Saturday September 16 is shaping up for a big day of hockey. With the welcome return of a 3rd Grade men’s competition, there will be three men’s and three women’s grand finals to be fought out at the Grafton Hockey Centre.
The men’s 3rd Grade will open the day with a 12-midday hit off, with Sailors White playing Barbs Plunderers. These teams have been very evenly matched in the latter part of the season, so should be a close one.
The women’s 3rd Grade take the field at 12.30, with Old Stars taking on Clarence Coast. Both these teams have been in great form this season. On head to heads, it’s 3 to 0 to Old Stars, but games have been very close, with only a goal in it on their last meet in the major semifinal. Expect a close game, but Old Stars experience might bring them the win.
Next up at 1.20pm will be Sailors Piers Pressure playing for the women’s 2nd Grade Premiership against Royals Originals. These teams met in the major semifinal, with Sailors narrowly taking the win, so expect another tight one.
City Bears Village Green take on Royals Celtics in the men’s 2nd Grade grand final at 2.40. Bears have a young side and have finished strongly, but Royals have a good mix of youth and experience so this will be a very exciting one to watch.
Coffs Crusaders will be looking to retain the premiership when they play Royals McAuley in the women’s 1st Grade grand final at 4pm. This is a rematch of the major semifinal, but Royals McAuley will be hoping to reverse that result and take the win.
The headliner of the day will see City Bears Ray White TKG men meet minor premiers Royals Clocktower in the men’s 1st Grade grand final at 5.20pm. Royals had a dominant win over Bears in the major semi, but should not be complacent, as Bears have taken 2 wins from them this season. This should be a great finish to a big day of hockey, so make sure to head down to the Grafton Hockey centre on Saturday.
Angie Day