The Strikers lost 4-2 to the third-placed Volvo Vikings in the opening game of the final day of the series, opening the door for Nic Milne’s Jokers to take the title.

But an upset victory from Adam Hurford’s Mazda Maulers over the Jokers, to the tune of 12-4, put paid to any notion other than a Strikers series win.

Competition organiser Scott Baker was thrilled with the series’ second running.

“We have current state players, ex-Australian players, 13-year-old boys and 63-year-old men all mixing together playing something we all enjoy,” he said.

“There are no clubs involved, so all players for all clubs are mixing together and the normal club barriers are disappearing.”

Best and fairest was Striker Adam Skelton, highest goal scorer was Striker Darryl Frost and best goal-keeper was Viking Jake Skelton.

Throughout the final day’s play, there was some very close, high-scoring games.

The introduction of NSW player Michael Dillon gave the Ranault Royals the injection they desperately needed – and it reaped immediate rewards.

The Royals had two wins throughout the day – their only wins for the entire tournament.

Some excellent captaincy from Wanderers shot-blocker Daryl Kennewell to keep himself on the field as well as the introduction of Dillon was just what the Royals needed to finish the tournament with a 14-8 win over the Volvo Vikings.

Mazda Maulers were in trouble from the start of day with inspiring leader, Adam Hurford, battling tonsillitis and, although not on the field for most of the day, coached the team perfectly from the sideline as the team caused the biggest upset of the weekend with that defeat of the Jokers 12-4, a loss that essentially ended any chance the Jokers had of taking out the championship.

Baker said the tournament was another success.

“The whole event takes some work in the background, but seeing the games played as they are, in this kind of environment, is great for men’s hockey,” he said.

“It’s a shame we cant get a women’s version off the ground as well, as there are plenty of women’s players who are begging for this kind of tournament.”