Geraldton Hockey Association: Casuals and Murchison claim 2025 Challenge Cup in men’s and women’s A-grade

The Geraldton Hockey Association hosted the Challenge Cup for the first time since 2019 with four games taking place across Saturday afternoon, as the league leaders met in a mid-season clash. The Challenge Cup is a mid-season play-off between the current league leaders in the reserves and A-grade competitions. With teams almost back to full strength as players returned from country week, the Challenge Cup was a success. The day was headlined by the main event between league leaders in the men’s A-grade competition as Saints took on Casuals. Saints jumped out to an early lead as Casuals were left on the back foot. Saints’ Jack Hoskins played a pivotal role in the back line as Casuals looked to enter their attacking third. Casuals’ Gus Osborn was among the best on the pitch creating opportunity after opportunity. Saints led for the majority of the night as Casuals looked to claw their way back into the contest. Jaydn Fitzsimmons found the back of the net off a short corner, putting Casuals ahead for the first time in the game before an incredible deflection off a reverse stick shot from Saints saw them draw even at 2-2. The game was then forced into shootouts with both teams putting forward their best five strikers. Casuals’ Clint Yeates set the tone with the first goal in shootouts as Casuals nailed every chance. Casuals claimed the Challenge Cup after winning the shoutout. Best on ground went to Casuals’ Jarrod Jupp. Murchison and Australs faced off in the women’s A-grade game, also taking their game to shootouts after an arm wrestle. Murchison rose to the occasion to raise the 2025 Challenge Cup. CHALLENGE CUP RESULTS Men’s A-grade: Casuals def. Saints (Shootouts) Women’s A-grade: Murchison def. Australs (Shootouts) Men’s A-reserves: Casuals def. Australs Women’s A-reserves: Saints def. Murchison