The shire’s hockey players will switch into battle mode this weekend as the Highlands Hockey association season reaches a thrilling finale.

In the last home and away round, a host of teams will finalise preparations for next weekend’s start to the finals series.

The first grade men’s crown is perhaps the most keenly contested, with the Mittagong Lions already consolidating the minor premiership.

With Ben Goulder and Graeme Isedale controlling the midfield, Glen Isedale and Dave Elliott up front and Tim Neven in goals, the well-drilled Lions look to be formidable opponents.

But the brilliance of Bowral could pose a serious threat to last year’s determined runners up, spearheaded by the experienced Ron Allen and Wayne Knapp and bolstered by three Moss Vale imports.

Defending premiers will no doubt have a bit to say as well, but with star Steve Tuddenham sidelined through injury, it will be left up to players like Darren Tuddenham, Damien Gair and Tony Hill in goal to fly the Robertson flag.

In what is shaping up to be a bumper finals series, the much-improved Burrawang will also provide nuisance value to the top teams.

The first grade women’s title is also destined to go down to the wire.

Minor premiers and title favourites Mittagong made an electrifying start to the season under the careful guidance of Jamie Worner but the Robertson side looks to be closing the gap.

The Vaughan sisters, Jo Bisby, Kelly Pyne and Tammy Whatman hold the key to Robertson’s chances of going one better than last season.

Going for their fourth straight title, the young Moss Vale side, led by Australian rep Narelle Evans, could be the smoky.

The Tigers would start slight favourites in the second grade men’s competition while Moss Vale and the Tigers should battle out the second grade women’s.

Both side’s are hungry, play a similar style and have trained consistently all season.

The minor premiership in the third grade men will go to Mittagong Sports while the Cheetahs will finish on top of the third grade women’s comp.