Commercial's Daniel Beale keeps pace with Redcliffe Leagues' Matthew Swann. Photo
by John Beale.

Redcliffe Leagues striker David Halliday tries to round Commercial goalkeeper David
Reid. Photo by John Beale.

Commercial's Jacob Burns gets a shot away. Photo by John Beale.

Commercial goalkeeper David Reid denies Redcliffe Leagues striker David Halliday a
scoring opportunity . Photo by John Beale.

BRISBANE HOCKEY LEAGUE – Grand Final


Commercial 3 (Chris Beale, Jacob Burns, Cale Cramer) defeated Redcliffe Leagues 2 (David Halliday, James McAlpine) at the State Hockey Centre, Colmslie.

Commercial continue to be the envy of their Brisbane Hockey League rivals, securing their fourth premiership in succession with a heart-stopping 3-2 extra time victory over Redcliffe Leagues.  The win was in stark contrast to last year’s success, as the Cobras overcame a half time deficit to outlast a dogged Redcliffe Leagues outfit.  The baysiders shot out of the blocks, earning a penalty corner after just two minutes.  Cobras goalkeeper David Reid denied Nick Budd’s drag flick, but the Redmen continued to take the game up to Commercial.  The Redcliffe Leagues faithful would have been worried when a hand injury forced fullback and 2009 Brisbane Hockey Player of the Year Budd from the field late in the first half.  However, Redcliffe Leagues responded in the form of a counter attack, as David Halliday accepted a pass from fellow striker Shane Kenny, before dragging Reid and calmly slotting the opening goal.  The minor premiers resisted the Cobras’ attacks until the 43rd minute when Wayne Barry earned a penalty corner, which Chris Beale converted with a drag flick.  Having drawn level Commercial lifted and began to dictate terms to Redcliffe Leagues.  Budd returned to the fray midway through the second half, but two minutes later the Cobras hit the front courtesy of a Jacob Burns drag flick.  Another Burns strike appeared destined for the goal, but wrong-footed Redcliffe Leagues goalkeeper Daniel Pink produced a brilliant stick save to keep his side in the contest.  Inspired by Pink’s heroics the Redmen began to rally.  Terrific vision from midfielder Peter Dillon put an unmarked Halliday away again, but this time Reid prevailed, saving repeated shots.  The ill feeling between the teams then surfaced, with some push and shove following.  The umpires too were under pressure as the Redmen were left frustrated after finding the net twice after the whistle.  When a further scoring chance to Kenny was diffused by desperate Commercial defender Kye Hawgood, it appeared Redcliffe Leagues would run out of time.  However, ill discipline at the death by the Cobras gifted the baysiders a penalty corner, and one last chance.  Commercial repelled consecutive corners, but not a third, as a pinpoint James McAlpine drag flick sent the Redmen army into raptures and the game into extra time. With the match a seven-on-seven contest in the second period of drop-offs, the contest concluded in dramatic fashion. A seemingly innocuous pass beat two Redcliffe Leagues defenders, and then deflected off the stick of outstretched Redmen midfielder Ian Schulz, only to find Cobra striker Cale Cramer.  Cramer then tapped the ball over an advancing Pink, before regathering the ball to complete an amazing goal.  Commercial’s win sees coach Blair Brown’s men become the first team in 50 years to win five first-grade premierships in a ten-year period – Nicholas Bolton.


Division 2 Grand Final:

Redcliffe Leagues 3 (Damien Budd, Justin Reid, Marcus McKinnon) drew with Commercial 3 (Aaron Kingsford 2, Daniel Biase-McInally). Redcliffe Leagues won penalty shootout 5-4.

Player of the Final: Marcus McKinnon (Redcliffe Leagues).

Division 3 Grand Final:

Commercial 1 (Phil Beckey) drew with University of Queensland 1 (Sonny Connors). Commercial won penalty shootout 8-7.

Player of the Final: Shane Beckey (Commercial).

Division 4 Grand Final:

Pine Rivers St Andrews-Norths 2 (Darren Parker, Danny O'Rourke) defeated Easts 0.

Player of the Final: Josh Doran (Easts).

Division 5 Grand Final:

Kedron-Wavell 2 (Steve Brennan 2) defeated Queensland Police 0.

Player of the Final: Greg Forbes (Kedron-Wavell).

Commercial coach Blair Brown shows off the BHL1
silverware. Photo by John Beale.

Commercial players celebrate the first premiership 'four-peat' since Bulimba achieved
the feat in 2002. Photo by John Beale.

Compiled by Lee Oliver.