THE Boyup Brook women's hockey team just keep getting better and better.
The Bandits pulled it all together in an amazing display of teamwork to take out the Bunbury and Districts women's A2 hockey premiership with a 3-1 win over Eaton Eagles on Friday, September 12.
Finishing the qualifying rounds in fourth place, Boyup defeated Marist 2-1 in the first semi-final and minor premiers, Associates 3-2 in the preliminary final to advance to their first grand final since entering the Bunbury competition seven years ago.
Confidence was high among the players and belief in each other as teammates was evident as they entered the Bunbury Hockey Stadium in front of a large crowd including a large contingent of supporters who had made the trip from Boyup Brook to cheer the Bandits on.
From the first whistle, the Bandits took control with teen star Angela Chilwell driving the ball into attack and winning a penalty corner in the first minute.
The intensity continued and was rewarded when a set penalty corner variation was converted by Fleur Mead.
Soon after, another fast break by Chilwell resulted in Boyup's second goal as she ran along the baseline and pushed the ball past the Eaton defenders goalkeeper and the Bandits entered the half time break with a solid lead.
Ten minutes into the second half, a serious facial injury to Eaton Captain Tammy Scott put a temporary halt to play, unsettling both teams.
When play resumed, Eaton's forward pressure increased and they made several attacking moves. However, these were counteracted by the steady Boyup defence and the watchful eye of teenage goalkeeper Chloe Thompson-Darke.
With nine minutes remaining in the match, Boyup were again awarded a penalty corner and when Fleur Mead slammed the ball into the corner of the goals it put the score beyond the reach of Eaton.
To their credit, Eaton's determination did not wane and with 20 seconds on the clock, they converted a consolation goal from a penalty corner to make the final score 3-1.
Bandits captain Jodi Nield was selected by the umpires as the best on ground in the grand final, which added to her runner-up association fairest and best award won the week before.
"It's been an amazing year," Nield said.
"The umpires may have picked me, but I can absolutely say there were fourteen others by my side that were equally as awesome. I am so proud to be Captain of such an amazing group and I thank our inspirational Coach, Ros Chilwell, for bringing it all together."
In a Boyup Brook Club tradition, former coach David Millington presented a medal for the best player, judged by a panel of spectators, to Fleur Mead whose work-rate, combined with her two goals, was unmatched.
The Bandits celebrated their victorious season with a club wind-up on Friday, September 19.
