But two goals in quick succession gave the Fireflys – the champions for the past four years –the psychological advantage they needed in what was a thrilling match between two even rivals.

With one minute to go in the main game, Fireflys struck again, drawing the score even 4-4.

There was little to no time for the Drifters to make any further impression on the score as the Fireflys used their possession to run the clock down, while looking for a penalty corner opportunity.

The Drifters too had been looking for that same opportunity without luck.

At the short break before extra time, the Fireflys’ camp was positive. “We’ve got it in the bag, keep the momentum up, look for penalty corners, it’s ours,” were the words of encouragement and determination from the Fireflys’ dugout.

After the break, the intensity lifted dramatically. It was end-to-end hockey at lightning speed with both teams looking for penalty corners or a gap to slot the ball into the net from anywhere inside the circle.

It finally came for the Fireflys with a move off a penalty corner that drew the Drifters’ keeper out from the goalmouth and Aaron Kershaw slammed home the winning shot. 

The come-from-behind golden point in extra time win made it five years in a row that the Fireflys held the first grade champions trophy.

The first grade men’s game was a fitting end to a series of age and grade grand finals that started on Friday night, with only one other championship match going to extra time.

The Under-15 junior championship played under lights was another thrilling encounter. At half time, Taralga and Ajax were locked at 3-3. In the second half, despite numerous opportunities, neither team could break the deadlock, until a golden point in extra time goal gave Taralga the win.

In women’s A-grade, the Drifters took the prize 3-0 against Taralga, but the scoreboard did not show how close the the game was, nor the number of thwarted goal shots there were.