Premier League Men
With a tinge of sadness, this is the final OHA Premier League Men’s game report for Season 2020. The men played a goal-fest 6-6 draw with Uni on Saturday, but then went down 0-2 in the shootout, to exit at the elimination round. Happily, 2020 saw a return to finals hockey for the PL Men after a 5th place finish in 2019, and even more importantly we are all grateful that there was a season at all! Credit is due to the Tasmanian Government and population and to Hockey Tas administration for managing to re-boot a meaningful season safely, in the face of this viral pandemic. True, we all missed the National tournaments, but at least we didn’t have a whole year with no hockey!
OHA and Uni had played three tight games in the 2020 season, so it was no surprise that this final was a closely contested affair. It was a fast-paced game with both sides constantly striving to score. OHA held a two-goal lead a couple of times, but Uni always found a way back, including a last minute PC that was so nearly saved. A draw ensured a shootout and the Uni ‘keeper then dominated to save every shot and carry them to a narrow victory.
OHA had three goal scorers, with one goal to Ollie Smith, two to Jo Murphy, and a hat-trick to Sam McCambridge. Jayden Vince looked very unlucky to have a goal of his own overturned, but he later provided a smart assist for one of Sam’s goals. There was plenty of action at the other end too, with at least 6 Uni shots on goal saved.
So, thanks for your support for the Premier League Men during the season. They gave us lots to cheer for and did the club proud. It will be interesting to watch the continued development of many of the promising younger players in 2021, and to see the experienced players leading from the front once again. I hope you have enjoyed the photos. One more time here to close out the season!
Premier League Women
The OHA Premier League Women ensured that we left the Hockey Centre with big smiles on our faces after defeating the minor premiers NWG in their qualifying semifinal on Saturday. A 2-0 win saw them straight through to the Grand Final in a fortnight. Their opponent will be the winner of the NWG vs Diamondbacks preliminary final next weekend.
After an even start, Hannah Richards found the net for OHA, deflecting a great ball from Sarah McCambridge, delivered after she made a strong solo run. The OHA midfield and defense worked hard to neutralize the threat of the NWG forwards Calvert and Arthur. Evie Dalton made a couple of great saves in the OHA net and a late goal to Maddi Brooks put the result beyond doubt. Sarah McCambridge and Sof Mcleod were outstanding, but really everyone did their bit in dominating the opposition.
One more game at that level of commitment could see them take home the medals. Make sure you get along on the 17th in your green, blue and red to cheer our grand-finalists home.
