Furies will defend their title in this Saturday’s Esperance Hockey Association Womens grand final after a hard fought 3-2 win against Condingup in the preliminary final played last Saturday afternoon.
Furies will now meet minor premiers Mallee in the decider for a chance to win three premierships in a row, after being defeated by Mallee 3-1 in last week’s qualifying final.
Mallee, however, will be looking for revenge on last year’s grand final result, which was settled by a one-on-one penalty shootout after an energy zapping one all draw.
Photos: Greg Symes.
In a complete contrast to last week’s conditions, the match was played in warm and dry weather which allowed for fast moving hockey to be played by both sides.
Ruby Hodges and Jacqui Tonkin scored early for Furies as Terri Herbert pulled a goal back for Condingup to trail 2-1 at half time.
Nia Stevens thought she had scored an equaliser right before half time, but umpire Sam Guest disallowed the goal as the ball did not travel outside the D after being bought back into play.
Kayla McDonald found the back of the net in the third quarter to open up a 3-1 lead for Furies, but to their credit Condingup kept attacking the Furies goal narrowly missing several chances.
Terri Herbert scored a second goal for the Cougars on the last play of the match with an impressive solo run in the shooting circle.
Sophie Podmore, Rachel Harding, Ruby Hodges and goalkeeper Bridget Rance were Furies better players as Herbert, Jenna Gow, Sian Welten and Juliette Zani best served the Cougars in a losing cause.
Photos: Greg Symes.
Cascade won through to Saturday’s Men’s decider after a two nil win against Condingup in the preliminary final.
The Carmody pair of George and John scored for Cades, setting up a grand final rematch against the currently undefeated Rams.
Rams will enter the grand final as warm favourites in an attempt to win back-to-back premierships, a feat not previously achieved by the club.
