Waratah and Commerce to renew grand final hockey vows in the game that really matters

Women’s hockey premiership favourites Waratah wary of a Commerce-PINT side desperate to snap a grand final losing run

Darwin Hockey grand final captains, Rob Smart (Nightcliff), Stacey Luck (Commerce-PINT), Chantrelle Carey (Waratah) and Patrick Clapp (Easts) face off in this year’s Darwin Hockey League grand final. Picture: Che Chorley

A Waratah-Commerce women’s grand final might have a familiar ring to it, but the playing and coaching staff on both sides are treating tonight’s game like their first meeting.

The all-powerful and undefeated Waratah with its multi-pronged forward line and airtight defence against a determined and plotting opposition.

Waratah coach Rebecca Davey watched her side got through the 2020 campaign undefeated, only dropping points in a nil-all draw with Commerce in the last minor round game.

Asked if the Reds and reigning premier had any extra pressure on them in the last game of the season, Davey’s reply was an emphatic ‘yes’.

“There is always pressure on us to lose and we certainly expect it to be a tough game against a good side in Commerce,’’ she said.

“Anything can happen in grand finals, that’s why I expect every player to step it up. The experienced players lead the way, but everyone has a role to play.’’

Commerce boss Mark Davis said there was a quiet air of confidence among his players despite their 3-1 loss to Waratah in the major semi-final.

“I think the team is up for it, we’ve had some good matches against them this year with the nil-all draw our best result to date,’’ he said.

“We’ll take a lot of confidence into this game, especially with Candice Liddy back in the side following a hamstring injury.’’

Davis’ theory on beating a Waratah side full of class and polish comes down one word — intensity.

“We have to try and match their intensity and we’ve got a few plans up our sleeve I don’t want to give away right now,’’ he grinned.

“Basically, the longer we stick with them the better we are, particularly with their tendency to try and jump us early.’’