HARLEQUINS captain-coach Brendan Watson believes a youthful Royals outfit will be one of their main challengers for the Wagga hockey first grade crown long-term after Harlequins' 3-0 grand final win on Saturday.
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Watson's brother Bradley scored two first half goals in a best-on-field performance, before his other sibling Craig clinched a third straight title with another in the third quarter.
Harlequins have dominated the men's competition with nine premierships since their first in 2007, when they field a similarly young squad to the current Royals team.
Royals and Harlequins were neck-and-neck for the majority of the season, with Royals taking out the minor premiership by a single point.
Harlequins beat Royals 4-1 in the major semi final in the first week of finals to advance directly to the decider.
"I think it was the first grand final for the Royals boys, they're a good bunch of young kids coming through," Watson said.
"In 2007 when we won our first one we were also a young bunch coming through and we've won nine since then. They've probably got some big things ahead of them if they keep them all together."
Watson, who plays up front, laughed he wasn't copping any sledging from his brothers after failed to join them on the team sheet.
"Bradley also got best on ground so he was pretty happy with that, but no sledging," Watson said.
"I was the equal leading goal scorer for the year so I can get them back with that one.
"All of our goals were off short corners, which was nice."
Watson singled out his defence and midfielder Sam Whitfield as star performers in the grand final.
"Craig (Watson) and Stuart Martin down back did really well, our goalkeeper said he thought he only touched it twice all game so that definitely helps," Bolton said.
"Bradley and Whitfield were the two standouts I think, they linked up together really well.
"It was very fast and there wasn't a lot of stoppages. I know a few of us were well and truly off our feet, from about three quarter time I really started to notice it.
"It was very quick and pretty skillful. Everyone I spoke to on the sideline said it was a good game to watch."
In the men's second division decider Lake Albert proved too strong for Royals 2-1, with Royals' Scott Chandler named best on ground.
MEN'S RESULTS
Division One grand final: Harlequins 3 (Bradley Watson 2, Craig Watson goals) def Royals 0
Best on ground: Bradley Watson (Harlequins)
Division Two grand final: Lake Albert 2 (S Thurton, C van der Platt) def Royals 1 (S Chandler)
Best on ground: Scott Chandler (Royals).
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