TWO of Manning hockey’s fiercest rivals, Chatham Wolves and Taree Tigers will clash in the grand final of the Mid North Coast Premier League on Saturday from 4.30 at the Manning Hockey Centre at Taree Recreation Centre.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The premier league, taking in six clubs from the Manning and Hastings clubs, resumed this year following a two year break after the northern teams dropped out.
However, in a change from the previous format it was decided to play the grand finals before the start of the domestic competition semi-finals. This was to avoid playing the premier league and Manning grand finals in the same week, as happened previously and drew criticism from players and coaches as both grand finals usually involved the same sides.
Manning clubs dominated the league this year. However there’s little between the grand final protagonists, with only one point separating Taree Tigers and Chatham Wolves at times.
Tigers hope Manning hockey legend Mark Atkins – a veteran of countless grand finals - will pass a fitness test close to game day.
If Atkins isn’t right, Tigers will look to their other leaders in Brad Mitchell, who is a rock in defence with help from Matt Pullen and David Cook to provide stability for the team.
Bailey Pitman, Blake McIntosh and young gun Kye Lewis will be vital in the midfield for Tigers, with Mitchell Watson always a threat up front.
Wolves have been the benchmark in Manning hockey in recent season and boast an exciting mix of experience and youth in their side. They are the defending premiers in the Manning domestic competition.
Sharp shooting duo Luke Hough and Drew Cooper have formed a formidable combination for Chatham. Young Manning and State representative stars Sam Ferguson and Wade Harry, along with the proven performer Dylan Turner will give the classy Matt Doughty support in the midfield battle. Earlier this year Harry toured Europe with the Australian All Schools under 16 teams.
Chatham’s defence is led by captain Adam Birkefeld and Bryce Hough, supported by Reid Burke and Trent Hammond.
Both sides boast high quality goal keepers. Marcelo Castro has returned for Tigers after spending time playing in Sydney. Chatham's net will be filled by State representative, 16-year-old Eamon Smith, who is an exciting prospect.
Tigers and Wolves have big game players and have been the best two defensive teams all year and this should be another blockbuster.
After Saturday’s hostilities the teams will then both continue playing in the Manning division one competition.
Manning grand finals will be on Friday September 15 for division three and Saturday September 16 for all juniors and remaining senior divisions.
