University Black finished the last round of the regular season in style with a 5-0 win over KETOB A on Saturday.
University took control of the match early with a goal to Nick Sissons and played the game at speed in attempt to wear down its opponent.
KETOB suffered some heavy defeats earlier this season, but this performance showed the thick skin it has developed.
The defence was solid throughout the match, and although the vital finishing touch was missing from its attack, the competitive edge needed at the top level was ever-present.
University continued to hammer away at KETOB's defence over the first half and it eventually cracked.
The students capitalised with two quick goals to Stirling Milicich and Jared Casey for a 3-0 lead at halftime.
The glory in the second half, however, belonged to one man. It was the Troy Macdonald show.
University's co-coach, who normally motivates his players with a halftime pep talk, picked up a hockey stick to lead from the front and netted two goals in the process.
When the students were given a penalty corner moments from the final whistle, the call was made to give Macdonald the chance at a hat trick. However, the shot went wide and the final score stood at 5-0.
Macdonald said it would be the first and last time he picked up a stick this season and he was pleased with his two-goal haul.
He was also impressed with his side's ball speed and movement to take control of the match.
In other premier men's results, Taieri Tuataras claimed a historic 3-1 win over University Blue, and Albany A beat Kings United A 3-0.
Men's hockey will take a two-week break for the university holidays before it splits into two groups of four in the second half of the season.
The top four will consist of Albany A, University Blue, University Black and Kings United A, while the bottom four will be Taieri Tuataras and KETOB A from the premier grade and University Seals and Taieri B from premier reserve.
