The Goulburn Valley Hockey Association had grand finals contested in the men’s and women’s B-grade before the A-grade decider took centre stage on Saturday.
SYC and Strikers were first up in the men’s B-grade finale on a day Strikers could have lined up a senior sweep, but SYC swooped in and eliminated the possibility at the first hurdle, snatching its second straight title with a 3-0 win.
The contest opened on tight terms, but the connection between Nathan Greig and Sean Trevaskis proved fruitful as they combined for the first two goals of the game to put SYC in comfortable stead at half-time.
By the final break a well-taken finish from Iain Greig ensured SYC had done the job required to be crowned champion.
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Getting it away: Strikers' Laura Timmins. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 12
Eyes out wide: Strikers' Olivia Forbes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 12
In space: Strikers' Renee Whatman. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 12
Working space: Echuca-Moama's Tiana Thorpe. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 12
One on one: Echuca-Moama's Montana Spicer and Strikers' Amy Winter. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 12
Looking ahead: Echuca-Moama's Montana Spicer. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 12
Heading upfield: Echuca-Moama's Rebecca Webb. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 12
In the contest: Echuca-Moama's Sarah-Jane Taylor and Strikers' Laura Timmins. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 12
Within range: Strikers' Amy Harrap. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 12
On the move: Strikers' Amy Winter. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 12
Controlling it low: Echuca-Moama's Montana Spicer. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 12
On the move: Strikers' Amy Winter. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe Trevaskis family played crucial roles in this success, with Brandon being joined by long-absent brothers Sean and Daniel, as well as cousin Stuart Turner, to share in success.
Up next, B-grade women’s action in the first of two straight games between Strikers and Echuca Moama had the former notch their first title of the afternoon.
With a 3-1 victory, Strikers’ women completed their first premiership since the men’s and women’ associations merged in 1992.
Strikers controlled the balance of play for much of the game and their efforts were rewarded on the stroke of half-time through Amy Winter.
The game remained largely on Strikers’ terms after the break as well, going into three-quarter time 2-0 up courtesy of Rachel Gardiner before Winter’s second in the final term put it beyond doubt.
2023 GVHA award winners
A-grade men’s best-and-fairest: Tim Russell (Strikers)
B-grade men’s best-and-fairest: Ben Costa (Strikers)
B-grade women’s best-and-fairest: Kim Hamill (Euroa)
GVHA Life Membership - Cam Druitt (Strikers)
Senior Umpire Award - Michael Van Dorsser (Mooroopna)