Hockey: Springfield youth vs experienced Old Girls

The women's premier final is a classic encounter between youth and experience as Springfield take on Old Girls on Saturday.

Springfield have been the form team this season but the gap has been closing in recent weeks as the play-offs got under way.

"We're expecting Old Girls to really come at us and they've won the title for the last three or four years so they've got the experience and the old heads to do it," Springfield coach Angeline Waetford said.

The side were given a huge fright by Hikurangi last weekend and just held them out 3-2 but Waetford said that scare could work in their favour.

"If we stick to what we know and how we've played during the season then I'lll think we'll be okay but, if we panic again like we did against Hikurangi, then we could be in trouble."

She said the game against Hikurangi was a wake-up call and would serve as a reminder of what not to do under pressure.

"It reminded us of how vulnerable we can be when we are under pressure but, as long as players remain aware they are a team and if we don't retreat into defensive mode, then we'll be okay," she said.

The side will miss Kelsey Dunn, who departs for Australia on the eve of the final, while Old Girls are without their mainstay Laura Douglas. But they will also miss their young goal scorer, Nicola Kelly, who is out with a dislocated shoulder.

The battle between Springfield and Bream Bay in the men's competition should also favour Springfield - who have again been the leading team in the round robin competition.

Grand Finals

Women: Tomorrow, 3.20pm, Springfield v Old Girls.

Men: Tomorrow, 4.50pm, Springfield v Bream Bay United.