WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Inc.

PRESS REPORTS FOR:  Saturday 2^nd September 2006

Under 11

Preliminary Final

Aztecs 2 defeated Drouids 1

This was a great game by all of Aztecs players. Both team’s defences were tested throughout the game. Chloe Bourke and Liam Robinson were very reliable, while Michael and Katie Finger alternated in the backline. With limited opportunities Aztecs made good use of the ball in attack with goals from Adam Smetana and Michael Finger.

The game started at a fast pace. Aztecs capitalized on the downhill advantage with an early goal to Michael Finger. Drouids worked their way back into the game and earned many short corners. Quick movement of the ball by Jacob Bush from a free to Aztecs by surprise and resulted in a goal to Harry Hearn. At half time the scores were level. A tension filled second half had everybody on the edge of their seat. Finally Aztecs penetrated the Drouids defence and moved ahead by a goal. A great hockey spectacle in the wash up!

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Under 13

Preliminary Final

Aztecs 3 defeated Gulls 2

This was a game filled with excitement and tension. All the Aztecs players played a superb game of hockey and showed great determination and skill. The fullbacks were unrelenting in keeping the Gulls attacks under control. The full time score was 2 all so the game continued into overtime. Aztecs scored the next goal and held the Gulls scoreless to finally win and move into next week’s grand final. Goal scorers: Jesse Ward 2, Ryan Ward.

Gulls played outstanding hockey and were very unlucky not to win this game. Ryan Wearne was solid in goal and clearly the hero of the Gulls! Ashley, Aubrey, Michael and Kiarn all ran their hearts out with some amazing skills displayed. Stephanie, Lauren and Brooke did a superb job with huge improvement shown by Kelsi, Melinda and Kelsy. Jake, James and Genevieve all were very good this week. Thanks to Michael Gaylard who has done an amazing job coaching these wonderful kids. All Gulls are very proud of our U 13’s!

Under 15

Preliminary Final

Drouids 2 defeated Aztecs 1

This final played in very sunny, warm conditions was an exceptionally hard match. Drouids, who fought extremely hard, were one goal down at half time. During the second half Drouids were awarded a penalty stroke which Julian Hannah converted to take the score to 1 all. Shortly after, Tom Copping goaled to take Drouids into the lead. All players were at their best and worked very hard for the win.

What a fantastic game from both sides! A hard fought match played on a fast surface had it all including a penalty stroke. Leigh Childe demonstrated fantastic defensive and attacking skills, Jake Griffiths played an excellent all round game and Courtney Eacott played well in defence. In fact every player played their heart out and shone at this game of hockey. No one could ask for a more entertaining, evenly matched final.

Under 17

Preliminary Final

Aztecs 1 defeated Drouids 0

Long strong hits by James Leitner pushed that ball into the forward line resulting in many short corners for Aztecs. Unluckily Aztecs failed to convert. This very tough game meant that at half time the score was nil all. In the second half goalie Alex Stammers proved to be a formidable force, ably supported by Dana Howard and Jake Griffiths. In the final minutes of play brilliant team play resulted in a well-applauded goal for Aztecs that sealed their place in the grand final. Goal scorer: Jade Whitehead.

In a fantastic, hard fought match, Drouids were unlucky to lose when 2 goals reverted to short corners at crucial stages in the match. Both sides played great, exciting hockey.  All Drouids players gave 100%. First year players Steph, Zac, Jo, Nick and Matt and U15 players Tom W, Tom C, Jevan and Katie J are to be commended for their efforts as they constantly drove Drouids into attack .GK Shane, and backs Leigh, Tristan, and Lloyd defended well. Liam and Jack were always dangerous up forward. An excellent match and indeed year from a young and inexperienced team. Well done!

Women’s

Preliminary Final

Aztecs 3 defeated Drouids 0

With hot conditions, Aztecs were thankful to have 3 players on the interchange bench and they made good use of this to earn themselves a place in their first grand final for 9 years. Penni Beck (the most valuable player for the team) was tireless in her attack and defence of the ball. Jan Park (runner up most valuable player) also played a consistent game. Alicia Wood-Davies and Rowena Beck (1 goal) fought hard in attack with great support from Kerry Irwin and Bonnie James who both showed excellent postioning on the wing. Kerry's positioning earned her 2 sneaky goals. Megan Farmer and Mel Crookston tackled well to give drive in attack. Bridget Penny, Robyn Ridsdale, Jackie Mowat and birthday girl, Marg Powell defended well with timely tackles and strong hitting. Sam Nap played relentlessly in attack and a big thanks goes to Jasmin Allan for filling in as our superb goal keeper. Get well soon Melissa. We will need you next week.

A good team game was played by all Drouids Women.  A very strong defence tried valiantly against a strong opposition. Thanks to all for an enjoyable season.

Men’s

Preliminary Final

Gulls 2 defeated Drouids 1

The Gulls men arrived determined to avenge last week’s loss. In a fast moving match Gulls showed great skill and teamwork. Full of voice they communicated with each other to great effect. Rob Greenall finished a great passage of play with a goal early in the second half of play and Ben Hallyburton worked hard to score a goal late in the match to cement Gulls place in the Grand Final. Go Gulls!

It was a very fast and even game between the Drouids and Gulls with both teams going into half time scoreless thanks to some hard work from Bison and Chris who destroyed several attacking runs in defence and Jayden who played a blinder in the mid-field.  The Drouids tired a little in the second half with a smaller bench than Gulls but fought on with Dion showing great finesse and Wigs who was strong in defence and attack.  Alistair Milne was Drouids goal scorer.  Thankyou to all Drouids players for a great season and good luck to the Gulls and Warriors in the grand final next Saturday.

Next Saturday is Grand Final day at Bellbird Park, Drouin where the following games will be played:

9.45am             Under 11          Gulls v Aztecs

11.00am           Under 13           Drouids v Aztecs

11.00am           Under 17           Gulls v Aztecs

12.25pm          Under 15          Gulls v Drouids

1.45pm            Women            Warriors v Aztecs

3.15pm            Men                  Warriors v Gulls

On Saturday night 26^th August at the Drouin Secondary College, the West Gippsland Hockey Association held its Junior Presentation Night to celebrate a wonderful year of junior hockey played at Bellbird Park in Drouin.  The following were presented with Most Valuable Player awards in their age group.

UNDER 11

Male: Brendan Noye (Warriors)                  

Runners Up: Michael Finger (Aztecs) & Evan Tyson (Gulls)

Female: Prue Grant (Drouids)        

Runners Up: Bethany McWha (Gulls) & Danielle Stephenson (Gulls)

UNDER 13

Male: Ashley Gaylard (Gulls)                       

Runners Up: Jesse Ward (Aztecs) & Sean Bulmer (Warriors)

Female: Liz Christian (Drouids)                 

Runner Up: Kate Christian (Drouids)

UNDER 15

Male: Ewan Wallin (Gulls)                

Runner Up: Julian Hannah (Drouids)

 

Female: Tiarna Kramer (Gulls)                   

Runner Up: Lara Trevorrow (Gulls)

UNDER 17

Male: James Leitner (Aztecs)                     

Runner Up: Mark Baker (Warriors)

Female: Emma Wallin (Gulls)                      

Runner Up: Samantha Nap (Aztecs)