2008 J. H. WILLIAMS PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

The Optus Coraki side have seized the 2008 J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League Premiership with pride completing their first unbeaten run for many a year. And apart from their exceptional Waratah opposition, the Optus Coraki side had to hurdle an insidious injury toll.

Before the match started Jason Conte (ankle) was eliminated and Adrian McGrath, Trent Brown, Matt Moss and Scott Gallagher carried injuries into the game. And during the final Warren Birmingham jinked his ankle adding to their injury burden.

But take nothing away from the Waratah Bobcats who put in yet another superb effort with the game always on a knife edge from the first to the last whistle. Captain Tim Willis, Isaac Reading, Michael Newell worked overtime in the midfield in search of every opportunity. But Coraki closed ranks to soak up so much more of the Bobcats usual operating space.

James Walker and Jamie Hetherington at times found some space to function and this is when the Bobcats were most dangerous. And with space Willis and Dwayne Newell were able to force the issue. And goals to Willis (12min PC) and Michael Newell (45min FG) came from these efforts.

However the Optus Coraki side showed extraordinary heart with McGrath (7min FG), David Brown (15min FG, 27min PC) were a little more creative when it counted most. And in the second half when the score moved closer Ben Moss's (62min PC) reverse stick wonder strike converted the goal of the final.

Coraki and Waratahs Overcome the First Hurdle

J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League semi finals saw Coraki and Waratahs clearly signal their intentions winning their respective semi final matches. And this sets up a blistering return battle between the competition heavyweights for the ultimate prize.

At Hepburn Park Goonellabah the Waratah Bobcats initially encountered some stiff opposition from Northern Star. And nothing separated the teams in the first half with a 1-1 scoreline. But Star's lack of midfield depth and intensity in the second half proved to be their undoing with Waratahs running away with the game to win 5-1.

Waratahs captain Tim Willis dominated proceedings with Issac Reading operating as his willing accomplice as they probed Star's defence for any sign of weakness. And Dwayne Newell (10min FG) was on hand to convert an early first goal. But that was the only blemish in the Star defence in the first stanza of the match.

Steve Knapman was outstanding in defence for Star continually picking off the critical plays as the Bobcats looked set to dominate. And stand-in 'keeper Tim McDonald efficiently kept the score respectable under intense pressure.

Matt Harmon, Ashley Waring and Chris McGuiness not only absorbed the pressure in the midfield but put some excitement into the counter-attack. And Star captain Thomas Vantaggiato's (21min FG) goal was ample reward for their efforts.

But as enterprising as Star's attack proved, Waratahs defence was up to the task with Jamie Hetherington their standout along with 'keeper Mitch Paron. And Paron clearly earned his keep under enormous pressure to tear the heart out of opposition attack.

Willis (43min PC, 50min PC, 62min FG) continued his amazing performance into the second half with a brace of goals. And Reading (58min PC) was also rewarded with a goal as James Walker and Hetherington dominated the midfield action.

But try as they might Star's Daryl Hughes, James Harmon and Mitch Carter could not stem the steady flow of goals that came from the Waratah domination.

On the Gold Coast at Hunt Park an injury plagued Coraki were pushed to edge for the whole game before finally winning the tight affair 5-4 over a defiant Mullumbimby Taipans.

Coraki dominated the opening fifteen minutes to score the first goal as Trent Brown controlled their midfield organisation. However when Brown was forced from the field the Taipans quickly scored a couple of goals to take the lead. And Mullum made the most of Coraki's lack of midfield depth.

Brendan Iwanuscha continued his excellent attacking form with another couple of goals today. And Simon Johnston and Adam Gadowski picked up the other goals as the Taipans maintained the intensity and never-say-die approach to the game.

And while Coraki managed to maintain contact with a steady stream of goals it wasn't until Brown got back into the action late that they were able to secure the win. While Adrian McGrath still is short of strength and fitness his three penalty corner conversions made a big difference in the game. And Ben Moss and Mitchell Dunstan also picked up goals of their own.

Coraki's fill in 'keeper Jordan Ryan shone in goals and Chris 'Chad' Morgan anchored the defence under plenty of pressure. While the Moss brothers and Brown helped to stabilise the general play. While for Mullum Iwanuscha and Gadowski were the pick of the players.

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WOMEN - Finals

Semi Finals
Casuarina       2       Glee            1
Labrador               6       Mullumbimby     1

Final
Labrador                5       Casuarina       2


FINAL

Labrador Make it Four Premierships on the Trot

Labrador continues to rewrite J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League history. Today's win is their fourth JHWPHL women's premiership on the trot. And while Casuarina was gallant in their efforts, they failed to match Labrador in the midfield which ultimately cost them their opportunity.

Laura Shillito, Claire Jackson, Belinda Morrison and Kylie McEinery turned in an awesome match winning performance blanketing the midfield with consummate control. And this control allowed them to neutralise much of Casuarina's structure and counter attack.

The score was a measly 2-1 in favour of Labrador at half time with Casuarina 'keeper Hope Miller, Debbie Dolan and Louise Ferguson keeping Labrador honest. But apart from the defence Margie Colemen, Hayley Seaton and Kim Tuckwell found enough space to maintain an offensive prescence.

Tuckwell (12min FG, 37min FG) the magician scored both of Casuarina's goals. But the Labrador midfield stranglehold eventually dried up her supply of ball to nullify the Casuarina attack. And not long after Tuckwell's second goal all they could do was to defend.

Jaclyn Wilson (8min FG), Emmi Dixon (24min PC) scored Labrador's first half goals. While in the second McEniery (39min FG) Jenna Wilson(45min FG) and Morrison (46min FG) had a field day for Labrador as Casuarina appeared to stop to catch their breath.

SEMI FINALS
Labrador and Casuarina Earn Finals Position

Casuarina and Labrador won their J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League women's semi-finals to book their place in the 2008 final.

At Hepburn Park Goonellabah Casuarina were pushed to the absolute limit to outlast a pumped up Glee side 2-1 in a fitting semi final match.

Cassie Douglas tore up the initial stoushes to put Glee in a commanding position. And Kim Chappel (6min PC) scored to ensure that they were the first on the board. But not resting on their laurels Douglas Chappel and Nicole Danvers continued to assault the Casuarina defence with regularity.

However a blistering defensive effort by Debbie Dolan made sure that Glee didn't just run away with the match. Margie Coleman again gave some structure to the midfield without Hannah Rafferty. And Casuarina were able to maintain their composure long enough to give Kim Tuckwell enough regular ball to lead the Glee defence a-merry-dance.

And in a pivotal performance Tuckwell (30min FG, 43min PC) scored either side of half time to secure the match for Casuarina. Katrina Springfield, Kate Smith and Kate Zerbst added some depth to Casuarina's press into attack. However they found Glee's defence a tough nut to crack.

Raechel Alback sizzled in defence with some amazing saves. While Margie Pembroke and Emily Savins skilfully picked off many a fine tackle to defuse the attacking pressure just when it counted.

While Labrador waltzed away with the second half of the match winning 6-1, Mullumbimby put up a defiant performance. Mullum stayed in close contact for all but the last part of the match with a 2-1 half time score.

Mullum goalkeeper Tracey O'Flanagan may have forgotten her boots but her big-hearted performance kept her team in the contest longer than most had expected. Mullum missed key play-makers Jo Tunstall, Kim Chappel and Nicole Danvers. And in the end Mullum lacked enough depth to trouble Labrador often enough to convert their chances.

Sam Iwanuscha played a lone hand in attack with mum Karen a willing supporter. And Erin Schumacher scored Mullum's lone goal.

While for Labrador the midfield riches with Claire Jackson, Belinda Morrison and Laura Shillito proved to be an insurmountable barrier to penetrate. And with the midfield control Labrador was able to build and maintain pressure that eventually led to the glut of possession.

Jamie Stone (two), Shillito (two), Jackson and Jenna Wilson scored Labrador's goals. While Labrador's midfield trio of Jackson, Morrison and Shillito and striker Jenna Wilson were their best players.