The Fly’s most memorable matches | Hustle v Forge 2023

With just a month to go until the opening weekend of The Fly 2025, we’re getting excited for this year’s action by looking back at some of the most memorable matches and moments from years gone by.

And there’s few better places to start than the ongoing rivalry between Hustle and Forge Women, and their meetings in 2023, starring the heroics of Julie Wise!

After losing the 2022 Women’s final to Forge, Hustle faced their familiar opponents again on the opening day of the 2023 competition, looking to avenge their previous defeat.

Hustle had already won their opening game earlier in the day, while reigning champions Forge had already been toppled by Rise earlier in the day and were keen to put things right.

However, the momentum from the earlier games continued in the early stages, Hustle racing into a 4-1 lead at the 1/4 time, and despite a better 2nd quarter for Forge, Hustle still led 7-5 at the half.

But Forge Women are serial winners, and slowly began to make their Sixes credentials show.

A tightening in defence thanks to captain and ‘keeper Emilie Chandler, combined with their strong attacking options in Iona Dryden and Ella Cohen, Forge began to turn the screw.

It was just a one-goal game at the 3/4 time, and then with one minute to play in the fourth, Forge had got themselves 14-13 ahead.

However, just when it looked like the Forge would secure the comeback victory, Hustle came firing back - Chess Gray tieing things again at 14-all, before a saved effort gave Hustle the chance to win in the final 15 seconds.

So step up Julie Wise, who with just two seconds on the clock, collected a loose pass and fired it at goal to produce one of the moments of the Championship to win it in the last second and give Hustle the win.

Despite this victory for Hustle, the two sides would meet again in the semi-finals, and Forge would get the victory when it mattered.

Another one-goal game, and an 11-10 win for Forge saw them progress to the final, and claim back-to-back Championships to be crowned champions again for 2023.

Watch Hustle 14-13 Forge and Julie Wise’s last second winner below: (move to 5h 36mins)