Women's final likely to go down to the wire

The top two seeds in this season's division one women's hockey competition are set to contest the final at the Clareville complex this Saturday.
Dalefield will start as favourites and deservedly so as they have been the top team all season and comfortably beat Red Star in their semifinal last weekend. However, they will be mindful of opportunities that went begging in that game and won't be able to afford that luxury against Featherston.
Featherston have been nipping at the heels of Dalefield and they had to work hard to win their semi last weekend against East Coast. This could work in their favour as far as match fitness goes. Featherston will be welcoming back two of their star players in Shakira Baker and Fleur Jane, who were unavailable last weekend. Both players could have a big influence on the game alongside captain Tracey Donald, who is in outstanding form. Donald has the ability to turn around a match and her experience in finals hockey will be a huge asset for Featherston.
Goalkeeper Sharon Gates has had a great season and she will need to produce another top effort to thwart the Dalefield attack.
Dalefield will be looking towards inspirational player Ana Playle, whose silky stick work is hard to counter when she is heading goalwards. Nicola Harwood stood out last weekend for Dalefield alongside fellow striker Ashleigh Marfell. Both should feature strongly in the final. An injury cloud hangs over Jodi Graham.
If both teams play to their potential, it will be a great game to watch and could go either way.