NEWCASTLE Premier League hockey clubs failed again in their attempt to win the prestigious Hunter Power Cup after a torrid series of close matches at the Newcastle International Hockey centre this month.
The absence of three times winners Ryde appeared to provide greater opportunity for a local side to step up.
Unfortunately both Souths and Gosford, who play in the Newcastle/Central Coast competition, stumbled at the final hurdle losing to the strong Sydney-based Norwest Strikers.
Souths lost 3-2 to the Sydneysiders but were then beaten 2-0 by Gosford in a semi-final.
The coasties could not match the striking strength or the fitness of their rivals, losing the Cup final 7- 2.
In the women's division of the Power Cup, Ryde scored a 1-0 win over another strong Sydney-based side, Gordon North Sydney.
The win by Ryde keeps the club's name etched into the cup following the previous success of their men's team.
In the second division President's Plate, Newcastle University brought glory to the city by winning both the men's and women's divisions.
The men beat another local side, Wests, 3-1 in a see-sawing final while the women scored a 2-0 win over Canberra University to reverse an earlier loss to the visitors in a pool match.
Cup organiser Scott Rainbow said he was pleased with the games and the competition was extremely close.
The local sides could be proud of their achievements against the strong visiting sides, Mr Rainbow said.