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Grand final match-ups set after thrilling preliminary finals in Geraldton Hockey Association

Derek GoforthGeraldton Guardian
Action from the prelim finals.
Camera IconAction from the prelim finals. Credit: Derek Goforth/Derek Goforth

The Geraldton Hockey Association preliminary finals on Friday night brought intense competition as teams fought for a spot in the 2024 grand finals.

In the women’s A-grade, Australs edged out Saints 1-0 in a fiercely contested match.

With the scores tied and just seven minutes remaining, Australs applied pressure during a short corner and Hayley Gibson capitalised on a rebound to score the decisive goal.

Saints, missing the leadership and skill of Belinda Burrows due to a knee injury in the semifinal, were unable to recover.

Australs’ defence, led by goalkeeper Jaimee Wheatley, was the key in shutting down Saints’ attempts.

The men’s A-grade clash between Saints and Casuals ended in a 3-1 victory for Saints.

Casuals struck first, with Brad Delane finishing off a reverse stick pass from behind halfway. However, Saints quickly equalised through Tim Negri, followed by goals from Will McKay and Zac McGowan.

Despite multiple short corners and shots on goal, Casuals could not break through Saints’ defence.

Saints’ win secures their spot in the grand final against Rovers, marking an impressive turnaround for a team that couldn’t field an A-grade side just three years ago.

In the women’s reserves, Saints dominated Australs with a commanding 3-0 victory. Liz Watters, Carly Wood and Chelsea Bardburn found the back of the net, securing a place for Saints in the grand final, where they will face Yacht Club Gold.

The men’s reserve match saw Casuals overcome Rovers in a thrilling 5-3 contest.

Casuals led 2-1 at half-time, but Rovers came out strong in the second half, firing in two quick goals to take the lead. However, Casuals dug deep and responded with three goals of their own to clinch the victory.

Rovers’ goals came from Nik Valenti, who netted two, and Alex Breytenbach with one. For Casuals, Daniel Golding, Enan Hann, Rhys Allen, Kieren Marsden and Will Bateman were the scorers, propelling their team to a grand final showdown against Australs.

Looking ahead to the grand finals on Saturday, in the women’s A-grade, Cardinals will meet Australs, with Australs hoping it’s third time lucky after being beaten by Cardinals both in the final season round and the semifinal.

In the highly anticipated men’s A-grade final, Rovers will battle Saints.

Saints will face Yacht Club Gold in the women’s reserves decider, while Australs take on Casuals in the men’s reserve.

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