The men’s and women’s River Rats qualified for the grand final at the weekend and now prepare to battle for Goulburn Valley Hockey Association crowns.
The club’s two women’s sides, Green and White, had the unenviable task of attempting to eliminate each other as they faced off in one of the semi-finals.
Although Green had had the better of the regular season and finished on top of the ladder, it was White that started on top and had a first-quarter lead.
Green recovered over the following period and managed to advance to the decider 6-3, goals going to Isobella Keillor (2), Jess Crisp (2), Courtney Thompson and Agostina Traglia.
For White, Chloe Kell, Sarah-Jane Taylor and Tina Dennett got on the scoresheet.
Green will now take on Shepparton Youth Club, which defeated Strikers 3-0 in the other semi-final.
The River Rats are technically seeking a title defence after the club claimed the title last year, but that title-winning squad was split in two this year to form the Green and White outfits.
“We've got some new players and quite a few juniors stepping up into the senior competition in that Green team, so that'll be great for them to get that grand final experience,” EMHC secretary Rebecca Webb said.
“SYC do have a very strong side as well, so it could be anyone's game on the weekend, and I think it'll be a great competitive game to watch.”
SYC handed Green its only loss of the season in round three, winning 5-3, but Green picked up 6-0 and 3-2 wins in subsequent games.
In the men’s A-grade, Echuca Moama is looking to end a historic run of seven straight titles for Strikers after eliminating SYC in the semi-final.
The River Rats picked up a 4-1 victory, goals going to Regan More, Troy Kenny, Ashley Phipps and Cameron Kenley.
Striker have dominated the season, defeating Echuca-Moama, 6-1 and 8-0 in previous meetings.
“That will be a very tough one for our boys,” Webb said.
“They put on a great match on the weekend to beat SYC (and make the final).”
The club’s B-grade men’s side was unable to match the top-grade outfit's semi-final performance, its season ended 3-0 by Strikers.
Strikers will now battle SYC in the decider.
The GVHA women’s final will be held at Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex from 12.30pm on Saturday, followed by the A-grade men’s final at 2.30pm.
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