WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY SEMI FINALS

WARRIORS WIN PRELININARY FINAL WITH ONLY 48 SECONDS LEFT

The men’s game was nail biting, fast and a very skilled game to watch. The game finished when the ball was down in the Warriors attacking circle and only minuets left with an even score line, Warriors was able to score, and Drouids had no time to equalize. Drouids and Warriors was a very even matched game and the score line could have easily gone the other way. Well done, and good luck to all the teams in the grand final next week.

Under 11’s

Warriors def Gulls 4 - 2

 The Under 11 Preliminary final was destined to be an epic struggle with these two teams contesting several close matches during the season. Warriors have improved each week as the first year players learnt the game and all developed their stick skills. The first half saw the ball repeatedly driven into attack at both ends and defended just as strongly. A great trap by Sarah Ashby prevented a dangerous attack by Gulls in the early minutes. This resulted in a counter attack by Warriors who won a short corner. Oscar Bateman scored the opener and Warriors were on the board. The Gulls then managed a quick reply to equalise. The next period of play saw Kate Rinehart, who was in goals, stop several more Gulls attacks, kicking the ball to safety. Gulls sneaked in a second goal with just seconds to spare before half time.

The coach for Warriors talked about strategy at half time and the players responded. Field players, Nick Frost, Matt Lubberink and Ryan Ward shared the ball more evenly and consistently blocked the Gulls, creating turnovers. With great team effort they forced the ball down to their end and Daniel Frost finished off by putting in the second goal for Warriors. Scores were even. The Warriors defence, with Tom Taylor defending well, fought off the Gulls next attacking moves and the confidence and determination of the team saw them surge forward into attack. A long hit by Josh Horsburgh sailed into goal for their third score.  With five minutes left on the clock, the Warriors supporters on the sideline watched anxiously to see if the Gulls would equalise. Warriors held off another Gulls attack and maintained possession, winning a short corner on the siren. Lachlan Naylor scored a goal with his best hit for the day to put the Warriors convincingly into next week’s grand final. A great game to watch with quality umpiring, and good sportsmanship shown by all players.

Under 15’s

Gulls 4 def Warriors 4 - 0
A hard fought match saw the Warriors working together well in all aspects of hockey. Everybody played a magnificently and deserve to be congratulated for their effort. Lauren Mascadri read the play and worked well in an unfamiliar position.  Aiden Cumming played fantastically on the back line with great clearances and some brilliant coordination with Brendan Noye. Damian Crawford deserves a big pat on the back for his awesome work in goals. All in all, the Warriors were unlucky not to score. Better luck next year.

Under 17’s

Drouids def Aztecs 4 - 1

This was an interesting match between the Drouids and Aztecs going hard against each other to win the preliminary final. In the first half Jacob Bush scored a successful 2 goals. During the game though the Aztecs managed to squeeze in a goal in the second half but the Drouids managed to score another 2 goals. One taken by Lachlan McLean and the other spectacular goal scored by Sam Stenson.

Woman’s

Warriors def Aztecs 3 - 2

This was a great game by both sides, worthy of a preliminary final. Warriors looked as if they might rue a lot of missed chances early. The play was very even and Aztecs then began to get on top.  Kylie, Catherine and Tracey were made to work very hard in defence, and unfortunately Aztecs were able to get two goals.  Things looked bleak 
for Warriors, but with lots of hard work through midfield and half back, Lisa and Belinda were both able to score to level the game. Brittany and Mary played really well, as did Hayley and Karla Lee, interchanging with each other.  Robina, BJ, and Rachael all played well, helping to keep us in the game.  With scores level, we went into extra time, needing to win to go through, Lisa was able to convert from a short corner and then everyone pitched in to keep Aztecs out of the game.  It was a fantastic win and good luck next week.

Men’s

Warriors def Drouids 2 - 1

It was a very even game between Drouids and Warriors, with both teams taking turns at controlling the play.  Drouids scored the first goal early in the second half but Warriors replied quickly.  The match was heading for extra time when Warriors scored the winning goal with 48 seconds to go in the match.  Well done on a great year Drouids; Chris A, Tom, Nath, Dean, Chris G, Mitch, Gordo, Rohan, Ant, Bison, Mick, Dillon, John, Dan, Alec, Jev, Al, Adam with some help from the U17s; Lucas, Sam, Lachie and Jim. Goals: Jevan Legget

Warriors played a fantastic game, everyone worked back hard to help slow Drouids run for the whole game.  It wasn't quite a Terry Wallace flood, but it worked quite well.  Drouids were able to score early in the second half after the nameless full back kicked the ball and gave away a short corner. Luckily everyone was able to work together and Andy was able to get a goal from a short corner, the scoop finally 
working.  He got another goal with about half a minute to go which sealed the game.  It really was a great team effort with everyone working extremely hard to support each other.  The Steam is probably still coming off Evan's back!  Well done everyone, and good luck next week!

GRANDFINAL 4-September-2010

Under 11’s at 9.00am Drouids vs Warriors

Under 13’s at 10.10am Drouids vs Warriors

Under 15’s at 11.30am Drouids vs Gulls

Under 17’s at 12.50pm Gulls vs Drouids

Woman’s at 2.15pm Drouids vs Warriors

Men’s at 3.45pm Aztecs vs Warriors