Click here for more photos from the grandfinal win

After an unbeaten run through the season and semi final, the Maccabi u16 Hockey team took on KBH Brumbies in the Grand Final at the Hawthorn #2 ground on Sunday morning hoping to keep that record intact.

With a full squad of 15 players coach Robbie Gore asked the team to apply full pressure from the opening whistle and try to establish their dominance early.

The team responded with 2 goals in the first 10 minutes to take the initiative away from their opposition.

The first came after some excellent midfield build-up through centre half Nathan Sweet and inside forward Joel Fink put Ben Aizenstros through down the right wing. He continued around the baseline and found Centre forward Vinnie Page in front of goals who made no mistake.

The second came after a similar build up saw right half Zac Sleeman’s powerful cross into the circle also put away by Page.

The defence, led by fullbacks Reuben Grunfeld and Timna Gore and keeper Cooper Altman were strong in repelling any KBH attacks while Shani Borowick, Benji Arndt and Jamie Samuels were looking dangerous in our left side attack.

Although dominating the rest of the half, no further score was added.

At half time coach Gore praised their efforts but reminded the team that the job was only half done.

The second half was a more even contest however a scrimmage in the KBH defensive circle saw a feeble prod towards goal by Aizenstros inexplicably let through by their goalie.

That stung KBH into action and their tactics of leaving 2 forwards deep in their attack spread the game and allowed them into our circle where they earned a penalty corner and ultimately converted. This was the first goal Maccabi had conceded all season.

This rattled Maccabi and the game went to another level of urgency as KBH strove to pull back one more goal however several terrific defensive efforts from Cal Segeal, Daniel Lindros and Joel Langer closed them down. Then when Ethan Light went on one of his weaving runs down the left baseline and found Page in front of goals to score his third, with a few minutes to go, the result was no longer in doubt.

At the final whistle the players (and coach) were equally excited and relieved to have completed the season with an emphatic 4-1 victory which reflected Maccabi’s season as a whole.

A big thank you to Daniel Grunfeld, Lawrence Lifson and Marc Aarons for their help with managing/umpiring the team and a bigger thank you to the parents who shlepped the kids to training/games and supported us through the season.

Finally to the team.

Congratulations on winning the flag. Opportunities to win the ultimate prize happen rarely, if at all, for some sportspeople. You all took up the challenge and improved as individuals. But the most pleasing thing for me was to hear comments about how well you played together as a TEAM!

Enjoy the feeling, tell all your friends about what a great game hockey is, and we’ll see you for pre season next year!

Coach Robbie Gore