PREMIERSHIPS don't come around often but when team gets on a roll they can come thick and fast.
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That is the case for Submariners' women side, which is chasing a record fifth straight Warrnambool and District Hockey Association title in Saturday's decider against Saints.
Last season the Submarines scored a one-goal victory to equal the record set by the Saints, formerly the Timboon Saints, with four-in-a-row in 2003-6.
Before the recent stretch of victories for the Submarines the Saints also secured a three-peat in 2012-14.
The two teams were again towards the top of the table with the Submariners taking out the minor premiership and the Saints second.
Injured Submariner Karen Johnson, who will be the side's team manger on Saturday after she ruptured her ACL in the qualifying final, said keeping it simple against a formidable opponent was the key.
"We play the way we have always played and play together as a team," she said.
"They (Saints) are very competitive and really keen (to beat us)."
Renee Johnson said the Saints head into the deciding fixture "with nothing to lose".
"We are all glad to be there as we have put in a lot of effort and we obviously know the 'Subies' are a tough team but if we go in and have fun and do our best and we will see how we go," she said.
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In the other grand finals the Buccaneers and Pirates are aiming for back-to-back success in the under 16s and men's grades respectively.
They must overcome Technique and Buccaneers, their opponents in last season's deciders, to claim the feat.
Pirates forward Matthew Stephen said defence would be the key to securing back-to-back men's premierships.
"We have no problem scoring goals it's just about how our defence holds up," he said.
Stephen said his side's recent form had unearthed some uneasy feelings.
"This season has probably gone a little bit better than last year," he said.
"We have won a lot of games but the last couple of weeks we have dropped a few games though so we are coming it a bit nervous."
On Friday night the under 14s champions will be decided when Strikers and Technique lock horns.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
