Thundersticks make it a Finals double

Both Western Australia’s men’s and women’s Perth Thundersticks squads have qualified for the 2022 Sultana Bran Hockey One League finals series in Bendigo after stellar performances across the regular season.

The women’s Thundersticks side, coached by Phil Hulbert, qualified for finals last week after a win against Canberra Chill; the men proceed following other teams’ recent results and a strong start to their own 2022 campaign.

Men’s Thundersticks coach David Guest, who learnt of his side’s progression on Friday, said his team is ready for the next stage of the competition and is focused on finishing the competition as champions.

“I am proud of the guys – throughout the entire campaign the guys all committed and stuck to their tasks, and getting wins on the board early put the pressure on the other teams,” Guest said.

“While we didn’t have the best back end to the regular season, we still played well – the opportunities just didn’t drop for us.

“I feel like we deserved a bit of luck which we didn’t get the final few games. Having Melbourne beat Tassie was that bit of luck we needed.

“One-hundred per cent we are focused on winning – we are not going to Bendigo to make up the numbers. The reality is all the teams are capable of winning.”

Women’s coach Hulbert congratulated his side and echoed Guest’s sentiments

“I’m very proud of the girls – it’s been a while since the women have had success.

“The side has enjoyed a good tournament, they’re playing really well as a team

“Just making the finals isn’t good enough for us though, we want to win.”

Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said the entire state was behind the Thundersticks as they prepare to travel east once again.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of the Perth Thundersticks men’s and women’s squads – qualifying for the finals is a fitting reward after all their dedication and sacrifice,” Ross said.

“The entire state is behind Phil, David and their sides and we wish them the best for the finals series. No doubt they’ll continue to do the state proud.

“Thanks to the WA fans, for their support of the sides across the season, to our player partners and to our sponsors, Curtin University, ERM High Voltage Asset Specialists, and EIT Solutions for their incredible support across the season.”

The 2022 Sultana Bran Hockey One League finals series in Bendigo takes place across the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November. The women face NSW Pride in their clash on Saturday while the men meet Canberra Chill. Winners on Saturday progress to the Grand Final on Sunday; losing sides face off in a third-v-fourth clash.

Saturday 19 November - Semi-Finals

7:35am (AWST) - Women - Perth Thundersticks v NSW Pride

12:05pm (AWST) - Men - Perth Thundersticks v Canberra Chill

Sunday 20 November - Grand Finals

Women's 3rd Place playoff - 7:35am (AWST)

Men's 3rd Place Playoff - 9:05am (AWST)

Women's Grand Final - 11:15am (AWST)

Men's Grand Final - 1:15pm (AWST)

Watch all the action LIVE on Kayo Sports and Fox Sports.