Brody Welding (left), of Camperdown, Jack White and Max Ferrier, of Warrnambool, and Oscar Currell, of Camperdown, contributed to a memorable 6-0 grand final victory for WestVic in the Hockey Victoria north-west pennant.
WESTVIC under 17 boys are savouring premiership glory after a landslide victory on Friday night.
Warrnambool and District Hockey Association’s Oscar Currell, Max Ferrier, Brody Welding and Jack White helped take down St Bernard’s 6-0 in the Hockey Victoria pennant north-west grand final at Altona.
Coach Chris Vaughan was yesterday proud of the triumph, saying the boys had not considered losing the flag an option.
“It was a very strong win,” he told The Standard.
“The boys were very pleased with themselves.
“They put themselves under a lot of pressure.
“They had only lost one game all season and that was to St Bernard’s so that kept them motivated.”
WestVic saved its opposition’s sole first-term scoring attempt before running with a 2-0 lead from half-time.
“Neither team got into attacking (mode) easily,” Vaughan said.
“We opened the scoring and from there the boys really started to take control. They were deadly through the second half. They piled on the pressure.
“After about three or four goals it became clear we would go on to win.”
Vaughan commended his side’s consistent teamwork, saying each player contributed to the result.
He highlighted co-captain Will Jackson’s three-goal contribution to the score, forward Braden Clark’s efforts, Max’s work at centre half and Oscar for hitting the first goal of the game.
“The grand final was indicative of the season. The boys have been strong across the field,” he said.
It is uncertain whether the full side will return next season, with Vaughan saying it was sometimes difficult for players who travelled long distances each week.
“They’ll have to reassess what they want to do,” he said.
“From the coaches’ perspective, we hope that they do come back.
“I think the win will motivate them to play again … but it’s all part of their journey.”
Vaughan thanked the players’ families, who regularly drove up to four hours for their children to participate in weekly games and training at Ballarat and Melbourne.
The grand final victory also proved to be a suitable exit for Vaughan, who is departing the side after eight years.
“There was no better way I could leave,” he said.
bziegeler@standard.fairfax.com.au