Cardinals continue to be a mainstay in Geraldton Hockey Association grand final, Casuals chasing redemption

The Geraldton Hockey Association semi-finals delivered a series of thrilling encounters at the weekend, setting the stage for intense preliminary finals.

Cardinals defeated Australs 3-1 in the women’s A-grade in a hard-fought match. Australs struck first with a goal by Jacqueline Greiner off a short corner, but Cardinals responded quickly. Mikala Van Niftrik equalized, and Dayna Cooper and Sharnee Williamson added to the score, securing the Cardinals’ spot in the grand final.

In a tense match between Saints and Yacht Club, neither team could break the deadlock in regular time, leading to one-on-ones. Saints triumphed 2-0, with goals from Lailah Belottie and Lisa Norris, while Saints goalkeeper Jaimee Wheatley kept a clean sheet. Saints will now face Australs in the preliminary final.

In the men’s A-grade, Brad Delane made his 500th A-grade appearance memorable, scoring a hat-trick in Casuals’ commanding 5-1 win over Australs-Yacht Club. Delane opened with two quick goals, and although Justin Clarkson pulled one back for Australs-Yacht Club, a penalty stroke awarded to Casuals saw Delane complete his hat-trick.

Goals from Jarrod Jupp and Lachlan McCuish sealed the victory, sending Casuals to the grand final.

Rovers secured their spot in the grand final after defeating Saints 5-4 in extra time. Saints staged a remarkable comeback, scoring two late goals in the final minutes to level the game at 4-4.

However, in the second period of extra time, Rovers’ Cam Hoeffhamer scored the winner. Saints will now face Casuals in the preliminary final.

Yacht Club Gold secured their place in the grand final with a tight 1-0 victory over Saints in the women’s A-reserves.

Australs followed with a narrow 1-0 win against Yacht Club Blue. Saints will now face Australs in the preliminary final, with the winner advancing to the grand final to face Yacht Club Gold.

In the men’s A-reserves, Australs edged out Casuals 1-0 to secure their spot in the grand final. Casuals will now meet Rovers in the preliminary final, after Rovers came out on top in a 3-2 battle against Saints.

Preliminary finals will be held this Friday night, kicking off at 6.30 pm. The GHA Awards and Presentation Night will take place on Wednesday, celebrating the season’s top players and teams.