They defeated the minor premiers Taree West by three goals to two in the grand final of the Manning Valley Hockey Competition.

The win was even more satisfying given the struggle Strikers have had this year fielding a Division 1 side.

Strikers began strongly and applied pressure from the first whistle with the forwards dominating the attack. Several chances went begging and narrowly missed probably due to the intensity and eagerness of the strikers to score early.

Dani Hart at centre half controlled the midfield and was dynamic in attack helping the forwards to push their advantage.

Strikers eventually edged to the lead when Narelle Salmon deflected on the left post.

Fullbacks Rikki Salmon and Julie Fenwick proved to be the barrier that West struggled to overcome. Their strong tackling and great clearances frustrated the opposition attack on most occasions. A series of penalty corners saw West draw even when the slotted one in on the left post.

Goalie Kara Pullen, again the backbone of the defence, made some excellent saves including a penalty stroke that would have put West in the lead at the break.

Due to the extreme heat conditions both sides found the going tough, however Strikers, were determined to make this game theirs. Some good lead up work by Michelle Clark and Ingrid Martin saw Narelle net her second to put Strikers in front.

With a win in their sights Strikers then displayed some amazing team hockey and took control of the game. A great drive into the circle by Dani saw Alisha Bodnar score one of the most spectacular goals of the season. At 3 - 1 with only one minute to go, West scored a consolation goal from a penalty corner.

Strikers Stephi Holm, Rachelle Linhart, and Amanda Robards also had strong games and thanks goes to Belinda Blissett and Sue Ryan, the subs who were available to give the players a break when they needed it.