Norths coach Dave Willott said he was both "pleased" and "relieved" for the Blues to make next weekend's "big dance" after beating minor premiers and two-time defending champions Gosford in a penalty shootout.
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In a dramatic Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League major semi-final, Norths prevailed 4-2 in the shootout after goalkeeper Eamon Smith made two saves on the Central Coast on Sunday.
This followed two scoreless periods of golden goal extra-time, six minutes each in duration featuring drop-off to nine players and then seven.
Regular time ended at 2-all when Gosford equalised after the full-time siren courtesy of Rhiley Carr's second goal. Carr had earlier opened the scoring before Norths' Ky Willott levelled proceedings at 1-all. Shaun Frazer put Norths ahead 2-1.
"I thought we played well in a tight game," coach Willott said.
Norths progress to the September 21 decider while Gosford now meet Wests in this weekend's preliminary final.
Wests accounted for Maitland 1-0 in Sunday's minor semi-final at Newcastle with Lachlan Carey netting the winner in extra-time.
In the Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league, chart toppers Souths advanced to the 2019 title showdown after Teyjah Abel broke a 0-all deadlock with Oxfords in the major semi-final at Broadmeadow on Saturday courtesy of a goal in the last minute of extra-time.
Oxfords now face Gosford, who edged out Erina-Avoca Beach 3-2 in Saturday's minor semi-final at Wyong.