The 2024 season started off in August, beginning with a lineup not dissimilar from last season’s 2023 Championship team. However, by finals weekend, the team looked a little different to last year, with only 7 of the 23 players from 2023 available. North Harbour’s overseas players, Emily Nicholson, Kaitlin Howarth, Darcy Spark, Samantha Bentley, Lucia Doak, Islay Martin-Hill, Bernadette Doyle, and Alisha Winstanley trained with and represented the Hammerheads before they headed back to their European and American teams. This led the Hammerheads to an exciting season filled with home grown debutants; Erika Paterson, Isla Jamieson, Olivia Shine, Eloise Raper, Poppy Kostan, Stevi Cooper, Pippa Southcombe, Clara Bae, and Ella Roberts. The team was also strengthened by outside talent, namely Drummoyne’s Tasma Woolley, and Tauranga’s Knox Enoka. 

Across 10 games, the Hammerheads took 9 wins and 1 loss in the season; a gruelling match-up against Atlantis City on August 17th. Atlantis proved too strong that Saturday night and broke away in the fourth quarter, but the Hammerheads buckled down in training over the following weeks, determined to turn the tides in our semi final meeting. No team in the league remained undefeated, showing the highly competitive nature of the 2024 season. 

October 5th arrived, finally, a rematch opportunity. The Hammerheads came out dominant from the first few minutes, scoring two early, and maintaining that buffer throughout the game, winning 10-7. Grace Troake and Bridget Layburn were the game stand-outs, Grace scoring 5 exceptional goals, and Bridget logging 24 saves in the cage. The Hammerheads barreled into finals day full of momentum. 

The next day, October 6th, the Hammerheads faced Marist Magic for the gold medal! The atmosphere at Diocesan across the weekend was electric, and the stands were full of Harbour supporters, as well as our very own Hammerhead mascot. Nerves were high as our girls hadn’t yet faced Marist’s team at full strength. However the previous day’s win charged the Hammerheads, and again they started the game at full speed, gaining a 3-0 lead almost immediately. Game stand-out, Tasma Woolley, ignited the cage with 4 goals, proving to be unstoppable. The game ended in a 9-6 victory for the Hammerheads. Not only did our girls come away with the gold medal, they also received both individual awards. National League’s top goal scorer was awarded to Tasma Woolley, and Most Valuable Player awarded to Bridget Layburn. 

A massive congratulations to all of our Hammerheads for their GOLDEN performance over this season. A special thanks goes to Manager Julie Ellis, Coach Richard Claridge and Assistants Chelsea Geary and Nemanja Raden. Our season would not have been the success it was without the support of our Major Sponsor - Tristram MG, thanks for all your support this season. Another special thanks to Mel Spark and Rob Tindall who stepped in to manage and assistant coach for finals weekend. To all those who came and supported us throughout the season, it was much appreciated - and we hope to see you poolside next season. 

Article added: Wednesday 16 October 2024