Pilbara Krocs crowned champions of country week division three

The Pilbara Krocs have taken out the division three country week championships after an unbeaten run led the team to a grand final berth against powerhouse Collie.

The championships took place from June 17-19 in Perth with the Pilbara side, made up of players from Karratha, Hedland, Newman, taking on some of the State’s top teams.

It is just their third outing at the country week competition, with the side runners-up in division four in 2020 before finishing third last year.

At this year’s competition the side secured five wins from six games and had just one draw against their future grand final opponents Collie.

The highlight of the pool stage was a 5-0 thrashing of the Eastern Districts Hockey Association.

At the end of the pool stage the Pilbara side had scored a total of 14 goals and conceded just two.

It was a tense grand final, Collie had been the other form team during the round robin stage of the tournament and looked set to make life hard for the Pilbara side.

However, the Krocs dug deep and finished strong to claim the victory 2-1 and secure the division three flag.

Collie had their chances to equalise with a penalty corner in the last minute of play but could not convert.

Meanwhile, the Krocs’ two goals were scored by Hedland’s Phebe Hendon and Perth-based player Shona Hayes.

Hayes was also named best and fairest for division three.

The next major event in the Pilbara hockey calendar is the North West Championships hosted by Karratha in August.

Last year’s champs Newman will be returning to defend their title while both Hedland and Karratha entering two teams into the contest.