University captain Murray Bennett was "riding the high" after scoring a last-ditch, match-winning goal to break the club's three-year losing drought in the Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League.
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The NSW Country representative converted a penalty corner with a drag flick after full-time to seal the 2-1 victory over Wests at Newcastle International Hockey Centre (NIHC) on Thursday night.
Seapigs officials were left researching the team's previous success in the men's competition and it came against the same opponents in 2017.
"It was definitely special. The bench swamped the field afterwards which was a great feeling," Bennett said.
"It was only the second game we've won in four-and-a-half years so it was a nice reward for the guys who have hung around during that time and stuck at it."
Declan Waters opened University's account with a field goal after five minutes. Blake Hinton levelled proceedings for Wests in the 49th minute. A penalty corner was awarded with 20 seconds left and Bennett finished the job after the siren.
The Seapigs (4 points) jump into fourth spot on the ladder and could make next month's semi-finals depending on how Wests (2), who have the bye this round, fare in their remaining two games.
University, minus Brad Fletcher, now face unbeaten leaders Gosford at Central Coast Hockey Park on Sunday (12pm). Second-placed Souths welcome back Seb Rollings (ankle) from injury for Sunday's clash with third-placed Norths at NIHC (3pm).
In the Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league and at least five Gosford players will back up from Central Coast grand finals earlier on Saturday when hosting Regals (4:30pm). Kim Tuckwell is missing for frontrunners Oxfords against Tigers (12:30am) while Central meet Uni (1:45pm). Souths have the bye.
HCPHL LADDER: Gosford 18; Souths 14; Norths 10; University 4; Wests 2.
NDWHA LADDER: Oxfords 17; Regals, Gosford 16; Souths 14; Tigers, Central 13; University 7.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
