Coach Paul Bunt said the players were feeling “dejected” after their third division one grand final loss of the past four years.

The team had been trying to win the final to gain promotion to the elite Super League, but had once again fallen short.

The Highlands did win division one two years ago, but Hockey NSW decided not to promote them, and it’s still a sore point within the team.

Coming second in the second-highest level is no mean feat, but the team isn’t looking at it that way.

They lost the decider 3-1 to Macarthur.

“It was a pretty good achievement of course, but I’m feeling pretty disappointed for the team,” Bunt said.

“They’ve put a lot in over the past four years and to be pipped at the post again is hard for them.”

Bunt said a stomach bug went through his team and left them lethargic and unable to play at their best for much of the tournament.

“If we had have played in the final the way we were capable of, it would’ve been more than 3-1 our way,” he said.

But all hope is not lost, as there is still some chance Hockey NSW may promote both Macarthur and the Southern Highlands this year after two Super League teams did not take their place at the championships.

But there are no guarantees for the Highlanders.

Players’ player for the tournament was shared between goalkeeper Eleanor Woods and Kimberley Bunt.

o Meanwhile, the men’s team finished sixth in the state’s top grade at their championships in Wagga also on the long weekend.

The Highlanders got off to the best possible start - with a thumping 3-0 win over arch-rivals Illawarra.

But narrow losses to Grafton 3-1, having lead 1-0, and Lithgow 3-2. having lead 2-0, knocked them out of the finals.

The team decided to enjoy themselves the night before the fifth-place playoff as there was nothing really at stake.

As such they were thumped 5-1 by a fresher Tamworth team and finished sixth. The result was good enough to ensure they remain in the top grade.

Players’ player for the tournament was Mittagong’s Gordon Cole.

See Monday’s News for more.