ROYALS maintained their dominance of the Wagga hockey women's division one competition with a 6-2 grand final win, but LAC United captain Jesse Thompson has vowed her team will be back.
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Both teams have traded wins throughout the season but it was the minor premiers who retained the crown on Saturday, thanks mainly to a dominant second quarter.
Royals piled on three quick goals in the term to take a 4-1 halftime lead with their midfield, led by best-on-ground Millie Monfries, taking the game by the throat.
LAC United had no answer for Royals' range of attacking options, with six different players scoring goals.
"From the start my girls were on the ball. We threw the passes around like we have all season and it came together," Royals captain Maree Beresford said.
"It's been quite a tough battle this year with LAC United. We've beaten them a few times as have they, nd we've both had times where we've been short on players."
"They do like to come out and try and beat us (as defending premiers), but that makes it more competitive and a challenge to keep on top every year.
"We do lose a few players next year, so hopefully we can get a few back."
Thompson played in the Royals' 2017 premiership, before taking the helm at United when they returned to the competition last year.
They have lost the past two deciders to Royals, but Thompson said it will make them hungrier to break their dynasty next season.
"We amalgamated with Cavaliers five or six years ago and that's been really good for us, because now we've got a division two team we can draw players from if we're short," she said.
"It's hard to tell how strong they're going to be but if it's anything compared to this year we definitely have a challenge on our hands."
Thompson said Royals' second quarter surge and bigger scoring threats were the difference.
"We just didn't capitalise enough when we were in their attacking circle. We did twice, but we needed a bit more," she said.
"Their midfield is really strong and they're just really good at scoring goals from deflections."
WOMEN'S RESULTS
Division one grand final: Royals 6 (Maree Beresford, Millie Monfries, Charlotte Wickson, Zoe Wild, Jacklene Macarthur, Kalee Gibbons) def LAC United 2 (Sam Swaysland, Ash Yan)
Best on ground: Millie Monfries (Royals)
Division two: LAC United 1 (A Rose) drew with Royals 1 (H Beresford).United won 2-0 in penalty shootout.
Best on ground: Chelsie McEwan (LAC United)
Division three: CSU 2 (G Twomey, G Bowner) def Royals 1 (H Clayton)
Best on ground: Alex Watson-Deal (CSU)
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