Vikings Earn Their Grand Final Spot in Hard-Fought Clash

Finals fever is in full swing as the winter hockey competition reaches its decisive stage.

With every match now a do-or-die battle, the Vikings seized their second chance at a Grand Final berth, while the Penguins were determined to extend their winning streak. The game opened at a frantic pace, with play shifting rapidly from end to end. The Penguins pressed forward through the steady efforts of Jose Webber, Monique Woodward, and Timothy Roberts in the midfield, but they were met with stiff resistance from the Vikings trio of Kerri Palmer, Levi Smith, and Kristy White, who stood strong in the centre. Tom Pickering added further strength in defence, continually clearing the ball from the Vikings’ backline.

The Vikings were awarded two short corners in the first quarter, and while Joshua Dunk produced a magnificent save—after Michael Adams’ attempt at goal—Aiden Gunderson was quick to pounce on the rebound, slotting the ball past Chris Hosken to give the Vikings the early lead.

The second quarter was just as fiercely contested, with both sides battling hard for the next breakthrough. The Penguins earned a short corner of their own but were unable to convert. At the other end, goalkeeper Adam Gunderson proved to be an immovable wall, denying multiple Penguins attempts and keeping the Vikings ahead at the halftime break.

The third quarter saw the Penguins lift their intensity, dominating possession and becoming a constant threat to the Vikings’ defence. Awarded another short corner, they again failed to capitalise, but persistence soon paid off. With some sharp passing from Juninia Mahika, Elijah Meharg trapped a brilliant ball in the circle and pushed it past the Vikings’ keeper to level the scores at 1–1.

The final quarter was equally gripping, as the Penguins continued to push for the win. The Vikings, however, refused to yield. William Byrnes and Paul Robertson worked tirelessly, while captain Tracy Lamb kept her team calm and composed under pressure. At the other end, Shaun Mortyne and Edwin Kwan lifted their game for the Penguins. Despite both sides digging deep, neither could find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a hard-fought 1–1 draw.

With the stalemate unresolved, the game went into extra time—an additional 20 minutes. The Vikings hit the field with renewed energy and quickly seized the advantage. It didn’t take long for Michael Adams to spot an opening, and with a skilful flick from his stick, he sent the ball into the back of the net to restore the Vikings’ lead. In the second half of extra time, the Vikings shifted to a defensive strategy, determined to protect their narrow margin. Both teams showed signs of fatigue, yet the Penguins pressed hard with several spirited attacks. Still, the Vikings held firm, absorbing the pressure until the final whistle.

The Vikings walked away with a memorable victory, securing their place in next Sunday’s Grand Final. For the Penguins, it was a brave and determined effort, but the result marked the end of their season. IMAGE: Cooper Saines and Aiden Gunderson.

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• Hockey