Echuca-Moama 1
Saturday capped an amazing turn of events for Mooroopna's B-women outfit, as it claimed the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association's premiership.
The Cats defeated Echuca-Moama 2-1 in a hard-fought grand final at McEwen Reserve to seal a memorable win.Â
After finishing the season on top of the table, Mooroopna made sure not to replicate last season's grand final loss.
"It was great to not replicate last year's final," Mooroopna captain and coach Lyn Berry said.
"We were very determined to not let history repeat.
"And it was a great contest, the game was played in good spirits."
In a rags to riches-esque story, Mooroopna struggled to find players at the start of the season.
Berry gave credit to the young brigade of players who dominated the line-up, with one player even clinching the best-and-fairest award.
"We struggled with numbers at the start of the season," she said.
"We brought up juniors and ended up enjoying a consistent season.
"We had lots of under-14 and 16s players, and our under-14 player, Chloe Robertson, won our best-and-fairest award.
"It's a great sign of the future of the club."
Mooroopna kick-started the game with a corner goal from Haylee Greenman and held a 1-0 advantage until the River Rats responded quickly after.
Elyse Kerr was the goal-scorer for Echuca-Moama, as her strike brought the game back on level terms.
However, a brilliant field goal from Leesa Hogan lifted the Cats to premiership glory.
The win was that extra bit special for Berry, as she played alongside her two daughters, Logan and Kaitlin Archard.
"It was great to play together, it was the first time for a very long time that we had actually played together," she said.
"It was a very special day and a great achievement."
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