The OHA Premier League Women brought some sunshine to a cold wet Grand Final Day, on Saturday 17th October, with a 1-0 win over Diamondbacks to bring home the trophy (officially the “Sandown Cup”, but maybe this year renamed the “Corona Cup”?)
On the road to the finals, 2019 Premiers Derwent were eliminated by Diamondbacks, and 2020 Minor Premiers NWG lost to both OHA and Diamondbacks. So the OHA Women went into their 3rd consecutive GF against a 3rd different team. Diamondbacks and OHA had played a one win/one draw/one loss season, with equal goals scored, so a close GF contest was no surprise. OHA’s finals experience came to the fore, with some important defensive calm in the face of early D/Backs attacks. It only needed a single goal to separate the teams, and that came in the 3rd quarter, when Julia Gunn passed to Maddi Brooks in a crowded circle, and Maddi fired home a sweet reverse stick winner.
The confidence from that gave rise to a quarter of excellent attacking hockey from OHA. Multiple scoring chances were created, but no further goals. But, to keep everyone on the edges of their seats, D/Backs found a way to regroup, so the last part of the match was tense, with OHA once again having to defend hard. The final siren brought a mixture of relief and jubilation for OHA, winning their first PL flag since 2015. OHA captain and key defender Jean Flanagan was named player of the match.
Congratulations to all the players on a great year of hockey through a disrupted season, and also to the support and coaching staff: Sam and Sarah McCambridge, Larry Mills, Richard Gunn and Nick Murton. The OHA side has some young stars who should see them at the pointy end of PL hockey for years to come, and we’re already looking forward to Season 2021. So, for the last time this year, a selection of match-day pics for your enjoyment.
See you at the OHA Annual Dinner and Presentation Night at the THC on Saturday 7th November!
