Manning Valley men's over 40-years hockey team came within a whisper of taking out the A division title at the State championships held in Moorebank.
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They went down 2-0 to a strong Sydney team in the final after a tight match.
This was a fine performance by the Manning boys as the team had been promoted to the premier division after winning the B division in 2015.
Despite having only two reserves for the weekend Manning fielded a formidable team and were confident of performing well against very strong opposition.
A late withdrawal of one of the division 1 teams required a nine team random draw with the top four teams playing off in a semifinal 1 v 4, 2 v 3 format.
Perfect playing conditions and a strong commitment to succeed provided the foundation for a great weekend.
The following round results show how well the team performed.
MV def Orange 3-0, most valuable, Mark Atkins, goals, Mark Atkins 2, Brad Payton 1; MV def Parkes 2-0, most valuable, Rhett Patterson goals, Mark Atkins 1, Steve Parvin 1; MV drew Far North Coast 3-3, most valuable, Gavin Boyd goal, Brad Payton 1, John Mayers 1, Rhett Patterson 1; MV def Macarther 4-1, most valuable, Jason Sepik, goal, Steve Parvin 2, John Mayers 1, Mark Atkins 1.
Manning with three wins and a draw finished third on goal averages and were pitted against the 2015 champions, Illawarra in the semifinal in what proved to be an epic battle.
The game was tough and of high quality but Manning attacked early with Mark Atkins scoring putting continual pressure on Illawarra’s defence.
Brad Payton followed finishing off a great team attack.
The 2015 champions, Illawarra did not give up, Manning conceding two goals and the score was even a half time.
Ray Walters demonstrated his athletic ability scoring brilliantly from a raised ball in the circle early in the second half.
Manning's defence did not falter in the second half very capably led by captain Tony Barton.
A 3-2 win propelling Manning into the final against Sydney.
Sydney defeated FNC 1-0 in their semi.
The final was destined to be a defensive game when Manning lost Ray Walters to a serious knee injury and John Mayers a calf injury both sustained in the semifinal.
With no reserves, they battled courageously against Sydney with five reserves.
Manning were 0-2 at half time but did themselves proud by conceding no more.
Sydney were gracious winners congratulating all the Manning players immediately after the final whistle for a Manning player of the championship, equal points Mark Atkins and Jason Sepik.
At the presentation, Tony Barton was named vice-captain of the NSW over 40's division one team to compete in the 2016 Australian Masters Championships in Adelaide this October.
A big thank you to Peter Cubbin and Peter Frappell for managing the team over the three days.
This Masters State Championship concluded the series for 2016 and all Manning players selected for NSW in the various age groups are keenly looking forward to the National championships.
