After striking in the first half at the Cooke Hockey Centre, 2009 grand finalists Oberon held off their rivals in the second half.

“The girls bonded as a team for the first time,” defender Sharon Foley said after the win.

Oberon went into the match with a game plan to mark up tight on Shamrock’s centre forward, Julie George.

Strong defender Caroline “Freddy” Fitler took on the role of marking George, but after 15 minutes Fitler ended up spending the rest of the game on a bed in Bathurst Base Hospital after splitting her finger open.

Fitler travelled to Orange on Sunday morning for more treatment but will be out for six weeks.

With Fitler out defender Leah Robinson took on the role. “She did such an excellent job – it was the best form of defending I've seen in a while. It was really great,” Foley said.

After losing a player the Oberon girls got their first chance to score after being awarded a short corner.

The ball travelled to Foley, who passed to Joce Armstrong and her shot was then deflected by striker Amy Newson into the back of the net.

It was an eventful first half, but the C graders knew they had to keep the Shamrocks out.

“We defended like the Great Wall of China,” Foley said.

“Even though this season has been going for over half the year, the girls haven't bonded until their winning game on Saturday.”

Goalkeeper Kaitlin White had a good game, making some great saves.

Not only was Oberon strong in defence, but their attacking game was outstanding.

“The girls played off each other and worked together, it was really great to see,” Foley said.

The winners were not only celebrating their win on Saturday but also the birthday of their young attacker Jessie Foley.

The girls thank Emily Kirkham for playing up and being a substitute.

Oberon C grade would also like to thank Steph White and Vicky Newson for running the team, handling the substitutes and giving advice when needed.

Members of the Oberon C grade team are:

DEFENCE: goalkeeper Kaitlin White, Caroline Fitler, Erin McCort, Sharon Foley, Emma Swannell, Tanya Collins, Andian Kirkham, Leah Robinson.

ATTACK: Joce Armstrong, Amy Newson, Tony Hogan, Jessie Foley.