It has happened again. For a third time in four years the University Whales have crowbarred their way into the Otago Premier Men’s grand final after finishing fourth in the regular season — but this time it is tinged with irony. University Club President, Whales coach and keeper, Hugh Nixon, pushed for a modified finals format for 2026, meaning only the top three sides would make the finals. This never ended up eventuating due to a lack of support from other clubs, and in a real twist of fate it is the Whales who benefited, tipping up the Albany Alligators in a shootout on Wednesday night. Nixon was the key on Wednesday, making a catalogue of saves, and he will be key again if the Whales are any hope of lifting the trophy. Standing in their way is the Taieri Tuataras, who seem to be peaking at the right time after putting away Kings on Wednesday, as they hunt a third straight crown. It has been a bumpy road, but Oliver Battrick has caught form at the right time, Jarrod Casey has got himself fit, and both Patrick Ward and Thomas Meder are firing. They will be awfully hard to beat. In the Premier Women’s final, the City Highlanders hopes of an incredible six-peat remain alive, but for a long time on Wednesday they hung in the balance. They survived an almighty scare from a well-drilled Momona side, sneaking through in a shootout. Tessa Jopp hasn’t always been available, but she is a difference maker at this stage of the season. She has winning experience, as do many of her teammates, and that may make the difference. That said, you get the feeling it is the Kings United Royals time to shine. They’ve been the best side for the past two years and showed plenty of maturity in coming from behind to put away the University Huskies on Wednesday. With many players finishing their degrees, and long-time mentor Jaiden Chhika set to move on at the end of the year, it feels like it is now or never for this group. They’ll need Rachel Lecky to stand-up in goal, and Ella Booth to be sturdy at the back, but really you look at Nina Murphy as the difference maker. Her battle with Tessa Jopp will go a long way to deciding this one.
