Stiles Electrical Premier League Men's Semi Finals Wrap

The Stiles Electrical Premier League Men’s Semi Finals brought on a Wednesday-night blockbuster as teams fought desperately to keep their premiership dreams alive.

Melville vs UWA

Melville have continued to cement their status as fierce top contenders for the Stiles Electrical Premier League Men’s competition after defeating UWA in extra time to secure their fourth grand final in as many years.

After securing the minor premiership and having an extra few days off during the Qualifying and Elimination Finals, Melville went head-to-head with UWA to secure a spot in the Grand Final.

Both sides were evenly matched throughout the opening quarter as they made the charge to get an early score.

After the initial back and forth, UWA would be the first to hit the scoreboard with Chris Bausor scoring off a penalty corner to put his team in front before quarter time.

During the second and third quarters, both teams mounted the pressure on one another, with neither side breaking through for a goal.

Just as it looked like UWA would force Melville into the Preliminary Final, the contest reached a new level of intensity as Kirby Hobbs scored a field goal to level the score.

As both sides fought desperately to score a second goal to claim the win, neither would make it in time, forcing the match into extra time.

In events that mirrored the UWA Women’s semi final win over Westside Wolves, both sides made quick charges to try and gain penalty corners to secure the golden goal.

However, drag flicking specialist James Day rose to the occasion, scoring off a penalty corner during the second five-minute period to secure Melville’s fourth grand final berth in as many years, defeating UWA 2-1.

Hale vs Fremantle Cockburn

Fremantle Cockburn’s dream of breaking their 18-year premiership drought is one step closer to fruition after shutting the door on 2023 premiers Hale in an epic contest that went to shootouts.

After holding off YMCC in the Elimination Final, the Magpies faced off against Hale during the second semi-final of the night at Perth Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.

An evenly matched first quarter saw neither team able to break through for an early goal.

It wasn’t until the 24^th minute that the floodgates would open as Kieran Brook put the Magpies in front with a successful penalty corner shot.

Hale were close to making a swift response after being awarded a penalty stroke, but Ian Grobbelaar’s shot was ultimately saved by Magpies goalkeeper Ben Rennie.

The Magpies continued to bring the intensity, earning a second penalty corner and extending their lead via Ehren Hazell to lead 2-0 at half time.

Following the half time break, a renewed and motivated Hale outfit took the turf quickly making a charge towards goal.

A successful penalty corner via Fred Gray brought them back from the brink and a field goal via Rinto Fukunaga brought the scores level.

As the contest kicked into high gear, both sides fought desperately to try and get one up on the other team and secure the second Preliminary Final spot.

Fremantle Cockburn seemed to have it locked away after Matt Bird scored off a penalty corner, but the determined Hale responded with a late Charlie Johnston field goal, forcing the match into extra time at 3-3.

Throughout both five-minute periods, neither team let up the pressure, forcing the match into shootouts, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

As the Magpies managed the first goal via Hazell, Hale were put on the backfoot after Rennie saved Joshua Beltz’s shot.

Magpies would score once again via Dylan Martin, while Hale responded with a goal via Sam Ashton.

The Magpies would go on to seal the deal with further goals via player-coach Tim Deavin and captain Matt Bird as Rennie starred in defence to get the Magpies the win 3-3 (4-1 SO).