COLERAINE Bulls are the Glenelg Region Hockey Association (GRHA) Men’s Division 1 premiers after grinding out a tough victory against Couldabeens at Pedrina Park on Saturday, 1-0.

On a very cool afternoon, the GRHA celebrated its 2022 season with some stunning skill work from the players, as the best two teams in the competition met head on.

The Bulls entered the game as minor premiers, not having lost for the season with a record of 10 wins and three draws, while the Couldabeens finished the season third with seven wins, four losses and two draws.

In the two matches between these teams during the season, there wasn’t a winner, as both games ended in draws, and with plenty of goals scored in those meetings the big crowd on hand were expecting more of the same.

The teams started quickly and soon became obvious that defence was going to win the day, as both backlines repelled each attacking raid.

The teams tried to find a path to goal with precision passing, but the opposition chopped off all promising raids to send the ball back up field time and again at each end.

The score remained 0-0 through the first two quarters despite the best efforts of both teams to remedy the situation, and the teams took to their respective huddles looking for guidance from their coaches.

Bulls captain, Mark Jarvis, was determined to break the deadlock and he did so just after the resumption with what would be the only goal of the game, finding the back of the net with a lovely piece of stick work.

“That was a hard battle, and it was a low-scoring, low-opportunity game with few shots, as we only had those few penalty corners and a couple of other shots,” Jarvis said.

“We were undefeated all year and to win today, 1-0 was a credit to both teams and the way each played the game.

“We have been working hard on our back passing and switching all season and that work came off today.

“We have had great games with Couldabeens all season long, with the two draws and I really didn’t know how we would go today.

“Our entire team played well today with the backline especially working well together as they fed the forwards, and I thought Fergus Roberts and Peter Musson both played well for Couldabeens.

“Since the new field was laid, we haven’t missed playing in the grand final and with Coleraine winning four of the six available premierships this weekend, it’s been a very successful season for the club.”

Harry Brown was awarded the player of the match medal for another great game from the teenager.

Women’s Division 1

COLERAINE had to wait well after the final whistle sounded in the GRHA Women’s Division 1 grand final to be crowned premiers, as Dunkeld Red took the minor premiers all the way but ultimately went down, 3-2, after a thrilling shootout to decide the victor.

Dunkeld Red entered the game looking to claim the premiership as well as the wooden spoon in the same season, after sitting at the base of the four-team competition all season.

They won their way through to the grand final with some splendid performances against Dunkeld Blue and College Thundersticks to earn the right to challenge the might of the minor premiers.

Goals were scored at each end by both teams and at the full time whistle the score stood at 2-2.

Lexie Northcott and Coby Brewis netted for Coleraine, while Dunkeld replied through Elle Moyle and Joanna Macleod to leave the crowd in anticipation for the shootout.

A hockey shootout allows for a one-on-one contest between the goalkeeper and a player with the player having eight-seconds to shoot for a goal to be counted and at the end of five attempts from each team the score was still tied.

This meant that each team would continue to take attempts until one team misses and Coleraine sent captain, Portia Northcott, up first and she duly netted her attempt, but Karla Northcott (Coleraine goalkeeper) saved the Dunkeld Red’s effort to claim the title and begin the celebrations.

“Every year we have been coming second, so to win this year is a wonderful achievement,” Coleraine skipper, Portia Northcott said.

“Paige Kissel has been our number one star this season and she again played well here today.

“We have been together for four years and we know each other’s game inside and out, which has helped us form a great team.

“Emma Lewis played beautifully and had great control of the ball as she caused us problems every time she had possession, and she deserved her win of the player of the match award.”

Other grades

THE Women’s Division 2 grand final was a high-scoring affair, as Demons overcame a determined Scorchers, 5-4.

COLLEGE hockey club couldn’t help but celebrate after the Division 4 decider with both teams in the big game representing the club as Tassie Devils and Bandicoots took to the field searching for the title.

In the end it was a runaway win for Tassie Devils, as they sent the ball into the back of the net on seven occasions while only allowing two goals in return.

COLERAINE Maroon has upset Division 5 minor premier, Dunkeld, with a 1-0 victory on Saturday morning.

Dunkeld had the measure of the Maroons team all season with victory in all three of the games played between these teams but fell at the final hurdle in a gripping match.

COLERAINE began the grand final weekend celebrations early with victory over the Polar Bears on Friday night in the 16-and-Under GRHA Grand Final, 3-1, to remain undefeated for the 2022 season.