Comebacks galore in MHA Finals Day

Great day for Valkyrs as both Men and Women lift the Plate

Kim Carney was twice on target for Vikings A as they battled back from a goal down against Valkyrs A to lift the MHA Women's Cup.

PwC Women's Premier League champions Valkyrs were unable to hold onto their half-time lead as Sarah Blackman put the icing on the cake for the All Blacks.

After a season which has been hampered by off-field problems, the 3-1 win for Vikings meant they ended their campaign on a high with a win in the Cup.

In the Men's Cup, Josh Riordan tapped home either side of an Andy Whiting brace as Bacchas A got their name on the trophy after a 3-1 victory.

Riordan and Whiting both converted from first-half penalty corners to put the Cronkbourne side in the driving seat against Vikings A.

The latter then stepped up to make it 3-0 to Bacchas from the spot after Archie Caley handled on the line.

A strong finish from Vikings saw them score a consolation late on, but the onslaught came too late as Bacchas sealed a league and cup double.

Despite defeat in the Cup, it was a great day for Valkyrs as both their Men's and Women's B teams tasted glory in their respective Plate finals.

The ladies trailed at the break, but Steph Cottier, Jasmine Crowe and Emma Miller were all among the goals in the second period to give the westerners the win.

In arguably the game of the day, Valkyrs Men's B took to the field against Saracens A in the Plate Final.

Neill Jacobs equalised after Saracens had taken an early lead from a penalty corner, before two George Powell strikes made it 3-1 to the Division One champions.

Youngster Alex Freer gave Valkyrs hope, and with the match entering its closing stages, Dave Hall equalised to make it 3-3 and take the game to penalties.

It was to be a memorable end to the 2019 MHA Finals Day as Valkyrs - who began the day as underdogs - prevailed 3-2 on flicks to lift the trophy.