Reds claim Grand Final spot, Melville and Hale set to clash for final place

Reds Hockey Club secured a place in the men’s Premier League Grand Final after a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Melville in the men’s semi-final.

The clash presented a hot contest at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University, with the sides competing in a tussle that resulted in no scores on the board heading into the final quarter.

Reds’ Jack Hayes proved to be the hero, scoring in the 53^rd minute of the match to snatch the victory and grant Reds a Grand Final place in 2022.

The lone goal-scorer Jack Hayes was ecstatic after his side’s win, scoring the winner past Australia’s top goalkeeper, Andrew Charter.

“It’s always tough to go against him (Charter), but I luckily caught him on the back post and was lucky enough to sneak one through,” Hayes said.

“The second and third quarters were tough, but the coach gave the boys a bit of a rev up and said to stick to our guns as a one-percenter could be the difference and luckily that was the case.”

UWA and Hale competed in the other finals match for the night, with the loser eliminated and the winner advancing to take on Melville on Sunday.

Hale started off on the front foot, claiming the first two goals of the match with Liam Flynn scoring in the 20^th minute – his 200^th Premier League goal – and Sam Ashton finding goal in the 22^nd minute.

UWA then proceeded to take control of the match, with Kookaburra Flynn Ogilvie scoring twice in succession and Frank Main adding to the tally to take it to 3-2 in UWA’s favour late in the fourth.

The league’s top goal scorer Liam Flynn managed to level scores in thrilling fashion through a penalty corner in the 56^th minute – sending the game to extra time.

Extra time lasted just a minute and a half, with Hale having four circle penetrations, eventually earning a penalty corner with Hayden Beltz scoring off a deflection from UWA’s keeper Christian Starkie.

For full scores, click here.

Watch the match replays here.