BATHURST have claimed joint victory in the Hockey NSW Women’s Masters State Championships Over 55s competition in Newcastle after learning from their mistakes before the final. 

Faced with strong competition throughout Thursday to Sunday, the Bathurst squad lost just the one match before the final, to their opponents in Goulburn.

But they bounced back in a rematch to take a 1-all draw in the decider and with it the two teams shared the title.

Both teams had gone through their five previous games undefeated before Goulburn got the better of Bathurst in the concluding pool match. 

A goal from a penalty corner just 45 seconds from full-time handed Goulburn the 1-0 win.

The two teams met once again for the final, but Bathurst made sure they got off to a stronger start when Bev Schultz found the back of the net in the first half.

The score stayed at 1-0 in Bathurst’s favour despite the best efforts of the Goulburn side, but as they had done in their previous meeting, they saved their best for when it counted most.

With the clock ticking into the final minute,  a last-minute Goulburn goal proved pivotal and the Bathurst side had to be content with a draw. 

But the side, coached by Jill Long and Libby Milligan, was more than happy to share the spoils after a hard effort.

“There were seven teams in our pool, so to be playing the six matches and a final was a really good effort over the four days,” Long said.

“It was quite warm in Newcastle yesterday and the weather had made running tough over the days. Our fitness was great to get us through those four days because you’re not just playing games but you’re out there watching others as well.

“There were some very good teams down there. Maitland had a good team, but we still managed to win 1-0 in a game that could have gone either way.” 

There was a strong level of hockey and no shortage of tough competition, but Long said the event was also a great chance for the team to meet up with other players.

“That’s what you go there for. It wasn’t an Olympic event but they all go out there to try and win. They are there for fun, too,” she said.

“There were so many people down there. You’ve got a thousand other players there and some of them you might only see once a year. There’s plenty of friendships that our players have made at these competitions over the years, so it’s good for them all to catch up again.”