With six minutes to go there was nothing separating Minor Premiers Northern Star and 2019 runners-up Ballina in Far North Coast Women’s Hockey ‘A’ Grade Grand Final at the Goonellabah Complex, Hepburn Park, on Saturday.

Northern Star came out full of running in the first quarter and had Ballina on the back foot, with Star's Alana Albertini, Annalyce Bodley, Leanne Albertini and Taquira McGrath combining and creating scoring opportunities. Experienced Ballina defenders Alison Daniel, Kate Whiting, Jennifer Hollier and Hannah Hosie combined to make scoring difficult for Star and excellent keeping by Penny Lee made sure that Ballina stayed level.

Star'sTaquira McGrath batt;es with Ballina's hero Corinna Busse. Photo: Far North Coast Hockey

Ballina settled in the second quarter. With strong attacking runs from Ballina's Cori Hardy, Abby Allsop and Billie King Venn, Star had to work hard in defence. Abby Brunton, keeper for Star, was called on to make repeated saves and she valued the support given by Kate Marshall, Tracey Makings and Natalie Psarakis.

However there were no goals at half-time.

After half time the play fluctuated from end to end with both Star and Ballina searching for ways to score.

Either team could have taken the accolades, however Ballina’s attacking strength gave them the edge

late in the fourth and final quarter.

With six minutes to go in the game, Corinna Busse scored for Ballina off a penalty corner.

Star then ran the ball at speed and received a penalty corner of their own in the last three minutes. However, the execution did not result in a goal to even the score.

Ballina were then crowned Major Premiers for 2020 and coach John Truman and his players celebrated.

The smiles of Grand Final winners: Ballina Hockey Women's A Grade side: Coach, John Truman, Jennifer Hollier, Cori Hardy, Billy King-Venn, Corinna Busse, Hannah Franey, Lara Truman, Abby Allsopp, Erica Truman, Karina Perris, Kate Whiting, Hannah Hosie, Alison Daniel, Gabby Arundell, Penny Lee and Aeyrn Peti (not in photo). Photo: Far North Coast Hockey