WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Inc.
The season has come to an end with a wonderful day of finals hockey. From the Under 11’s right through to the Men’s division, hockey was celebrated by children and adults alike. Congratulations to all who participated and all who were avid spectators, it was a great day!
PRESS REPORTS FOR: Saturday 9th September 2006
Under 11
Grand Final
Aztecs 1 defeated Gulls 0
It was an intense first half of hockey in this Grand Final, with much of the play in the Aztecs forward line and highlighted by good running by Chris Cooper, Michael Finger and Matt Phyland. The second half was just as exciting with great defensive play by Liam Robinson, Katie Finger and goalie Ebony Eacott. Karen Pedder, Sean Griffiths, Shannon Ward and Dean McMaster played with strength particularly in their hitting, and Adam Smetana gave 100%. Chris Cooper scored the only goal to take Aztecs to the Premiership!
Overall this was a very tight match in which the Aztecs kept the Gulls under constant pressure.
Under 13
Grand Final
Aztecs 3 defeated Drouids 2
This was an exciting game of hockey and both teams should be congratulated for putting on such a great display. Aztecs showed great determination and skill and never gave up trying. Full backs Maddie, Beth, Tan and Goalie Cameron should be proud of their efforts in keeping Drouids attack to 2 goals. Aztecs goal scorers were Jesse, Ryan and Leesa and without the continual support from wingers and inners would have been unable to convert. Congratulations to Ben for his wonderful coaching this year and bringing this team together to win the Grand Final.
A fast moving game which saw the momentum going back and forth between the two teams. Highlights of the game were some great saves in goal by Luke Jamieson, excellent defending by Liz Christian, Kate Christian and Sam Stenson, and great running from Penny Johnson, Matthew Zurrer and Luke Von Drasck. Players providing plenty of support were Leah Holgate, Nicole Cooper, Bronte Hobson, Alice Copping, Elyce Hatfield, Lachlan McLean, Jordan Di Pietro and Keisha Leggett
Under 15
Grand Final
Gulls 2 defeated Drouids 0
Justin Grigoleit was man of the match and showed all the hockey skills he knew. “Rainbow Warrior” constantly attacked the ball and with excellent skills and effort Tiarna and Lara kept it moving forward. Mel, Sarah and Nat did an terrific job and Peter, Michael, Will and Ricky all did an amazing job. Grace and Wes were wonderful and played very skillful hockey. Thank you to Paul “You’re a star” Kramer for coaching this great bunch of kids – you’ve earned not only their friendship but their respect! Special thanks to Jenny Dowel who is and always has been the wheel that supports this wonderful Gulls Hockey Club. A super year for the Under 15’s – Go Gulls!
Drouids despite working very hard to score just couldn’t quite get the ball over the goal line. All players are to be commended for play extremely well and giving their best effort on the day and all through the season. The team of 2006 are one of the best teams ever.
Under 17
Grand Final
Gulls 2 defeated Aztecs 1
Gulls came out of the starting blocks at a great pace putting the Aztecs defence under enormous pressure. James Meaker and Todd Beasley showed great skill early which continued well into the second half. Matt Vorbach and Emma Wallin showed great courage in their tackling. Chris Miles, Laura Court, Martin Pywell, Matt Waller, Neil Forth, Chris Fox, Ben Sandy and Nathan Kemp all combined well in a great team effort. Rochelle McFarlane starred in goal, keeping out several strong attacks from Aztecs. Thanks Gulls for a fantastic season! Special mention to Todd and James for stand out games in this the final game of 2006. Thanks to Rod Forth for all his coaching efforts this year. Go Gulls.
The first half was memorable for the many short corners earned by both teams and the high standard of play kept the scores even. Kirstie Eales scored the Aztecs goal from a pass by Jamie Cochran. Great saves were made by Alex Stammers (GK) and Courtney Eacott made some great clearances. Sam Nap, James Leitner and Jamie Cochran worked the entire field. The excellent team play by Aztecs meant that the final was a well matched and very hard fought game. Congratulations to all team players on an excellent result for the 2006 season.
Women’s
Grand Final
Warriors 1 defeated Aztecs 0
Playing in their first grand final for nine years, Aztecs matched Warriors throughout the game. Despite valiant attempts, they could not penetrate the strong Warriors defence in an effort to even the score. Penni Beck ran herself ragged throughout the entire game. She was in every play, never gave up the fight and showed why she was our most valuable player. Melissa Scott’s game in goals was awesome as she defended constant attacks. Jackie Mowat played her best game for the season, thwarting attacking moves on the edge of the circle with great support from Marg Powell. Bridget Penny, Sam Nap and Megan Farmer showed strong tackling and persistent drive to the forwards. Rowena Beck and Robyn Ridsdale received the ball well and made great opportunities for Bonnie James, Melanie Crookston and Kerry Irwin on the wings. Alicia Wood-Davies, Jasmin Allan and Jan Park looked for opportunities to convert but found it difficult to penetrate Warriors. Well done girls on a great season and we look forward to next year.
Men’s
Grand Final
Warriors 1 defeated Gulls 0
A good team effort all round by Warriors. Pressure from Gulls was met with a strong defence. Warriors ran and passed well into attack returning the pressure to Gulls. With the scores locked at nil all James Belfield stepped up to score from a stroke to seal this very even and exciting match with only 2 minutes to go! In a replay of the 2005 Grand Final both tams played a hard and even, fiercely competitive game that kept the spectators fully involved. In the final minutes both teams were awarded a penalty stroke resulting in Warriors taking the game 1 – nil. The Gulls showed great skills and team play and look forward to a rematch in the 2007 Grand Final. Well done Gulls!