UGSHA 2024: All Blacks upset last year's premiers Warriors in extra time men’s A-grade grand final thriller

All Blacks have claimed a thrilling Upper Great Southern Hockey Association men’s A-grade premiership, needing extra time to beat rivals Warriors on Saturday night. In a repeat of last year’s decider that also went beyond regular time, All Blacks prevailed 2-1 in a nailbiting finish to 2024. The first quarter had both teams struggling to have a shot at goals, with quick ball movements turning into errors. Despite winning the 2023 premiership, the Warriors were the underdogs heading into the final game and the pressure was clear. The Warriors ran with the rapid pace All Blacks had set for the game, but rushed passes saw the ball launching over the sideline rather than their teammate’s stick. This pattern continued into the second quarter with constant turnovers and over committed defence that didn’t work in either teams favour. As half-time drew closer, this season’s top contenders made the first dent into the scoreboard when All Blacks’ David Phillips scored impressively. Warriors’ Trent Gumprich displayed impeccable defence, stopping his opponent along the sideline in every play in the third quarter. All Blacks took their second shot but goalkeeper Fallen Forrest foiled their chance and with the intensity building, All Blacks George Kilpatrick received a green card for a poor tackle. Warriors’ Flynn Harper also copped a green card shortly after, benching players from either side. With little success in the third term, the fourth quarter elevated pace and strength but the game turned a little more physical. Gumprich scored a monumental goal for the Warriors, an overhead in the area that Gumprich launched into the net off a reverse stick had the crowd screaming. With 11 minutes till the final siren, the Warriors were starving for glory after that inspiring hit and upped the pressure. All Blacks fumbled an easy shot right in front of their goals throwing away their winning chance, which took the game into extra time after they ended on 1-1 at the end of regular time. All Blacks started with the ball in the first period of extra time and it was soon a repeat of the regular period with continuous back and forth between the pair. All Blacks’ Connor Page homed in on the goal, a single strong hit through the goalie’s pads handed his side the 2024 title with a nail-biting 2-1 victory. Oli Harding, who was awarded most valuable player, said he wasn’t expecting the honour. “It’s good, all the boys played well, and I played not too bad, but if the game went on any further I would have started cramping,” Harding said. “Last year the boys lost in overtime, so it’s good that we got that win today. “It’s been a good season and a close, close season with everyone.” All Blacks coach Sam Broid said it was always a good contest against the Warriors. “Good group of blokes and a good win, big finish to extra time which is always extra sweet with the adrenaline going,” Broid said. “Always nervous going into extra time they did this last year, but I knew the boys could do it. “Probably our best season for a while and how good was that goal by Connor Page at the end?”