Southern Highlands Hockey Association men's preliminary final results

The minor premiers had been travelling well but the week before the finals when they were beaten by Robertson.

In a rematch against Robertson in the major semi-final, they also tasted defeat.

Last Wednesday’s match against Mittagong was do or die and at the final whistle, Bowral’s season came to and end.

Bowral coach Lindsay Leneve said while it was disappointing not to make the grand final, the “boys are pretty proud of picking up the minor premiership”.

“When we were putting a team together for this season we just wanted to be competitive.

It was a very competitive first grade side in a very strong first grade competition.”

It was Jarrod Ireland and Darcy Howard who scored for Bowral in the opening minutes of each half.

“At then end of the day, both teams wanted it. Mittagong capitalised on their opportunities where we didn’t,” Leneve said,

“Mittagong played really well. They’re a good side.”

Mittagong coach Graham Isedale said it was a good win and his side controlled the game well apart from a couple of lapses when Bowral scored.

Now up against Robertson in the grand final (4.30pm), Isedale said he expected a tough match.

“They’ve had it over us the last few years [and] they’ve got a few good players back and playing well.”

While the season may be over for Bowral, Leneve said the club had a bright future with plenty of young talented players coming up through the lower grades.

“We look forward to seeing what these guys can do.”

And for the Bowral men it has been a successful season with both the second and third grade sides in the grand finals. 

In both the second and third grade preliminary finals, Moss Vale was knocked out.

The Mittagong Tigers defeated Moss Vale Red 2-1 in second grade and will face Bowral Penguins in the decider at 1.30pm on Saturday.

In third grade Robertson had a 3-1 win over Moss Vale White and will be up against Bowral Wallabies in the grand final (10.30am).