Norths have qualified for their ninth straight Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League decider after accounting for arch rivals Souths in Sunday’s preliminary final.
After going to the main break at 0-all, the Blues netted three second half goals en route to a 3-1 victory at Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
Dane Pettitt opened the scoring in the 44th minute to give Norths a 1-0 lead before Rory Walker doubled the advantage via a penalty stroke eight minutes later.
Australian Schoolboys representative Ky Willott put the result beyond doubt for the Blues with five minutes remaining on the clock.
Souths’ Andrew Nash scored a consolation goal in the closing stages.
The Lions have now been beaten in three consecutive preliminary finals. Norths last missed a decider in 2009.
The Blues will be up against defending champions and minor premiers Gosford in Newcastle on Sunday (2:30pm). It is a repeat of the previous three title showdowns.
