Women: Thames/Waitakaruru share Nicholson Shield
In the senior women’s grade final, a tight competition all season between the top two teams, didn’t disappoint. A smooth road to the semi-finals saw Waitakaruru take control of the game early, against Morrinsville coming away with a 7-1 win and Ngatea Strikers, last year’s finalists, struggled to dominate against a structured Thames side.
Grand Final: Thames headed to the grand finals for the second time in 3 years, with an 8-2 win. The Grand Final saw Thames again dominate with their trademark structured play. Despite chances and majority of possession, Waitakaruru led by 1 goal in the first half. Thames equalised in the second half, but time ran out for both teams to get the overall win. They share the Nicholson Shield with a first win for Thames and Waitakaruru adding their name to the shield for the 19th time since 1927. Umpires Ingrid Norman, Rachael Aitchison.
Result: Thames 1 Waitakaruru 1.
Men: Maramarua – winners of Stan Wilson Cup 2025
In a repeat of the 2024 finals, the men’s grade saw top of the table Maramarua attempt to topple reigning champions Ngatea Swampies. The road to the finals was a close run affair with Maramarua just squeaking through semis with a 3-2 win against Thames team, The XMen. Swampies beat Hauraki North’s Stickmen, who had been hard on the champion’s heels all season, with an impressive 5-1 win.
Grand Final: Maramarua were the first to score from a penalty corner but Swampies provided a late equaliser from a free hit to level it up. A frantic last 10 minutes saw both teams playing fast paced and intense hockey. After 4 or 5 shots at goal, saved by the in-form Swampies goalkeeper, Maramarua managed to tap it in. The Maramarua team in it’s 2nd year and 2nd grand final hold the Stan Wilson Cup for 2025. Umpires Cam Loft, Jeremy Cryer.
Result: Maramarua 2 Swampies 1.
