Fitness regime spurs Easts

Player of the year finalist Kristin Litzow (right) pursues the ball during the mid-season final against Hancocks. Swifts maintained their domination with a 6-1 victory in last weekend’s qualifying final.

David Nielsen

EXTRA fitness work in recent weeks paid off for big improvers Easts as they ousted Norths in extra time of a thrilling A-grade knockout final.

Tigers player Sarah Jeffreys converted a penalty stroke in the 21st minute of three-on-three drop-offs to secure Easts a 2-1 victory on Saturday night.

The Tigers had forced additional time at the Ipswich Hockey Complex when Courtney Litzow equalised from a penalty corner after the siren.

Delighted Easts coach Peter Oldham praised his team's work ethic and focus on structure after watching his fourth-placed side eliminate third-placed Norths.

“It was fantastic,” Oldham said.

“We worked on a lot of things that we'd tried to get into the side the whole year and it clicked a bit.

“We were confident because we beat Norths the last time we played them in the round games.”

Goalkeeper Alyssa Beasley had another strong game despite feeling ill.

Oldham stepped up training about six weeks ago to revitalise his side once fourth spot was in reach.

“We've been doing some really hard running again to get the fitness back up,” he said.

“With that they felt that they were playing better.

“We were just over the moon.

“I was planning on hopefully getting the girls to the final in the third year, which is this year.

“It's all a bonus from here.”

Easts tackle Hancock Brothers in Sunday's preliminary final after they lost 6-1 to competition leaders Swifts in the qualifying final.

“We've got nothing to lose (against Hancocks),” Oldham said, mindful how Wests came from fourth last season to win the women's A-grade grand final.

“The sky is the limit.

“Funny things can happen and the girls are very positive.”

Norths women's co-coach Kerri Jeffrey shared in her team's disappointment.

“Easts have trained really, really hard and had the opportunities,” Jeffrey said.

“Easts played well. Full credit to them. They've come ahead in the last few years.”

Undecided about her coaching future, Jeffrey said Norths would continue to develop young talent having lost last year's veteran playmaker Lisa Purcell.

“We'll build again – just like Easts have done,” Jeffrey said, having been assisted this season by co-coach Mal Sue. “We've got some young ones coming along.”

Jeffrey has happy with players like 15-year-old inside left Tennille Fraser, utility Sammi Sue and left half Rebecca Ellis.

“They just need experience,” she said.