Southern River Hockey Club

The Hawks Vets side travelled to Stevens Reserve in Fremantle last Saturday to take on Westside Wolves in the 2008 Grand Final. As the team began to assemble in fine clear conditions, it was obvious that these players were here to take home the Premiership. The ground condition was perfect and all was set for an epic battle. These two sides had been the best two teams in the competition so it was only fitting that they met in the final game of the year. We were even priveleged to have two WAHA umpires so all was in readiness for the match.
Wolves started the match at a frenetic pace and the Hawks back line was under immense pressure. The brilliance of goal keeper Dave Vanderputt was evident as he continually thwarted the opposition attacks and with Len Davies and Dave Frost cleaning up in the last line of defence the Hawks held the Wolves forwards at bay. As the match wore on it was apparent that nerves were playing a part of the Hawks midfield as several errant passes caused the forward thrusts to break down and put the pressure back on to our defence. As half time approached, a shift in the momentum began to become clear as half backs Barry Vanderputt, Colin Stewart, Jeff Anderson and Steve Airey began to take control. Some powerful running from forwards Paul Dixie, Phil Hewton and Rat allowed the free wheeling John Heath, John Trent and Mike Nicholas to start to build pressure on the Wolves defence. As half time approached, Hawks mounted an impressive attack that began in the midfield and after a series of passes as they approached the goal, a powerful cross from the right saw Mike Nicholas in the perfect position to beat the Wolves goal keeper and with jubilation slotted the much needed goal. The whistle sounded for half time immediately.

The second half was an intense battle as the Hawks were determined not to rest on their laurels and controlled much of the play in search of a second goal. Several near misses from John Trent and John Heath continually kept Wolves under pressure. Captain Lloyd Jones, on the comeback trail all year following serious injury, took to the field and his experience and guile was evident as he assisted in many midfield build ups. The game ebbed and flowed with the Hawks defence repelling the Wolves desperate attempts to score the equalizer. As the countdown began it was clear that the Hawks Vets team had withstood all challenges and were about to become champions. As the final whistle sounded scenes of jubilation followed and all players were ecstatic with the result. A great effort from a band of warriors who had set the pace all year and deserved the taste of glory. Special mention to Trevor Dayman for umpiring during the season.