But even with a premiership in hand, Central coach Phil Jorgensen was quick to send the warning that Goulburn had officially announced themselves as a big game contender.

“I can expect these guys to be our greatest competition for years to come,” Jorgensen told the Post.

“With this especially, they’ll learn and they’ll be back even harder. They have all the right components there, and Goulburn is such a good breeding ground for them.”

The Central coach couldn’t have been happier to ice the cake in Central’s 60th year anniversary.

For Goulburn, the loss ended a remarkable first season that had all the hallmarks of a feel good story in the Capital League Hockey competition. Although it ended in disappointment, they affirmed themselves rightful contenders in the top level of Canberra hockey.

It was Central’s defence that was the deciding factor on the day.

No matter how hard Goulburn tried, the desperation of the Central defence was clear to the full-house that packed the Lyneham Hockey Centre.

The real danger however, came from Central’s ability to launch a rapid fire attack with their defence as the platform. It was something that tormented Goulburn all day.

“We really worked hard on that aspect all week. It’s something we knew would win us the game,” Jorgensen said.

Central’s man-of-the-match Chris Jorgensen struck first for Central with a goal moments before the half-time break.

Ten minutes into the second half it was his team-mate Troy Sutherland who made it 2-0.

But Goulburn clawed back through an Aaron Kershaw goal off a penalty corner.

It briefly opened the game for Goulburn, who worked hard to thrust themselves forward and they created plenty of opportunity in attack.

Even Glenn Turner, who had been tagged closely all game, began to find room to dart up field.

But the Central defence proved impossible to break.

Then, like it had been for most of the afternoon, a Central counter attack led to a penalty corner in which Central’s Jorgensen made it 3-1, much to the delight of his father and coach.

“I don’t think the score-line actually reflected how competitive the game was,” coach Jorgensen said.

“Goulburn worked really hard, and we had to do everything we could against them.”