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GVHA ǀ Gallery ǀ Junior hockey stars crowned on grand final weekend

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Chasing it down: Strikers’ Eloise Collins tries to control a loose ball. Photo by Aydin Payne

The junior champions of Goulburn Valley Hockey Association were crowned on Saturday after thrilling grand finals action.

It was goals galore in the under-12 decider, with SYC running away with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Strikers.

Saskia Matthews starred for SYC and received three team votes, with Zander and Noah Gillies receiving the others — Noah for his three-goal performance.

Matthews was awarded MVP for the grand final, while Noah Gillies was awarded season best-and-fairest.

Hands on silverware: SYC won the under-12 grand final. Photo by Aydin Payne

In under-14 action, spectators were treated to an absolute thriller.

SYC and Strikers couldn’t be separated after regular time, finishing with two goals apiece.

It was a case of deja vu for the Strikers, who had to overcome Goulburn Valley Grammar School via a penalty shootout in the semi-final.

The Strikers showed nerves of steel yet again to clinch a 4-3 victory.

Strikers’ Emme Cole took out three team votes for a superb performance and was awarded the under-14 best-and-fairest for the season.

SYC’s Zander Gillies was awarded grand final MVP.

Champions: Strikers won the under-14 premiership after a penalty shootout.

More success was to come for the Strikers, with a 4-1 win over Echuca-Moama in the under-17 final.

Young gun Sam Holland slotted two goals to help his side over the line, earning three team votes and rounding out a superb season with a season best-and-fairest award.

The under-17 MVP award went to Lucas Kell from Echuca-Moama.

Association junior co-ordinator James Sach said the league was thrilled to round out a full season with a bumper weekend of grand finals.

“We’re rapt, given the last few years, it’s really nice to finally get a full season under the belt and not a partial season where we could only award minor premiers,” Sachs said.

“But a real season where we can recognise the achievements of everyone across the year, it was brilliant to get everything together and celebrate that.

“The day ran well, we had nice crowds with a great atmosphere and weather, it was just a very positive day.”

Premier: Strikers-SYC took out the under-17 premiership.
Assessing his options: SYC’s Alex Irwin looks at what’s ahead of him. Photo by Aydin Payne
Winding up: Zander Gillies prepares to make a pass. Photo by Aydin Payne
Follow through: Strikers’ Alexandra Druitt passes it forward. Photo by Aydin Payne
Golazo: Strikers’ Angus Woodward slots a goal. Photo by Aydin Payne
Have a hit: Strikers’ Nash Berryman has a hit. Photo by Aydin Payne
At full stretch: Tayah Irwin reachs to control the ball. Photo by Aydin Payne
Bang: SYC’s Oliver Gillies unloads. Photo by Aydin Payne
Surging forward: Indi Turner goes on a run. Photo by Aydin Payne
Battling for possession: Caleb Gillies goes toe-to-toe with an opponent. Photo by Aydin Payne
Speedy: Noah Gillies surges forward. Photo by Aydin Payne
Getting behind their team: The SYC support in the stands. Photo by Aydin Payne
Full focus: Isabella Robinson receives the ball. Photo by Aydin Payne