WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY

With the weather getting cooler and the grounds getting messier, some of the levels of hockey is still strong, with many teams having a high score line. West gippsland would also like to say good luck to all the teams that are off to Country Week next weekend.

Under 9

Warriors Two def Aztecs One 5 – 1

Another great game of hockey this week and another win for the Warriors! Alice Horsburgh, Shannon Fisher, Wade Goodwin, Angelina Interlandi, Josh Horsburgh, Vanessa Gooden and Larni Goodwin (team captain) all getting a piece of the action, as the Aztecs provided some tight play.

Most Disciplined Player was awarded to Shannon Fisher, well done.

Goals scorers: Josh Horsburgh (4), Vanessa Gooden (1).

In the first half, the Warriors two were relentless in attack with surge after surge into their attacking half, Steph Coulter and Claire Giles were once again steadfast in their application of defence. Warriors two scored 2 early goals but a blistering run down the centre by Alannah Balcombe resulted in a fine solo goal. A late goal by Warriors two made it 3 - 1 at half time. Warriors two scored the first goal of the second half despite a valiant effort by Katilyn Spragg in the goals. Ryan Giles fought hard to keep the ball moving forward and Chloe Balcombe added much needed run to the engine room. Steph Coulter single-handed repelled many forward runs from Warriors two assisted once again by Claire Giles. An amazing save by Ryan Giles was a real highlight but a late goal saw the score end at 5 -1

Goal scorer: Alanah Balcombe (1)

Drouids def Gulls Two 7 – 0

The experience from the Drouids under 9 team was evident on the field today as all our under 9s demonstrated great teamwork and passing to share in goal scoring. Congratulations to Jenna Wright (captain), Kelsey Powell, Nathan and Mikayla Smith, Connah Smythe and Austin Williamson on their goals and Henry Grant and Lachlan Pearson on some excellent defence. Many of our players were able to score their first goal for the year. It was great to see the team working together and enjoy the game.

Goal scorers: Kelsey Powell (2), Nathan Smith (1), Mikayla Smith (1), Connah Smythe (1), Austin Williamson (1), Jenna Wright (1).

Aztecs Two def Warriors One 2 – 0

After a very cold start to the morning and as the sun started to come through Warriors were in action for a great. Tessa Martin dribbled the ball beautifully down the field. Warriors played a defensive game. It is good to see you all playing so well, great teamwork Warriors

One player down for the Aztecs. In the first half it was nil all. Some good pushes into Warriors defensive zone, with a couple of shots on goal that didn’t convert from Brittany Forrest. The second half Brittany did some good, aggressive pushing from Erin Park’s lead to score early in the second half. More good attacking challengers to the warrior’s defensive skills. Saffron Park took a long push from Brittany to score the second goal. Anthony Forrest was very strong in defence, good running from Erin Park. Rachel Prout good in defence. Most improved players were Brittany Forrest and Saffron Park

Goal scorers: Brittany Forrest (1), Saffron Park (1)

Under 11

Drouids def Gulls 2 – 1

Friendly competition between the coaches oozed over into a brilliant game between Gulls and Drouids. Fantastic hustling from Chelsea Beca (captain) and Isaac Daly helped set up Jarrod Smith’s goal from a formidable hit. Piper Hobson in goals stopped the equalizer with flair. Second half saw great pressure from Mia Pedersen, Jarrod Pearson and Sara Fleming and a magnificent goal from Nathan Smith. Great job coaches!

Goal scorers: Jarrod Smith (1), Nathan Smith (1).

Warriors def Aztecs 1 – 0

Warriors played a hard attacking game and worked well as a team. Olivia played a consistent game pushing forward with many attempts at goals. Hard work and determination eventually paid of with a goal scored by Nicholas Frost in the dying minutes of the game. Aztecs worked hard in defence and their goalie played a fantastic game. Well done Warriors.

Goal scorer: Nicholas Frost (1)

Under 13

Drouids def Gulls 2 – 1

It was a great team effort by Drouids in cold weather. Zoe Bush played a great game that saw her win a match award. Captain Charlie Park was solid in defence as was Sam Watts who also received a match award. Tara Pederson was great in goal and deserves high praise just for putting on the muddy goalie gear. Lachlan Hannah was instrumental in many of Drouids attacking play.  Robert Di Pietro also played a great game in the centre field. A really fantastic game from both sides

Goal scorers: Jack Shaddock (1), Lachlan Hannah (1).

Under 15

Drouids def Gulls 3 – 0

The first goal came from Eddie Edmonds following some neat passing inside the circle. Despite some excellent individual efforts by Gulls and some very close calls on goal, Drouids defence held firm with the goalie and Prue Grant repelling goals on the line. The first of two big runs by Jacob Bush into the circle resulted in Drouids second goal, scored by Jenna Pedersen. Drouids final goal came from Jacob Bush with a strong hit from a short corner. Gulls sneaked the final goal of the match in the dying two seconds of the game.  

Goal scorers: Eddie Edmonds (1), Jenna Pedersen (1), Jacob Bush (1).

Warriors def Aztecs 3 – 0

After a short delay to the start of the match due to a missing umpire, both teams got straight into the action, with the first five minutes seeing both teams make attempts at goal.  Much of the early action happened right in the Aztecs goals with a series of short corners called against Warriors, but none were successful in scoring due to strong & determined defence by Warriors including Damian Crawford in goal.  By half time both teams were still locked at nil all, but it didn't take long for Warriors to break through with a goal off a short by Brendan Noye.  Some of the big hitters had trouble keeping the ball on the ground because of the atrocious condition of the field, which looked more like a crop of Cape Weed.  A second goal for Warriors came after another big hit by Brendan come off an Aztec's stick, lobbing high into goal as everybody looked skywards wondering what was going to happen.  A short discussion by the umpires confirmed another Warriors score under unusual conditions.  Despite the seemingly unstoppable attack of Aztecs' Luke Hall, Warriors didn't fail to spoil every attempt to get the ball to goal by Aztecs.  A quick deflection for a 3rd goal by Jemma Rinehart sealed the game for Warriors, who really looked like a co-ordinated team this week.  All players did a great job, showing huge determination and leaving Aztecs wondering what they needed to do to get through.

The Aztecs began the game with tow subs for the first time this season. Many early corners were taken by the Aztecs with neither team scoring before the half. Warriors scored just into the second half forcing the Aztecs to play catch-up hockey. A second goal, which was deflected by the backs, went high in the air and unfortunately landed behind the keeper to put Aztecs under further pressure. The Aztecs however, fought valiantly and continued to win short corners.

Under 17

Aztecs def Warriors 4 – 0

Both teams were undermanned to make the game very open. Two quick goals by Cam Price and Chris Cooper set up an attacking forward plan. A third goal came before half time by Luke Hall. The second half saw a more defensive game by both sides but Aztecs held on to score a decisive victory with Luke Taylor scoring a fourth goal.

Goal scorers: by Luke Hall (1), Luke Taylor (1), Cameron Price (2)

 

Woman’s

Aztecs def Warriors 1 – 0

 In a friendly and evenly matched game, Aztecs found themselves with two on the bench this week, allowing for a regular run of fresh legs! All players contributed well and the win was a fabulous team effort. The stand out player was Sam Hill, who is having a great season on the half back line. She tackled well with strong support from Jan Park, Cass Jolley and Steph Crookston. Alicia Wood-Davies continues to attack well and Nat Tyson was really on the ball, finally slotting one between the posts in the second half. Tiffany Bourke was a key player on the wing and as usual Bridgette Ockerse was in everything. Jane Rees and Steph Hill were well positioned and the final line of defence (Robyn, Jackie and Barb) were proud of the attack was passing between each other.

Goal Scorer: Natalie Tyson (1).

Drouids def Gulls 7 – 0

Drouids started without a full team, but Gulls only had enough to field 7 players.  Drouids score four goals in the first half with a strong forward line. Some great passes across goal helped Claire Wigglesworth score. Fiona Conochie, Justine Gooding and Leah Holgate worked well together to move the ball in towards the attacking circle. Sari Wright done some fantastic stops near the top of the circle, to push in for the attack. Poor Heather nearly needed to be woken up in the goals, with Ann-Marie Fleming, and Meg O’Brien doing well to keep the defense line clear with some powerful hits also from Gita Walker. Claire Wiglesworth forced a penalty stroke in the second half, where she transformed the stroke into another goal.

 

Goal scorers: Claire Wigglesworth 3, Bec Smythe 2, Justine Gooding 2

Men’s

Drouids def Gulls 5 – 0

The Drouids men, complete with four subs, played an excellent game against Gulls taking control from the start.  Dan Wiglesworth, Alistair Milne and Anthony McDonald ran hard in the centre providing many opportunities for the forwards.  Sam Stenson played a solid game in defence, supporting Chris Garden and Gordon Hobson in the back line. Michael Smythe (GK) made some determined saves. 

Goal scorers: John Thomson (2), Dillon Thompson (1), Chris Addison (1), Lucas Jamison (1).

Aztecs def Warriors 2 – 1

A good effort by the boys today.  We were unfortunate to let two goals through in the space of about a minute in the first half. Aztecs were bringing the ball down very fast making it very difficult to defend.  
Steve Kehayas worked tirelessly all game across halfback, likewise Michael Bridgeman who also scored a great goal.  Bruce king wore a couple of heavy hits for the team, and Nev Dyt wore a beauty on the neck, another player who is improving every week.  Awe - inspiring   performance from Stuart Horsburgh at full back (If no one else wants to write the press report then I’ll lie as much as I want to!).  It really was a good effort and we were unlucky not to get a couple more goals, better luck next time boys.