MARGARET River's A2 men's hockey team advanced to the grand final with a thumping 5-1 win against Capel on Saturday.
Margaret River played with endeavour and intensity and overran the Capel team to win the second semi-final and progress to the decider.
The game began in an arm wrestle until Capel drew first blood with a field goal.
However, it seems that was just the tonic Margaret River needed as it forced players to compose themselves and they lifted themselves to another level and then goals began to flow.
Mathieu Enderle scored the equaliser when David Reid set him up in the goal circle with a timely pass and then two penalty corners followed shortly afterwards.
They were converted by Grant Evans and Reid to give Margaret River a handy 3-1 lead at half time.
In the second half Margaret River asserted their dominance with lengthy passages of play in their attacking half.
Luke Altmann was a powerhouse in defence, continually breaking down the Capel attack. Wesley Battese, playing in the centre, distributed the ball wide, stretching the Capel defence and providing plenty of opportunities for the forwards to mount numerous attacks.
Increased effectiveness with free hits was also a feature with use of the back ball and square ball to open up play and provide a number of creative options.
A penalty corner goal was converted by Reid and then minutes later Liam Moore was rewarded for his sustained effort when he picked up a good ball in the circle which he drove to ensure the win.
The full time analysis of the match highlighted just how well composed, balanced and well structured the team was, and how the short passing, possessive game put the game out of reach for Capel.
Great team endeavour was noted with exceptional work coming from Luke Altmann in defence, Tim Jones who ran hard to create constant pressure on the Capel defence, Enderle who constantly ran opposition players down and back tackled with skill, and Moore who put in a huge effort with his back tackling and positioning as well.
Interchange players adapted quickly to whatever positions they were asked to play and added depth to the team.
Wests won a keenly fought game over Countrys in the first semi-final after a penalty corner shootout and will now take on Capel in the preliminary final on Saturday to determine who will face Margaret River in the grand final.
