Already sitting at the top of the league table not having lost a game all season, Upper Clutha’s Kwik Sticks Black team made history on Wednesday night, winning their grade and taking the Churchill Family Trophy to Wanaka for the first time since the tournament began 31 years ago.

Having drawn 1-1 against Matakanui Mudsharks in the round robin, Black knew they faced a formidable opponent, but they also knew they had the skills to take top honours.

Black started the game strongly with some lovely linked passing from Oisín Corbett, Hugh Ragg, and Georgia Poundsford to put Max Porter on the end of two superb team plays, which he converted into well-taken goals. The Mudsharks fought back and tested our defenders Amy Benson, Lulu Pettit, Oliver Cotter, Beau Gordon, Daisy Sanders and Nicola McKay. But the solid defence, together with sensational goal keeping from Jack Sandford, who has been outstanding all season, kept Black 2-1 in front at half time.

After the break the Mudsharks’ relentless pressure saw them net an excellent field goal to even the score 2-2. With seven minutes on the clock Alice Porter, perfectly positioned by the post, slotted the ball home from an Oscar Crowe cross. The tension around the turf was palpable as both teams scrambled to get the ball over the line. Abby Ragg displayed supreme athleticism as she covered the turf, strongly supported by Hannah Wright and so kept Black on top, to secure the historic win.

Upper Clutha Hockey would like to give a huge thanks to the team’s sponsors Stonewood Homes, Wanaka Medical Centre and the Lake Bar who ensured the team always looked smart out on the turf; to the coach, Grant Porter and manager, Claire Crowe, who dedicated countless hours to getting the team to this point and to everyone else who turned out to support the children for the last three months. “See you on the turf in 2020.”