BIG GAME: Griffith RE captain Lyn Mason said her side will need to pull out all of the stops to beat Vic Hotel tomorrow. Picture: Anthony Stipo
IT MIGHT be a replay of the Griffith women’s hockey grand final of 2011, but Griffith RE captain Lyn Mason says her side’s win from a year ago will play no part in tomorrow’s decider.
In a tight game which was eventually decided in golden-goal time, Griffith RE defeated Victoria Hotel 1-0, however Mason believes her side will need to lift another gear if they are to claim back-to-back titles.
“We’re really going to have to be working at our best to beat Vic, because they have improved a lot,” Mason said.
“We’ve got a couple of really good players who could prove the difference, the likes of Susan Cox, who’s been outstanding for us this year, as has Daniel Bugno in his last year as a junior.”
Griffith RE were undefeated this season up until a fortnight ago, with Mason joking that it might have been the loss the side was meant to have.
Victoria Hotel’s not-so-secret weapon will be Fiona Shields, who has been in stunning goal-scoring form in the past month, with her accuracy set to test Griffith RE’s defence.
“I really expect a repeat from last year, I think it will be very tight again, I don’t think there will be a lot of scoring opportunities, so whoever capitalises on them when they do come along will win the game,” Mason said.
Vic Hotel’s other big weapons will be their younger players, who could give them the speed and fitness across the field if the game is still in the balance late.
However, Mason backed her side’s younger members, who she said have continued to stand up to the pressure put on them.
“We have put a lot of effort into our juniors this year, and they have improved out of sight, particularly Jessica Draper and Emma Teusner; they have been really consistent all year,” she said.
“They may be nervous for the game, but there’s a real mixture of youth and experience in our side.”