by Sean Hawkes

The Port Douglas Hockey Club held the last round of Champions Trophy games on Sunday at the State School field.

The two games played had a bearing on this weeks finals and both delivered high intensity hockey.

A victory in the first contest between White Lightning and Blue Thunder could have produced a Grand Final berth for either team.

A close match was expected but the overwhelming strike power of the Lightning saw them triumph 10 – 2.

Rex Hawkes struck the Lightnings’ first goal, inspiring the relentless attack and finished with five, aided by Bryce Caltobiano scoring three and Luke Stringer and Sean Hawkes with one apiece.

Vicki Sparkes provided the drive from defence for Thunder through to Charlotte Richardson who scored with strikes that were executed with calm precision.

This result enabling White Lightning to proceed to the Grand Final undefeated with the second contest of the day between Black Magic and Red Devils to provide their opponent.

This next game was hard fought with impenetrable defence the focus of both teams, but the Devils were left numb when Guy Phongsunthorn and Graeme Stringer both drilled goals for Black Magic early in the first half.

The second half saw the Devils claw their way back with determined play from Liam Edwards and Michael Armour creating chances to equalize.

Despite a late surge by the Devils, Black Magic held on to win 5 – 3, producing the victory through great play by Jack Anderson, Liz Stringer and Tristan Stephenson and confirming a place in the Final.

The Champions Trophy Grand Final will see White Lightning play Black Magic at 4.30pm, while the third versus fourth playoff between Red Devils and Blue Thunder commences at 3.30pm.

Games will be held at the Port Douglas State School field on Sunday, 12 September.

See you there!