Werribee has had a real drive this Hockey Victoria Vic League 2 women’s season.
After exiting finals in straight sets last season, the Tigers claimed the minor premiership and are the first team through to the grand final.
Coach Jayden Street said it was pretty exciting for the whole playing group.
“We’re through to a grand final which is a great achievement,” he said. “It’s the first time in the grand final since 2017 when we won it.
“We’d like to replicate that as well.”
The Tigers have been back in Vic League 2 years and after a competitive first year, the group was determined to go even better this year.
Things didn’t go right for them at the end of last season resulting in them not winning a final.
“It lit a fire under the girls,” Street said. “It made them come back together to try and get it done this year.”
The Tigers won through to the grand final with a 3-2 win against the Greater Dandenong Warriors.
The two teams had traded wins throughout the season.
After trailing 1-0 early in the final, the Tigers jumped them in the second half to take a 3-1 lead.
While the Warriors scored a goal late, the Tigers did enough to hold on.
It was an extra special occasion for the Tigers with Rachael Catania celebrating her 600th game with the club and Janelle Matthews her 300th game for the club.
“Nelly was our captain last year and had a couple of injuries and even for this game was coming from injury,” Street said.
“For her to get 300 games alongside one of her close mates in Rachael in the women’s team is special. They’ve played together for 20-plus years.
“Playing 600 games is unfathomable both on the field and in the net. Both are still big contributors.”
Street said they had planned to keep things as normal as possible in the lead up to the grand final.
The Tigers men Vic League 2 side is also through to the grand final after beating Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 6-4 on Saturday.
The top side was going for its first premiership since 2018.
Street said it was a massive year for the club and some premierships would top it off.
“It was a huge year this year with the club’s 50th year,” he said. “It’s been built from the start of the year that it’s a really enormous year for the club.
“To finish it off with some premierships would be the icing on the cake and show all the hard work that everyone puts in.”
