WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY ASSOC Inc.
Press report for: Saturday 21/4/07 written by Liz Keily
HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS
Perfect weather combined with dry, fast conditions saw many tight and competitive games being played out in the first round of the 2007 Winter season for the West Gippsland Hockey Association.
Hockey is one of the few sports that can be played through a lifespan, from five through to veterans and due to this welcoming and encouraging spirit within the WGHA, this year we have recruits in all age groups from Juniors to Seniors. We look forward to developing their love of hockey just like the other 200,000 Australians who play the sport. (Australian Census 2006)
U9
Gulls 0 drew Drouids Navy 0
A dynamic, but fun opening game of the season was enjoyed by both teams. Many attacking moves were thwarted at the last line of defence to keep the score at nil all. Drouids Navy welcomed new players who showed great promise, especially Robert Di Pietro and Keziah Bush. Gulls also displayed promising new talent in Isobelle Mauh, Stewart Bedford and Ryan Claxton.
Aztecs 1 defeated Drouids Blue 0
A hard fought game which saw Actecs victorious over an undermanned Drouids Blue. Aztecs were kept scoreless for most of the first half until Jake Ward was able to score a goal fiercely defended by a force of Drouid defenders bravely led by Charlie Clark. Great attacking by: Meghan Wright, Jacob Goodman, Felicity Johnson and Mia Pedersen.
U11
Drouids 2 defeated Aztecs 0
Two fast goals were scored early in the first half by Drouids, Richard Jones and Jacob Bush. Ebony Scott stopped numerous goal attempts and newcomers: Stewart McKenzie, Brooke Hamilton and Tayla Brown showed great promise for Aztecs. Edward Edmonds of Drouids displayed great versatility in his skills.
Gulls 2 defeated Warriors 1
A nail biter with Gulls dominating the first half, but Warriors making it a tighter game in the second half. Luke and Sam of Gulls were dynamic in attack with Luke roving the whole ground. Jack Farnham saved the day in goals, but Cameron Bedford stopped many attacks from Warriors. Damian proved to be a fierce goal keeper for Warriors thus keeping the scoring low.
U13
Gulls 2 def Warriors 1
Gulls was strongly led by goal scorer Aubrey who was ably supported by Evan, Michael, Lucia, Joel Bethany and Daniella. A notable stand out for Warriors was Ethan Calway in the centre as was goal scorer, Ellen Bulmer. This young team of Warriors is the one to watch here.
U13
Aztecs 4 def Drouids 1
A great start to the season with a win for Aztecs. Chris Cooper was the high scorer of the game with four, followed by Sara Howard with one goal. Defence was strong in the line up of Katie and Michael. A fantastic effort and well played by all.
U15
Aztecs 3 drew Drouids 3
A tight game where the first score was made by Aztecs just on the first half siren. Drouids fought back under new coach, Jevan Leggett, who made some decisive moves late in the game to help bring the draw. Braydon, Lizzy and Luke scored one each for Drouids with”Dobbo” holding steady in the goals. Tory Brown scored two for Aztecs with Matthew scoring one.
Gulls 1 drew Warriors 1
A fast, skilful game was played by both teams. Long runs by Daniel Belfield, Sean Bulmer and Samuel Lodge broke up the determined defence. New recruit Daniel Bertoli was tight in goals, keeping out some good Gulls attacking moves. Goal scorer, Natalie Tyson, strengthened her play as the game went on, with Michael Withoon playing superbly throughout for Gulls.
U17
Warriors 2 def Gulls 0
Hayden Calway’s goal in the first half was an inspirational season start for Warriors. After an effective pep talk from coach, Stuart Dowell, the second half got off to a better start for Gulls where flashes of brilliance showed. Newcomers, Emma Hoffmann and Kasey Crestani showed promise. Lyndon’s goal keeping skills together with strong defence of Andrew, Michael and BJ warded off attacks from the Gulls keeping them scoreless.
Drouids 2 drew Aztecs 2
Drouids players ran hard and fast with Aztecs displaying solid team work. Danielle Haley and Dan Gallagher made excellent use of the wing for Drouids, while Jevan Leggett, Liam Dillon, Katie Jamieson and Tom Watts, were quick to tackle and pass the ball forward towards goal. Aztecs Leigh Childe and Jamie Cochrane tenaciously attacked the ball and Jamie's persistence saw him score two fabulous goals over the top of the goalkeeper's head. Alex Stammers was fantastic in goals, and saved many Drouid attacks.
Womens
Drouids 2 def Aztecs 0
Aztecs struggled in the opening game of the season with Drouids displaying excellent team work. For Aztecs, Penni Beck controlled play beautifully in the centre with good support from Sam Hill and Cassie Jolley, both returning from a year off. Kerry Irwin was finding success (and her feet!) in a new position and Robyn Ridsdale's new stick had awesome hitting power from the backline. Drouids back line of Amy Worthey, Rose Fleming and Rhonda Lane kept strong against formidable Aztec attacks. Goal scorers: Meg O'Brien 1 Angela Brown 1
Gulls Gold 5 def Gulls Green 0
An undermanned Gulls Green fought valiantly against a strong Gulls Gold with every player running themselves into exhaustion. Goalie Rochelle, saved repeated attempts to score by the opposition. A great game by all.
Mens
Drouids 1 def Aztecs 0
An excellent start to the season for the Drouids with a hard fought win under their belt. Recruits, Louis Glazebrook, Zach Darley-Collis and Matt Jarvis played well in the forward line creating many scoring opportunities. In defence, new-comer Brad Moyle repelled many advances on goals from the Aztecs. In a tight game scores remained at 0 all at half time. The Aztecs fought hard against a tiring Drouids to try and score, but were unable to penetrate the defences
Goal Scorer: John Thomson 1
Gulls 2 drew with Warriors 2
Gulls were eager to begin the season facing the 2006 Grand Final victors. At the half- time break it seemed history was to be repeated with a Warrior lead of 2-0. The Gulls lifted their game and a short corner goal by Michael Ballantyne and a last minute goal by Ken Kemp led the game to a 2-all draw. Warriors’ first goal came from some creative play in the goal circle finished off by Scott Marks. Their second goal was again a well constructed play across the centre of the goal finished off by Luke Martin.