Esperance Hockey Association Women’s premiers Furies. Photo: Greg Symes.
Furies kept possession of the Esperance Hockey Association Women’s premiers shield for the third season in a row after defeating Mallee 1-0 in the tense grand final played on Saturday.
A goal from Jacqui Tonkin in the first five minutes of the second quarter from a penalty corner was ultimately the difference between the sides.
The match was then played out between the scoring circles in the second half with neither team giving an inch defensively, leading to very little goal scoring opportunities for either side.
Photos: Greg Symes.
Match umpire and EHA Women’s Captain Sam Stubna praised Furies for winning on the day and Mallee for a great season in finishing minor premier.
Sophie Podmore from Furies was awarded the best on ground award for her clean hitting and ability to consistently deliver the ball perfectly to teammates further up the ground.
Podmore was also praised for her defensive work in the match constantly shutting down Mallee’s forward momentum effectively and cleanly.
Podmore was joined by Tonkin and Rachel Harding as Furies better players as Megan Graham, Jess Hardman and Sarah Wykes were Mallee’s best players in defeat.
It was Furies’ fifth premiership from eight consecutive Women’s grand final appearances stretching back to 2017. The 2020 season was shortened and modified due to Covid, in which some of the current Furies players were involved in the winning team, Team Campbell.
