UGSHA 2024: Warriors claim successive women’s A-grade titles after swift 3-1 grand final victory over Wagin

Warriors claimed their second women’s A-grade premiership in a row on Saturday when they beat Wagin in the Upper Great Southern Hockey Association grand final for the second straight year. The Warriors’ winning coin toss sparked a winning mindset as they ran circles around Wagin and a quick goal by Tayla Atkins soon proved why they were title fancies. The Warriors’ early victory fired up their blazing pace, but Wagin’s defence was prepared this time as they successfully kept the ball from goals. A penalty corner granted Wagin their chance but Warriors were able to deny the shot. Isabelle Kilpatrick extended their lead to 2-0 just before quarter-time. Wagin was goal-hungry as they immediately hurled the ball to their goal side in the second quarter and through a reckless tackle Wagin had their second penalty corner. Despite their drive, the pressure was clear and their shot was hasty, running over the baseline. Wagin’s Emily Holt showed impressive skill by matching her opponent’s speed and predicting their next play, leading to continuous intercepts and fast breaks, but Warriors’ defensive pressure had her shot meet the post. Warriors were quick to the ball but Wagin’s goalie squashed their third attempt at goals, keeping the score at 2-0 by half-time. Wagin’s Chloe Blight immediately stole the ball from the Warriors in the third quarter, carrying it to her goal side, but her teammates had yet to catch up and help out and the chance went begging. Kylee Nelson demonstrated her wicked hit, launching the ball down the field to Holt’s stick, who had another unsuccessful goal attempt. Kilpatrick and Sarah Wiese exhibited impeccable athleticism for the Warriors, sharing the ball and outrunning everyone, lining Atkins up to score her second and the Warriors’ third goal of the final. The game shifted in the final quarter as Wagin pushed for their second effort and Chloe Kellow earned Wagin’s third penalty corner, but the slow ball movements had their opponents stop their shot. Shortly after, Wagin received their fourth penalty corner and Jess Alington wasted no time as the chosen striker but her shot went to the left. Wagin goalkeeper Rachel Galaway was sure to not let another slip through her pads and took an impressive body dive to defend the net when the Warriors had their final crack at another goal. Holt focused on the prize, scoring Wagin’s first goal in the final minute, but it was too late as the Warriors celebrated a 3-1 grand final triumph. Warriors coach and most valuable player award winner Chloe Heil said she was proud of the girls as “Wagin came out firing”. “Grand final day is the best day, it makes me so happy and to get the win is just the best, it’s why we play all year to get here we put a lot of work into hockey, so it just feels so good,” Heil said. “The girls came out really strong, put the work in, and did everything I asked of them. “We had a really good season, they’ve stepped up and it’s been a pleasure coaching them.” Warriors captain Kira Flynn said she was lucky to be part of a great team. “Our ball movements were important in our win today and some real tenacity in front of the goals,” Flynn said. “There were lots of calls coming from both sides, it was a lovely feel out there today, really wonderful.” Wagin coach Dwight Kellow said it was a challenging game but the girls played and defended well. “That’s how hockey goes sometimes, but they fought it out to the very end and got some reward with a goal,” he said. “They’re a good bunch of girls and they get along and play well together, it’s been a good, fun season. “I thought it was a great game, just unlucky, hopefully we can get back there next year.”