Avondale’s Gaye Tarrant (left) and University’s Melissa Davis will contest the hockey grand final today. Picture: MELANIE RUSSELL
Everything points to a close encounter when Avondale challenges premiers University in the Illawarra women's hockey grand final at the Illawarra Credit Union complex today.
So far this year they have met three times for one win each and a draw.
University advanced straight to the grand final with a hard fought 2-1 win against Avondale in the major semi-final.
Avondale edged out Wests 4-3 in the preliminary final last Saturday to set up a return bout with Uni at Ross Robinson Field.
"It was a really good game against Wests," Avondale captain Gaye Tarrant said.
"They played really good hockey.
"I was really pleased with our team and how we performed because we've not been that good in semi-finals over the years."
Tarrant has the utmost respect for Uni and expects a close game.
"We've played each other three times because we played in the semi as well; we've had a win, a loss - both within one goal - and a draw," she said.
"They've got some very, very good and experienced players and they've also got lots of finals experience. So it will be tough.
"But certainly if we play like we did against Wests we're in with a good chance."
University captain Melissa Davis is expecting a close game.
"For the last few years both teams have been up there in the top couple; we've always had close games with them," Davis said.
"Everyone's looking forward to it. For some girls this is their first first grade grand final and they're pretty excited, and others are ready to win again, looking forward to the challenge again."
Davis said Avondale have a mixture of experience with the likes of Tarrant and Sharni Barton mixed with young legs that are coming through into first grade.
"I guess the structures that they play makes for an interesting game because they're always in the right positions and they play the ball quite well so it makes it quite a good game as well, and hopefully a fun game for spectators too.
"I think the way hockey has gone these days everyone is trying to get the ball moving pretty quickly but at the same time trying to have enough control."
Avondale's mixture of youth and experience includes three in the 14 to 15 age group.
"Then I balance them out. I'm 40. I bring the age right up," Tarrant laughed.
