On Sunday an era came to an end when the last games were played on gravel. If things go as planned on Sunday, the KO final will be played on the new synthetic surface.

The official opening is set for September with the visit of a still undisclosed foreign national side to play against a local selection.

The two teams that will be contesting this final will be Young Stars and The Athlete's Foot who disposed of The George Pub and Pasta Poiatti Qormi respectively.

In the first semi-final, which was a repeat of last year's final, Young Stars saw off holders The George Pub after coming from a goal down.

The George Pub started the better side as they wrestled the initiative from Young Stars. Luke Busutill Leaver, who was returning from injury, took his chance and gave The George Pub a half-time lead.

The second half was a different story. The holders were forced for long stretches in their own half even though Young Stars' goals came in the final 15 minutes through Chris Bugeja and David Evans.

The Athlete's Foot joined Young Stars in the final with a 2-0 victory over Pasta Poiatti.

A quick goal from Shaun Mifsud set the pattern for the game as Pasta Poiatti were forced to change their plans from the word go. The game remained balanced throughout.

Sliema played on the break and their counter-attacks kept causing problems to the Pasta Poiatti defence.

The Athlete's Foot left the second goal for late when Michael Caruana Smith stepped up to score a penalty to secure the final for his side.

With this game the curtain came down on over a 100 years of hockey being played on a sand surface at Kordin. Over the years the complex has seen numerous changes and has gone through ups and down.

Except for a brief period during the Suez Crisis, when the grounds were used as a parking depot, hockey was always played at Kordin.

The complex is now set to take a huge step forward with the new artificial turf pitch, a move that will certainly enhance the game in Malta.