Gosford created a slice of history in Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league but grand final opponents Tigers almost stole the show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Magpies claimed their maiden title after a 3-2 win over fast-finishing Tigers, who scored twice in the closing stages and had a third goal denied by the keeper with less than a minute remaining in Saturday's decider at Newcastle International Hockey Centre.
MORE IN SPORT:
- Norths rally late to beat Gosford in epic final: Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League
- Hamilton steamroll Wanderers to set up shot at record sixth Hunter Rugby Union title
- Knights backing 17-year-old Jesse Southwell for World Cup call-up
- Hunter all-rounder Grant Stewart strikes as Kent clinch English one-day title
- Knights searching for experienced assistant coach: NRL
Gosford coach Gav Drennan was proud of sealing a minor-major premiership double, bouncing back from a narrow loss in the 2020 showdown and hoping to see the young squad continue building.
"That loss a couple of years ago and not being able to play last year [COVID] when we were in good shape, it's a really good result for us," Drennan said.
"A lot of the girls are under 21 so hopefully we can build on that."
Gosford opened the scoring in the second quarter via Jess Newman, who was free in the circle and found the back of the net.
Summer Tancred doubled the Magpies' lead just after half-time, knocking home a loose ball following a strong run.
Player of the final Ella Carr made it 3-0 at the start of the last quarter, taking advantage after Tigers pulled their goalie.
Tigers, however, refused to give up with Charlotte Tarleton converting a short corner and Bianca Cheetham reducing the margin to one with around 90 seconds left. Cheetham's next effort was denied.
"We just let them get out too far. We were a bit flat. But geez we came back," Tigers coach Jackie Porter-Kay said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News