WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Inc.
PRESS REPORTS FOR: Saturday 22 April 2006
West Gippsland Hockey 2006 commenced on Saturday in sunny conditions and all looked forward to the start of a new season. Many new players made their way to Bellbird Park and WGHA welcomed them warmly. The day was topped off by a presentation to Gwen Mulconry for her service, commitment and dedication to West Gippsland Hockey.
Under 9
Warriors 1 defeated Drouids Blue 0
On Saturday Warriors opened their season with a great win. Excellent first games were played by Michael Knersch, Harvey Langford, Jacob Brookes, Josh Horsburgh, with Lauren Gooden scoring a goal – well done Lauren! Great effort was displayed by all players.
Gulls Green 0 drew with Aztecs 0
An excellent start to the season for Gulls Green. The ball went forward numerous times with Robert Hawthorn and Jessica Ross almost scoring a couple of times. They were supported by some good forward play by Cameron Dyt and Gabbie Farnham. Nicholas Mann and Alec Bedford were solid in defence. Congratulations to Gordon Bedford on his coaching debut.
Great debut by little Chloe Scott for Aztecs, a little player with a big free push/hit. A fantastic team effort lead by young gun Jake Brown kept the Gulls scoreless in a fiercely contested game.
Under 11
Drouids 2 defeated Warriors 1
Well organized Drouids passed well, but failed to win many tackles due to confusion. Goalkeeper Liam Watts guarded well during Warriors many short corners. An excellent first goal was scored by Richard Jones with assistance by Prue Grant in a fast breakaway. New player James Pugh struck a hard fast goal in a corner situation. Best Players: Richard Jones and William Edmonds.
Gulls 2 defeated Aztecs 0
A great first game of the season for Aztecs with no goals scored until well into the second half. Michael Finger ran the ball down the field and was often in the play. Matt Phyland, Ebony Scott, Chloe Bourke and Taylah Brown settled in quickly under the guidance of new coach Jeff Finger. Adam Smetana placed the ball well while Katie Finger tackled fiercely and Shannon Ward hit the ball with strength. Sean Griffiths (GK), Dylan Brown and Liam Robinson were strong in defence. Certainly a team with potential for 2006.
For Gulls Nick Noll, Evan Tyson, Jessie Dent and Luke McWha were the driving players who kept the ball moving forward. Aubury Gaylard provided the sparkle in front of goals. Ryan Wearne, Jack Farnham and Bethany McWha played well. Improved player: Joel Claxton.
Under 13
Warriors 4 defeated Drouids 1
With first day jitters, Drouids team took a while to find their flow. Many missed opportunities through the center allowed Warriors convincing victory. Sterling effort by Goalie Luke Jamieson kept scores within reason with excellent support by Telise and Alyce. This team will find its form with Coach Gordon showing the way. Well done Lachlan on the first goal of the season with great team effort by Luke Vandrasek, Leah, Sam and Keisha.
Gulls 6 defeated Aztecs 3
This was a great first game, with plenty of action. Genevieve scored the first goal for the Gulls within minutes of starting. Lauren and Aubury scored a goal each while Michael, with the help of Lucy and Jake scored 3 goals. Kiarn did an excellent job as goalie, with Kelsey, James and the ever reliable Ashley helping him out. Stephanie tackled hard with Brooke defending well. Melinda is improving from last year. Great start, well done kids.
Aztecs welcomed some new players who all showed great potential. Cameron Price displayed great skills as Goalie with Ryan Ward, Madeline Higgins, Beth Chandler and Steph Hill playing strong in defence. Tori Brown, Luke Taylor and Josh Napp kept pressure on up forward. Goal Scorers: Jessie Ward (2) Tori Brown.
Under 15
Drouids 6 defeated Warriors 1
Drouids displayed excellent team work in this first game of the season. New players, Jess Harris, Alex Borg, Nick Burr and Josie Edmonds did extremely well and we welcome them to our team. Tom Copping (2) and Julian Hannah (3), by passing the ball well achieved great results in goals. Nick Burr was also rewarded with a goal.
Gulls 3 defeated Aztecs 1
Gulls welcome new players Ben Bloomfield (GK), Sarah Anderson and Lara Trevorrow to our enthusiastic team and all played a great part in our first win of the season. The game was highlighted by very good passing of ball, strong attacking, effective defending and great team work. Grace Gaylard, Peter Eshius and Ricky Webster have all improved greatly from last season. Tiarna Kramer played her usual key role in the team. Goal Scorers: Wesley Dowell (2) and Ewan Wallin.
Great start to the 2006 season for Aztecs as all players played with gusto and great skill. Leigh Childs, Tiffany Bourke and Josh Napp made up a powerful forward line. Very impressive play from our new player Matthew Taylor scoring the only goal. Thank-you to Brian Taylor and Team Manager Marissa Griffiths.
Under 17
Gulls 1 defeated Aztecs 0
First games back, Gulls were all a little rusty. Isaac Armstrong and Chris Fox combined well to score midway into the first half. Emma Wallin, Isaac Armstrong, James Meaker, Laura Court and Ben Sandy defended well to keep Aztecs from scoring. Everyone else had flashes of great play.
A fantastic start to the 2006 season. Aztecs had a great selection of under 17 players plus a good component of under 15 players who were prepared to support their club. The team’s greatest asset to the low scoring games was the fact that they played together, looked out for each other and shared the ball. James Lightner and Jamie Cochrane made excellent use of the field and supported their team mates. Jade and Mel Whitehead and James Lightner got the spectators cheering as they made a well coordinated play for goal in the first half. Even with the chances from three short corners during the game, Aztecs failed to score, but kept up a hard-fought game throughout the time on the field.
Women’s
Warriors 7 defeated Drouids 1
Excellent opening game from Warriors, which was highlighted by the good passing between the forwards creating many opportunities in the circle area. Valuable players were Janelle New, Lisa Hatfield, Chris Hobbs, Lisa Deppeler and Kerry Armstrong who were well supported by Kathy Horsburgh and Kim Rinehart. Great teamwork by Kelly-Anne McDonald and Bronwen Tivendale. Welcome to Joanna Knersch who in her first game for Warriors scored a goal along with Christine Hobbs (4), Kerry Armstrong and Lisa Hatfield.
First game back of the season saw Drouids facing a determined Warriors team. New players Jenna Slate, Celeste Richards and Jess Parker were strong in attack all game amongst the existing forwards of Bec Smythe, Hallina Zamora, Helen Dinysopoulos and Lyn Kenworthy. Nikki Cann, Lauren Conochi, Kim Mass and Eliza Kenworthy worked well together against the continuous attack from Warriors. Shelley Olsen (GK), Rhonda Lane and Meg O’Brien on defence combined well. A great opening game from Drouids who look forward to another top season together. Goal Scorer: Bec Smyth.
Gulls Green 4 defeated Aztecs 1
A great opening team game by Gulls Green, who attacked and defended well. Michelle Goulter scored the first goal while the defenders Tina Dent and Sarah Miles prevented Aztecs’ many attempts up the field. The second half saw Nora Rose battle for a goal on the line, Emma Wallin flick from pass from Tiarna Kramer on a short corner and Cathy Gower slot a well deserved goal. Great goalkeeping from Rochelle McFarlane and well done Gulls Green!
A good start to the season by Aztecs although they ran out of legs in the second half. Strong performances came from Alicia Wood-Davies, Ro Beck and Jan Park who were further supported by Bridget Penny. 2 veterans returning to the team, Marg Powell and Robyn Ridsdale (returning from a knee reconstruction) who both contributed significantly to the defence. Newcomer Melissa Scott played well in her first game and we are thankful for the support given by our underage players Jasmine Allen (GK), Mal and Steph Crookston and Hannah Pallet. Goal Scorer: Ro Beck.
Men’s
Warriors 3 defeated Drouids 1
Lack of preseason training was evident on both sides. Warriors win was brought about by good teamwork. New player Warrick played extremely well as did Lyndon Calway in goal. There will by many twinged hamstrings on Sunday but nevertheless all enjoyed the game. Goal Scorers: Andy Messer (1) Andrew Harrison (from a penalty stroke) and Stuart Horsburgh would like to claim the third as he can’t remember who scored it!
Aztecs 3 defeated Gulls 1
Aztecs new players teamed well to give the Gulls a lesson in how to play team hockey. Good open play and fast forwards were a highlight. Key Players: Brendan Scott and Dean Crawford. Improvers: Eric Farmer and Leigh Childs. Goal Scorers: Brendan Scott, Stammers and Chris Wood-Davies.
With a very young team taking the field, Gulls passed the ball well and were unlucky not to score more than once. Key Players: Ken Kemp, Chris Miles and Michael Van Dord. Improved player: Marc Freestone. Goal Scorer: Rob Mercer.