Grand final for Park

ALBION Park RSL fought back three times before earning the right to contest the Illawarra men's hockey grand final with a 3-3 draw against University at Lindsay Mayne field on Sunday.

In an epic struggle, the teams remained locked at full-time and with neither able to break the deadlock during 20 minutes of extra time, Park went through by virtue of their higher finishing place on the ladder after the regular season.

Albion Park will now play Wests Illawarra in a replay of the 2006 decider.

Uni opened the scoring through Kurt Ogilvie, but Park hit back when Kieran Govers made a great pass to striker Tim Burnham, who in turn found Brad Martin to level the scores.

However, University held the halftime advantage through a goal to Tristan White.

Brad Martin restored parity with a goal after the break, before Uni veteran Peter Huk put his side in front 3-2 midway through the second period.

However, the Park lifted and eventually they won a short corner, converted by Govers for a 3-all tie.

Jason Kast came close to a scoring the match-winner in the dying stages, but his scorching strike was tipped over the bar.

Both teams had chances in extra time but Park couldn't score.

Govers, goalkeeper Mitch Zantis, Steve Mayo and Rhys Gray were outstanding in a high quality match.

Second grade, smarting from a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of University in the major semi, hit back strongly with a 2-1 win over Fairy Meadow.

Third grade also progressed to the grand final on the virtue of a higher position on the table after a 3-all draw against Oak Flats.

Fourth grade's season ended with a 3-0 loss to Dapto while fifth grade Green, lost to Uni Blue.