Commitment and a positive attitude was what got the Southern Highlands veterans hockey side across the line in the Sydney Midweek competition grand final on Wednesday.

The classy Highlands side notched up a 3-1 victory over a Gordon North Sydney composite side on the Olympic pitch at Homebush in what was a close encounter.

Highlands came out strong with Alan Handley smashing a shot in goals from a penalty corner.

The rest of the half was a tight arm wrestle in the forwards with the Highlands’ side up 1-0 at half time.

This did not deter North Sydney who fired up to score a penalty stroke.

Highlands’ goalkeeper Jim Flynn picked the shot but couldn’t stop the ball from crossing the line.

But nine-minutes to go, Highlands had North Sydney on their toes until David Edwards trapped the ball from a penalty corner for Vince Rheinberger to position himself well for a shot.

Within minutes of the final hooter, Highlands Stuart Kinsela deflected a shot from a free hit outside the circle.

Highlands’ right half David Edwards said it was a tight game but his side created more opportunities and took advantage of them.

In the lead up to the grand final, Edwards said Highlands drew with Northside after three lots of extra time.

“As we finished on top of the competition table in the Moorebank competition we gained passage to the grand final,” Edwards said.

He said players that stood out for Highlands were fullback Glen Howe who was strong in defence, Steve Bedson and Stuart Kinsela who performed exceptionally well all competition.

Edwards also pointed out that goal keep Jim Flynn was a tower of strength.

“He replaced Dan Downie in the finals as Dan was unable to play,” Edwards said.

Both Edwards and Kinsela head off to the National Veteran Championships on Sunday which will be played during the next two weeks. Edwards will captain the NSW over 50s side.

“We ran second last year and we are quietly confident of going one better this time round,” Edwards said.