The COVID-19 lockdown obliterated virtually every winter sporting competition in the state this year.
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But it wasn't enough to keep Dubbo Hockey Association (DHA) down.
The local competition was brought to a screaming halt by the lockdown midway through the year but rather than abandon all play like most other sports, the DHA hit the pause button.
In recent weeks things have been able to get back to normal and on Saturday the long-awaited grand finals will be played.
"There's a lot of satisfaction just to be able to finish the season," DHA president Tracey Hardie-Jones said.
"To keep people keen and focused on hockey, I think we needed to finish as we work to build the sport in Dubbo.
"It's a big plus for us and there's a lot of envious people at the moment. When we put different posts up (on social media) or show photos of our training there's a lot people jealous that they couldn't finish their seasons."
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While some juniors and players from the men's competition were lost to cricket commitments, roughly three-quarters of those who started the DHA season were back on deck when play restarted post-lockdown.
The grand finals on Saturday come during an exciting time for the sport locally.
Dubbo won the Western Masters Women's Hockey League title last weekend while there's also plans in place to apply for grants in the hope of developing a second turf field at Pioneer Park.
A second field will allow the DHA to bid for hosting rights for state and elite championships and that, in turn, would further boost the sport's profile at a local level.
On Saturday, there will be three junior grand finals in the morning before the seniors take centre stage in the afternoon.
EDH Fusion and Waratahs will play the Division 1 final and plenty is expected of that match.
"It's always a really tough encounter with those two teams," Hardie-Jones said.
"It will be a good game for spectators and the skill level will be high."
Waratahs and City will meet in the Division 2 decider while Wanderers and City will play in the men's grand final.
There will also be a Super League exhibition match in the afternoon, featuring sides made up of male and female plays from senior and junior sides.
The action starts with the under 7s at 9am while the men's match will be the last of the clashes at 5.30pm.
A presentation ceremony will follow while plans are already in place for the coming month.
Super League and a family competition will run over summer while early next year there will also be a six-week come-and-try competition.
It will be free for all players and has been designed to attract those who haven't played hockey in some time, are looking for a new sport, or have recently moved to town.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
