Final Young Twilight Hockey Competition Report

The final round of the Spring Twilight Competition was played on Sunday, December 8, ending the hockey season for 2024.

Teams were short of players and one team had to forfeit, but that did not dampen the social fun of the afternoon. Tactical Tappers had to forfeit to Goal Rush because they were unable to field a team, but players who showed up from both teams were able to bolster numbers for The Dribblers, who were also short on the day.

Young Combined Hockey Association Secretary Edwina Planten said the game between Grass Gliders and The Dribblers was a high scoring one. “The Dribblers took some time to adjust to playing with new players, while the Grass Gliders took advantage of their familiarity with each other to move the ball around The Dribblers’ defence,” Planten said.

“The Grubers played a strong offensive game for the Grass Gliders, with Paul and Hayley Gruber each scoring for their team.

James Cronin and Fred Dimmick worked hard in defence for The Dribblers and deflected numerous attempts at goal, however the Grass Gliders took the win with a 7:5 lead.”

Paul Gruber, Hayley Gruber, Hayley Saines, Cooper Saines, William Byrnes, Chris Hosken and Michael Adams scored for the Grass Gliders while Michelle Cronin, Lucy Dunk, David Hall, Janice Dunk and Faith Freeman scored for The Dribblers.

Planten said the game between the Blade Runners and DTS was the final one of the season.

“Both teams had a fully stacked team and were able to battle it out for the win,” Planten said.

“This game highlighted the skills in the junior players - Aiden Gundersen, Matilda Woodward, Annabelle Cannon, Izack Meharg and Elijah Meharg - who have grown in their prowess on the hockey field during this competition.”

“Each of them holding their own against their older opponents. Michael Skillen worked tirelessly in the middle for DTS, while Charlie Bielefeld showed his speed and skill down the wing. Michelle Cronin picked up a fantastic ball into the circle, and finished the play off with a satisfying goal for DTS.”

It was the Blade Runners who managed to get three goals to take the win 3:2, though.

Monique Woodward, Greg Bannister, Elijah Meharg scored for the Blade Runners while Michelle Cronin and David Hall scored for DTS.

Despite having to forfeit in the final round, the Tactical Tappers finished on top of the ladder to take away the title of Champions of the Spring Twilight Competition, 2024.

Planten said they celebrated the end of the season with a barbecue for the players and thanked Mr Burns for running the barbecue for them. She also thanked the players for making it a fun, social and competitive event. We’ll catch up with the Young Combined Hockey Association again in 2025, with the Summer Twilight Competition.

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