That was the case for Dubbo's Western Women's Masters Hockey League players on Sunday when they scored a 2-1 grand final win over Parkes at Pioneer Park.

The clash between the best two sides all season proved to be as close-fought as expected but a Mel Wheatley double secured the title for Dubbo.

Dubbo player and local hockey association president Tracey Hardie-Jones was delighted to get the win, not only because it capped a successful season but it was one secured by a group of close friends and it continued an exciting time for the sport in the city.

"It was a good feeling and good for Dubbo as we rebuild and get interest in the game and attract players," Hardie-Jones said.

"It was a hard-fought contest and it could have gone either way but we held on."

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A number of the Dubbo players have performed at a high level in the past, but they have also played alongside each other at a local level for a number of years.

"There's not many sports where you can keep on playing like this for so many years," Hardie-Jones said.

"A lot of the friendships go back 20 years and there is a strong connection.

"It's not very often that you have a core group of players who have played together for so long.

"We're all good mates and that's a good part of winning things."

While those connections helped Dubbo perform so well in the Western Women's Masters Hockey League this season, the impact of coach Graham Waters was also key.

Waters brought his own ideas and the players responded, resulting in a consistent showing right across the park from the Dubbo side in Sunday's decider.

Wheatley grabbed the headlines with a double but Hardie-Jones said Karen Edwards also deserved praise for her outstanding performance in the final.

The good times for Dubbo continued post-match, where Hollie Jones was named the league best and fairest.

"She's a very consistent player," Hardie-Jones said of Jones.

"Her stick work, skills and speed are really good. Not every player has the whole package but Hollie definitely displayed it all season. She's a very capable player."

As much as winning the league was a highlight, just being part of it this year was something special for all the Dubbo players.

A proud advocate for hockey, Hardie-Jones and her committee have been working hard to promote and grow the game on a local level since taking over as president while the western league has proved a boost for the sport on a larger level.

"It was really successful. We can only got forward with it and I think it's only going to grow," Hardie-Jones said.

"It involves all the towns and it something our region has to keep up with the city counterparts, who have similar things.

"We've got something with this league that is special and it can only grow. I think everyone is right behind it and it's a big positive for the region."

On the local scene, grand finals will be played on Saturday at Pioneer Park.

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