UGSHA 2024: All Blacks and Woodanilling claimed senior grand final wins, Pumas and Eagles on top in juniors

The first opponents to step out on to the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre turf were All Blacks and Robins in a tough match in Saturday’s 2024 Upper Great Southern Hockey Association grand final. The game remained 0-0 as both sides refused to let the other score, forcing extra time in the women’s B-grade decider. All Blacks continued to crunch Robins’ penalty corners, racing to the ball before they had a chance to take a shot at goals. All Blacks started with the ball in the first round of extra time but were wasteful with their upper hand. Robins felt the pressure of finals when wing Crystal Edwards took a high ball to the wrist at close range, forcing her out of the game, and centre Collen Edwards followed shortly after with an ankle fracture. Mariah Edwards had an inspiring second effort, intercepting the All Blacks’ pass and launching down to the Robins’ attacking circle. Unfortunately, Tanya Phillips in goals mirrored Edwards’ energy and stopped the chance. The tension was high during the teams’ huddle before the nominated five players from each side walked on for one-on-one shootouts. Lilly Simkins took the first unsuccessful shot for Robins, while All Blacks’ Justine Slater lured goalkeeper Janice Sieber off her line and hit a clear shot into the net. This was followed by a second goal by Sharon Ward, putting All Blacks in the lead. Leah Sieber challenged the score by earning Robins their first goal, but All Blacks celebrated their 2-1 triumph in the end as Abbey Page was named most valuable player. Woodanilling were the stronger side when they faced Williams in the men’s B-grade grand final, dominating the first half of the game as they created a 2-0 margin early on with swift, skilful goals by Brad Garstone from a penalty corner, and Graham Treloar. Williams’ drive began a little too strongly, with Michael Cowcher given a green card in the first few minutes of the quarter. Damian Shackley scored Woodanilling’s third goal, while Williams’ Oli Harding was green-carded. Williams took their advantage as their opponents became sloppy, running into Woodanilling’s poor tackles to earn penalties and a clearer set-up by their goals. Oli Harding and Michael Cowcher scored, but their efforts were too late, and Woodanilling took the 3-2 victory. Logan Coiker was named most valuable player as Williams’ goalkeeper. The juniors grand finals on Thursday night had Triple M Middle School team the Pumas claim the premiership title despite it being 1-1 at full-time against the Leopards. Pumas took on a new fight heading into extra time, quickly scoring their second goal for the win. Thomas Woodruff was named MVP. The Eagles from the Triple M Upper School competition claimed the premiership plaque after a 3-1 grand final blitz over the Vultures. Chloe Kellow accepted the MVP award.