The Upper Clutha women’s hockey team played their last game of the season on Saturday vying for third place against fast-paced Matakanui. Although armed with a goalie this week, with a number of its key players missing Upper Clutha had, once again, to play without any subs.

Matakanui pressured Upper Clutha’s circle from the start and were awarded penalty corners for their efforts — one of which resulted in their first goal. This was swiftly followed by a second field goal. Upper Clutha picked themselves up in the second quarter, managing a few attacks into the opponent's circle, but were unable to score.

By the third quarter Upper Clutha found their stride and the game was more evenly matched. Matakanui scored their third goal and, just as spirits were getting low, Chrissi Pettit for Upper Clutha, converted the team’s third penalty corner. With morale duly boosted the team tried desperately to bridge the gap, which became impossible once the opposition scored an amazing fourth goal to take the score to 4-1 and third place overall.

Upper Clutha’s day was not all bad though, as they knocked spots off all the other womens’ teams to win the fancy dress boat race held afterwards.