The EHL final of 2011 certainly did not disappoint. The stage was set with packed stands full of great supporters. The HGC home crowd was in fine voice with flares and drums every where. The start of the match was frantic with Campo nearly taking control of the match. They had lots of possession but did not reallly create any gilt edged chances. It was 0-0 at the end of the first quarter with no PCs for either side! It was actually nice to see a really high quality game that was not dominated by one side have a superior corner routine (Ric Charlesworth would be proud!). The second quarter saw the home side get back into the game and both sides were having a real midfield tussle. Half chances were created by both sides - either a ball played from deep into the circle for a diving forward to deflect, or the odd shot from the top of the D. Half time 0-0, still no corners. In the second half HGC started to slowly grow in confidence. I think playing at home in front of a large crowd was a great help. Van der Linden was green carded and then HGC had a goal disallowed! The tension grew, as Short threw a fabulous aerial pass that was dropping over the full back's head and Lainz took the ball over his shoulder but no card was given! Then Seve Van Ass, the 19 year old son of Paul Van Ass, received the ball on the top of the circle. His close skills kept the ball away from the defenders and he slammed a stunning reverse stick shot towards the goal. Trenchs in goal made a good save. Campo tried everything to get a foothold on the game. They even started to throw aerials; Brent Dancer comfortably mopped everything up at the back and Short bossed the midfield. Van der Linden and Van Ass were too much for Campo. Final quarter, still not a PC won but that was soon to change. 8 minutes in HGC won a corner. Kranstauber pinged a rapid drag towards the goal and the Campo man on the line deflected the ball over the crossbar. It ricocheted off his face mask and a stroke was awarded. Kranstauber calmly slotted the stroke low to the keepers right.1-0 to HGC. Campo really went for it in the closing minutes. Throwing everything forward. The ball was fired continually into the HGC circle but they remained rock solid and did not give anything away. The match finished and the crowds went wild, as did the HGC players!! A thrilling final indeed with the best team winning.

Final Score 1-0 (PF)  Kranstauber,  to deserved winners HGC.