Nambour pipped in hockey grand final penalty shoot-out

A Nambour Blue Demons player sets up for her penalty shot as Swans players watch on.

Nambour Blue Demons lost a thrilling Sunshine Coast Hockey Association Women’s Division 1 Grand Final after a tense penalty shoot out won 3-2 by Maroochydore. 

This was after the scores were locked nil-all at full time in the decider played at Ballinger Park, Buderim on Saturday night. Maroochydore successfully blocked out Blue Demons’ renowned attack in a strong defensive effort despite multiple attempts at goal. 

Maroochydore’s defence frustrated the normally unflappable Nambour 11. It was the second year in a row that Nambour has lost the final on a penalty shoot out after last year losing the same way to Buderim Rebels. 

Nambour skipper Kerryl Brown said it was heartbreaking to come so close. “After a great couple of weeks build up as a lead into the finals, we just didn’t capitalise on our chances. Every time we have lost a final it has been in shootouts. Losing is hard enough, let alone through that process,” she said. 

“We haven’t had the easiest run this year, but the incredible team I have around me is the reason we come back each and every season.” 

Nambour finished top of the table and boast a proud heritage having won 8 of the past 10 grand finals (now 8 of 11). 

In other matches Nambour 3 defeated Barbarians 1 in J1 Boys Final; Maroochydore beat Nambour 2-nil in J1 Girls; and Nambour defeated Buderim Pink 3-nil in the J2 Girls final.