goal, making it a 4-1 score line. With not enough time left on the clock, Rovers won the game and are Premiers for 2019. Many thanks to umpires Mel and Jo.
Intermediates: The grand final was played on September 17 between Rovers and Amaroo. Amaroo have done a rebuild this season and to their credit have a brilliant young team that, with more experience, will be a force to be reckoned with. Rovers, playing with 11 players and no goalie, combined incredibly well as a team. Belle Ramshaw for Rovers showed fantastic skills and included all her team mates by passing the ball around and giving them the opportunity to send Rovers into attack. Laura Crowe for Rovers was the dominant forward, whose pace and skill was a handful for the opposition. Chloe Townsend for Amaroo tried her hardest to get Amaroo into the game and make her team head in the right direction. Tara Read Wallis at full back for Amaroo was a rock and fought the game out to the best of her ability. Jordy David, playing in goals for Amaroo, took on the role towards the end of the season and what a fantastic job she did. Rovers' combination of older girls in Ramshaw, Samara Coverley, Imogen Williams, Morgan Becker, Laura Crowe, Payton Marley and Emily Williams steered and mentored their younger girls of Zoey Bury, Layne Marley, Sophie Bury and Lilly Smith in the right direction. This combination of older and younger girls worked extremely well as a team. Amaroo's older girls in Tara, Breea Pike, Kate Pinneri, Jordyn Humphryson, Jaide Read Wallis, Montana Cody White played a huge role in making the younger girls adapt to the Intermediate competition and preparing them for the future ahead. Amaroo's youngsters in David, Tayah White, Chloe Townsend, Grace Skoda, Amber Michael, Emily Davenport, Jayce Coverley and Emilea Shepherd all played a part in Amaroo's success this year. Congratulations to all the players who gave it their best and were all impressive with their skills, showing what a great future Collie girls hockey has. Rovers won the game 5-1 and were premiers for 2019. Thanks to umpires Sonya and Deonne. Full scores and award winners at colliemail.com.au
