Grand final rematch between Rovers and Casuals ends in 1-1 draw while Yacht Club down Saints

Rovers and Casuals could not be separated at the weekend when a rematch of the past two grand finals ended in a 1-1 draw in round four of the Geraldton Hockey Association.

Casuals have finished as back-to-back minor premiers in the men’s A-grade but were upset by the Rovers in both the 2023 and 2022 grand finals.

They were out for revenge on Sunday, while the Rovers were looking to show they are the team to beat as the reigning premiers.

However, the teams proved to be evenly matched with Jack Dawson and Tedd Kerr scoring the lone goal for their respective teams.

In the Friday night game, Saints solidified themselves as the placed team in the competition after picking up a 5-0 win over Murchsion.

Jack Pearce scored two goals, while the trio of Adam Burrows, Zac McGowan, and Owen Heitman all scored.

The women’s competition saw a clash between second and third on the ladder on Friday, with Yacht Club getting the nod over the Saints in the 2-1 contest.

Lauren Mead and Chloe Jackson each scored for Yacht Club while Alana Miles found the back of the box for Saints.

Cardinals continued their winning form but were held to the closest margin so far with a 3-1 victory over Australs. Jessica Giudice-Nairn (2) and Mikala Van Niftrik (1) scored for Cardinals.

Despite the closer win, Cardinals still sit firmly at the top of the ladder with a 15-point differential.

The clash between Swans and Murchison ended in a 0-0 draw.

In the men’s reserves games, Saints took down Yacht Club 1-0 while Casuals beat Murchison 2-0, and on Sunday it was a Rovers 3-2 over Australs.

Saints are still dominating the women’s reserves after a 6-0 win over Vets, Australs handed the Cardinals their first loss with a 6-0 blowout, the clash between Yacht Club sides saw Gold beat Blue 2-0 and Swans got up 1-0 over Murchison.

In round five, both the men’s A-grade fixtures will be played on Friday with Australs-Yacht Club taking on Murchison and Saints going against Rovers.

The women’s A-grade fixtures will all be on Saturday, with Swans against Australs, Cardinals playing Yacht Club and Saints clashing with Murchison.