WE DID IT: Total Creations celebrate their Griffith men’s hockey title after beating Grewal Homes last weekend. Picture: Bec Goullet
TOTAL Creations has atoned for its extra-time loss a year ago to win the Griffith men's hockey title after a thrilling 1-0 victory against Grewal Homes at West End Oval last Saturday.
After suffering the heartbreak of their marathon loss to Hanwood Butchery last season, Creations were keen to not let another chance slip through their fingers.
All it took in the end was a goal to leading goal scorer for the season Matt Staines to seal the long-awaited premiership, sparking wild celebrations at full-time.
Creations captain Mark McLean said his side knew it would have to grind out the win, especially with so much time left in the game after Staines' goal.
"We just wanted to defend well and if we managed to get a goal early we'd try and take it," McLean said.
"Grewal had the majority of the ball in the second half, we had some small pockets where we were able to give it to them, but for the most part they dominated.
"Even with about five minutes left, they (Grewal) pulled their goalkeeper out just so they could have an extra man to attack us.
"They just kept coming at us, our forwards then came back as well to help to defend, and because we've got some quick blokes we'd try and move the ball forward with one or two of them.
"But so often they would get close to having a shot, and then they (Grewal) would get the ball and be back on the attack again."
Creations showed determination to get the win with Dane Piva battling sickness during his time on the field, while Staines' knee injury was not 100 per cent. The side also lost Josh Ryan before the game after he fractured his ankle.
Grewal captain Michael Crosato believed the loss in last year's decider served as fuel for Creations, especially as the pace of the game and conditions took a toll.
"I think they were a bit fitter that made a difference to be honest and I think they wanted it a bit more after losing in extra time last year," Crosato said. "The heat was a bit of a factor on the day and it started to get to everybody towards the end, we had a couple of injuries, but the guys managed to keep playing on, but it as a really good game.
"We kept pushing forward for the rest of the game after they scored , and speaking to the other captain they were happy that we managed to keep fighting as much as we did.
"We were pretty happy with how went this year, especially considering we had four or five new blokes to the game this year."
Player of the season Jamie Piva again stood up for Creations, while Ray McLean was deserving in winning the best on ground award for the final.
For Grewal, Adam Hukins in the centres was strong while Lindsay Gullifer saved one of his best games of the season for the final.