Triumph, sadness and a bright future

Grand final pictures: Andrew Blanchard

Redcliffe’s historic and emotional grand final victory has completed one club journey – and started another.

A 3-0 victory over Easts, at the State Hockey Centre, gave Redcliffe victory in its first Brisbane Women’s Premier League 1 Grand Final.

Alyssa Ferns (2) and Hannah Cullum-Sanders were on target with former Hockeyroo striker Cullum-Sanders named player of the final.

It was a triumph for Redcliffe’s strong finish - they were tied fifth on the ladder in June - and focus on youth and junior development.

The final came four weeks after the passing of Club President and Women’s Premier League 3 coach Cameron Howes, who was with the club for 55 years.

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Two weeks later his mother Margaret Robb, a Life Member who had been part of Redcliffe Hockey Club for more than 75 years, also died.

Despite those blows, the Premier League 1 women, with 14 of the squad aged 25 and under, rallied for the finals and stretched their unbeaten run to nine games.

Hopes are now growing for next year and the continued progress of Redcliffe’s Premier League 2 and J2 Girls sides.

“There has been a fantastic reaction within the club,” said Steve Lancaster, who coached the women in Division 2, Division 1 and in the Grand Final.

“It’s a journey we’ve been on for about seven years, getting strength and talented players in the juniors.

Redcliffe’s J2 Girls won their Premiership last season with 17 wins from 18 games and four Premier League 2 players made their Premier League 1 debuts.

“I think expectations are high for the next five years,” said Steve, who played more than 300 Division 1 games for Redcliffe, winning two Premierships.

“We’re really looking forward to setting new challenges for this group.”

In the semi-finals, Redcliffe beat Easts, who were third, 4-0 and then minor premiers Commercial 3-2 to reach the grand final.

Redcliffe re-entered the Brisbane Women's Premier League 1 in 2018, having dropped out of the top grade at the end of the 2012 season.