Sport
25 September, 2026
Huge crowds at hockey finals
A HUGE crowd gathered to cheer on teams in the Hockey South West grand final matches earlier this month.
Unseasonably warm weather greeted players and spectators on September 11 and 12.
Rivals, Mariners and Technique competed for the under 18 premiership on Friday, September 11 kicking off the HSW grand final weekend.
In a hard-fought game, Technique emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over Mariners – with Aaron Lougheed named ‘best on ground’ by umpires.
Saturday’s events started with the under 10 competition.
All teams participated and it was great to see the progression of some of the competition’s youngest members throughout the season – learning hockey, having fun and making new friends.
This term saw the introduction of the half-pitch format for the under 12 competition.
Technique defeated Mariners 4-2 to finish third.
Panthers took on Corangamite Craters in the grand final, finishing 2-all at full-time.
Craters won the shootout 4-3 to claim the gold medal.
The half-pitch format introduced junior players to full-pitch rules such as short corners and was great for players and spectators alike to see the grand finalists try the shootout format for the first time.
The under 12 grand final was followed by another tight contest for third in the under 15s, with Strikers defeating Mariners in a shootout.
Corangamite defeated Technique in the under 15 grand final 6-1.
The Corangamite Hockey Club had a successful day, taking home three premierships and three ‘best on ground’ awards – Charlie Fryers (under 12), Bentley Currell (under 15) and Harmoney Bishop (women’s).
The women’s competition played in the fast, short form Hockey5s format and was a tight contest between rivals Corangamite and Stritech.
Stritech took the match 9-6.
This year saw the return of full pitch open hockey.
The match between Strikers and Technique was competitive, despite Strikers taking a convincing 8-nil win.
Coordinator Troy Adams said the scoreline didn’t reflect the grit and work Technique put in.
The Strikers’ Jarrah Crabbmor was awarded ‘best on ground’ and Technique goal keeper Alex Stevenson was commended for effort and commitment.
Hockey South West extended its thanks to all players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and supporters for their dedication throughout the season.
The grand finals marked a fitting celebration of community sport, teamwork and growth across all age groups.
Congratulations to every team.
