Gippsland Strikers' under 14s have secured safe passage to the grand final as their senior side bowed out in week one of finals.
Under 14s
Strikers 6 def ECHO 3
Goals: Strikers: T Boltong 3, L Cutler 1, A Furphy 1, T Minichiello 1, ECHO: A Allsop 1, J Garde 1, O Smith 1
The Strikers have secured their place in the U14 Mixed District hockey grand final with an impressive 6-3 win.
The match began with Strikers applying early pressure, winning back-to-back short corners.
Tyler Boltong fed Lilly Cutler to set up Tayte Minichiello for the opening goal. ECHO's first attempt at goal was powerfully deflected by Josh Cooling in goalkeeper.
It was not long before Cutler herself slotted a clean strike to double the lead.
Levi Armstrong's strong intercepts and Kyra Burke's pace down the wings kept ECHO under constant pressure.
Caleb Ballantyne's speed through the middle created several close opportunities while Ailish Furphy applied relentless pressure in defense. Georgia Hazell did some great work under heavy pressure, working the ball out of ECHO's attacking end.
Another short corner for Gippsland saw Lexi Burke pass to Boltong, who delivered a powerful ball into the goal.
By half time, Strikers were in control with a 3-0 lead thanks to quick ball movement and sharp teamwork.
The second half started much like the first, with Boltong adding an early goal and then producing a stunning top-corner strike that had the crowd on their feet.
Coach Andy shuffled the team around, enabling Furphy to get her second goal of the season, while Hazell, Ballantyne and Josh Smorenburg kept driving play forward with determined runs.
Ollie Fallon was unlucky not to convert a penalty stroke, while Kyra Burke continued to transition the ball brilliantly from defense with Ben Johnston often in the right place at just the right time.
ECHO, however, refused to back down. Despite Cooling's superb saves - including a strong deflection off a short corner - the visitors eventually broke through, scoring twice late in the game. A final diving effort from the Strikers' keeper couldn't prevent a third for ECHO, but the Strikers' earlier dominance had already sealed the result.
With a 6-3 final score, the Strikers advance confidently to the grand final.
The match was a showcase of teamwork, determination, and exciting hockey from both sides, with the Strikers' quick intercepts and decisive finishing proving the difference.
Seniors
Strikers 1 def by Melton 4
Goals: Strikers: J Horsburgh 1, Melton: R Lawrence 2, H Lawrence 1, N Lye 1
The season has come to a close for Gippsland's luckless men's side after losing a tough elimination final against Melton 4-1.
The Strikers entered the finals in strong form, winning seven of their last eight games to finish fourth on the ladder.
Having shared wins with Melton during the season, the long road trip promised another close contest.
Early on the Strikers dominated possession and created chances but couldn't find the net. Melton struck first, and despite a couple of desperate saves on the line to keep Gippsland in it, they went into halftime trailing 1-0.
The second half followed a similar script: plenty of play, plenty of short corners, but no reward.
Melton punished on the counterattack, stretching the lead. Josh Horsburgh finally broke through with a short corner goal to give Gippsland hope heading into the last quarter down 3-1.
Despite relentless pressure, the Strikers couldn't convert, and a late Melton goal sealed their fate.
Steve Pearse and Luke Allen were immense in the midfield, continually providing opportunities for Gippsland's forwards, but it just wasn't their day. The long drive home gave them plenty to reflect on, and a hard lesson to take forward.
The Strikers offered a thank you to the entire squad, not just those who played on the day. It was a challenging season at times, but the group showed great resilience to reach the finals. They also thanked the parents, families, and supporters who travelled on a Sunday to cheer them on.
Masters (round 18)
Strikers 1 def by Greater Dandenong Warriors 4
Goals: Strikers: A Tratford 1, Greater Dandenong Warriors: N/A
The Strikers masters played in a final against Frankson last night.
Join the Strikers
The Gippsland Strikers are on the hunt for more junior players to join their cause in 2026.
Hot off the heels of their under 14 team making yet another grand final, the Strikers are hoping to recruit more junior players to take on some of the best Victoria has to offer.
If you love hockey and are keen to compete in a metro competition, the club wants to hear from you
For more information, head to the Gippsland Strikers Facebook page or email secretary@wgha.asn.au