West Gippsland Hockey

West Gippsland Hockey Association and Baw Baw Hockey Club cordially invite you to the ‘Official Opening’ of the Bellbird Park Synthetic Sports Facility in Drouin; Gippsland’s 1st full-size synthetic playing surface.

The facility will be opened by Johan Scheffer, Member for Eastern Victoria, Next Saturday the 31st July at 12.00pm at Bellbird Park Recreation Reserve, Lampards Road, Drouin, with many more people from Hockey Victoria, Gippsport and the Baw Baw Shire. This will be a day to remember in West Gippsland Hockey.

Under 9’s

Warriors One def Gulls One 7 - 0

 An undermanned Gulls side took on the very professional Warriors on the new turf.

Gulls quickly established a solid defence with Gilly, Eliza and Sam stopping many attacks. Lots of running forward and backwards kept the team fit and brought Sophia, Alice and Asher into the game. Well done Asher for picking up the ‘Most Disciplined player award this week.

Gulls Two def Aztecs 2 - 0

Once over the lovely distraction of the sand patterns on the new turf, the team enjoyed playing the combined Aztecs. Combined teamwork and good reflex play by Darcy Lewis and Olivia Donders saw the Gulls in the opposition circle for many short corners. Gabi Carbon scored two wonderful goals. Congratulations to Ruth Tucker who was in the thick of play and also received Most Disciplined Player today.

Aztecs were defeated by Gulls 2 nil on Saturday. Although defeated Aztecs went in strong with a team of 13 plus. Anthony & Brittany Forrest along with Steph Coulter did a fantastic job of blocking the Gulls path in the first half. Both Claire Giles and Saffron Park each stopped an attempt at goal, by the Gulls during the second half. A great energetic game by all.

Drouids drew Warriors Two 1 – 1

Drouids played a dominating game with Mikayla Smith playing fantastic and attacking every player in her path. Nathan Smith scored the only goal for Drouids, with many more attempts. Dougal Wright did some great stops against the Warriors

Austin Williamson and Kelsey Powell were strong in the forward with some skilful hockey.  Jenna Wright showed some knowledge of the game and using positions wisely. Henry Grant was dynamic in the goals, he stoped many balls, which help keep the Warriors to a one all draw.

Under 11’s

Warriors drew Drouids 2 - 2

The game started with a quick fire goal from Jarrod Pearson who was in the perfect position to receive a pass from Jarrod Smith. Warriors were quick to reply. Towards the end of the half a fantastic pass from Courtney McDonald set up Caitlin Jones for our second goal.  The second half was very evenly played with both teams regularly in attack.  Chelsea Beca, Isaac Daly and Nathan Smith were everywhere with Grace Park, Kelsey Powell and Jenna Wright all playing well across the centre. Warriors managed to sneak one past our ever-reliable goalie Sara Fleming just before the final siren to play out a well-deserved draw.

Goal scorers: Jarrod Pearson (1), Caitlin Jones (1).

The Warriors-Drouids match was played on the new turf in near perfect conditions.

Josh Horsburgh scored the first goal for the Warriors equalizing the score in the opening minutes of this highly competitive match. The goal was scored off a short corner from a set play showing great teamwork by the players and fantastic coaching by Marksy. Nice long hits by Nick Frost down the field put the Warriors into attack and with only seconds remaining and trailing by a goal, Ryan Ward shot a sensational goal to even up the score to 2–2 at the final siren. Captain Nick Frost was awarded the most disciplined player of the match for his excellent contribution in both attack and defense. Everybody did a great job and strongly contributed to a well played and most exciting match. What a nail biting finish! Well done Warriors.

Gulls def Aztecs 4 - 0

An extremely skilful game was played on a dry cloudy morning. The field was rather muddy, but that did not stop Brad Akers, Corey Rosewarne and James Carey showing great composure under pressure in defence. Captain Erin Spragg, Tara Bagnall and Ariane Ross (Aztecs most disciplined player) had a few long runs and despite consistent defensive play from Leah Rasmussen, Claire Giles, Hayden Pratt and Tim Giles in goals, Gulls managed to score 4 goals in the final 15 minutes.

Another great game where Gulls pulled together and played as a team. The
Gulls controlled the majority of the play and kept it in their forward area
for most of the game. Belle Mann played her best game yet courageously
tackling the ball and being in the thick of the play. Great passing between
everyone, but particularly Matthew Duttneal and Daniel Greenall, allowed Sam
Gilbert and Travis Gallagar to move the ball swiftly down the field. Gabbie
Carbon and Olivia Donders never let up in their consistent pressure with
their great tackling and interception.

Goal scorers: Daniel Greenall (1), Sam Gilbert (1), Travis Gallager (1)Isabella Donders (1).

Under 13’s

Drouids def Warriors 3 - 1

For their first game on the new synthetic pitch Drouids played a great team game. Thomas Park played a great all round game which he received a game award. First goal was scored by Jack Shaddock set up by some Lachie Hannah’s magic. Warriors had the opportunity to tie the game with a stroke, which goalkeeper Sam Watts defended. Soon after Meghan Wright swooped, scoring for Drouids. The second half was a defensive struggle by both teams. Warriors attacked incessantly but were often thwarted by Ed Edmonds and his Goalie. Lachie Hannah soon scored from a well taken short corner. This was to be the last score for the game. Drouids 3-1 in what was a great game the traditional rivals.

A close game all day, with both teams having periods where they attacked strongly. Warriors goal scorer was Maddy Noye, who continually presented a target in the forward zone. Up field, Giselle McNamara played very well, as did Sam Taylor and Ethan Callway. The Warriors best passages of play came when the field passing was fast and accurate. This enabled the ball to move fluently into the forward line, but it remained difficult to penetrate the strong Drouid's defence. Special mentions to Jack Rinehart and Damien Crawford for their strong attack on the ball.

Gulls def Aztecs 2 - 0

A great show of teamwork by Gulls against Aztecs.  Alec Bedford showed great ball control skills with some good runs down the field. As usual Josh Gilbert was a powerful player providing some magnificent hits of the ball. Albert Ryan showed real skill with good attacking & some brilliant tackles. Pippa Dent was a tenacious player in amongst the action making a real difference in the defence. Rachel Harris was fantastic in goals, blocking all the Aztecs attempts at scoring & providing real encouragement for her teammates. Sam Gilbert and Albert Ryan’s dedicated efforts were rewarded by being the two goal scorers for Gulls. Hamish McCallum provided plenty of pressure with some outstanding defensive play and Ryan Claxton & Nick Mann were a persistent force in blocking numerous Aztec attacking attempts. A well

deserved win by Gulls.

Aztecs played a competitive game thanks to the great sportsmanship of some helpful friends from other clubs, Sarah (possum), Courtney, Isaac and Chelsea. As well as Ariana Ross and James Daly for playing up. Thank you. It was a good game played in a great spirit, a credit to all the players on the field. Campbell Ross for Aztecs played so hard he snapped his stick. Sarah Chandler and Stuart Mackenzie attacked strongly and with skill. While Eleanor McKenzie aided the goalie, Todd Mclean in defence.

Under 15’s

 Drouids def Warriors 6 - 2

Drouids played as a good team throughout the whole game. The backs thwarted many of warriors attacking moves; Will Edmonds was teaming well with Goalkeeper Liam Watte.  James Pugh had a fantastic match scoring three goals, which saw him get a match award along with Ben Mcarty who also scored on the day. Naomi Armstrong was sensational on her wing also scoring an early goal. Prue Grant and Jacob Bush dominated their position, which saw Jacob scoring. Ann Marie Fleming also had a good day. In the end Drouids were too strong

Goal scorers: James Pugh (3), Naomi Armstrong (1), Ben Mcarty (1), Jacob Bush (1)

The scorecard doesn't really reflect the closeness of the game. The two sides attacked ferociously all day, with Drouids able to capitalise on the scoreboard more regularly than the gallant Warriors. Starting strongly, with a goal to Brendan Noye from a short corner, the Warriors held the Drouids team at bay, with Aiden Cumming and Leigh Boreham. Carly Mattson tackled strongly and caused headaches for the
opposition, as did Jemma Rinehart, who also scored a goal following some sharp work by Brendan. Just an extra goal or 2 would been a worthy result for the Warriors, but they can certainly hold their heads high from this game.
Under 17’s

Gulls def Aztecs 2 - 0

 A fast game played by the Gulls showing good teamwork and everyone working with each other’s strengths. Everyone played in different positions today than their normal, to give everyone the opportunity to experience play on a different part of the field. Great play by Kelsey Bayles and Narelle Armstrong in stopping the Aztec ball getting to the D. James Bedford played well in full back, clearing the ball under pressure. Good pressure in attack resulted in two goals, one each for Ashley Gaylard and Elliot Campbell. An amazing job by Gulls goalie Jesse Dent saw the game end with Gulls 2 to Aztecs 0. Thankyou to Nathan Kemp for his guidance each week as Gulls coach.

Woman’s

Drouids def Warriors 4 - 0

Warriors came out with strong attacking. Dominated first half. Great play by Robina, Hayley, Karla Lee and Mary. The young players are developing with confidence and determination, strengthening the forward line. Lisa ran the entire field, until she fell at the end all so pulling the Drouids goalie to ground. End of first half 3 nil down, didn’t reflect the efforts and determination of the Warriors dominated first half. In the second half Warriors were more defensive, Kym, Catherine and Tracey made to work, great to see them all working as a team. Well done girls.

Drouids got to a flying start in the first half with Becky Smythe racing up the field scoring 3 goals, and Claire Wigglesworth scoring one. Heather Flemming got action in goals, even playing on the ground. Ann Marie was a tiger on field, and didn’t stop all game. Nikki Cann and Meg O’Brien pushed a lot of play away from our defensive area, to help the play in attack. Amy French played her best game on the wing, winning many tackles. The second half Warriors were more attacking keeping the ball in their attacking area. But Drouids defense Gita walker manages to keep the Warriors scoreless. Well Done Drouids

Aztecs def Gulls 9 - 0

A very impressive team game, which saw Aztecs, again tries out different positions. The forwards worked extremely well together, passing accurately with great back up from each other and the half backs. Natalie Tyson was key in attack, putting three goals into the net and combined well with Steph Crookston and Steph Hill who both fought hard for the ball. Anna Nielson and Jane Rees both scored from the wing, through creating excellent position. Bridgette Ockerse was relentless in her attack, which saw her score twice. Alicia Wood-Davies again directed play from the centre and converted a penalty stroke to score her goal. One goal was allocated due to a late start by Gulls. The defensive lines were relatively quiet but Sam Hill, Jan Park and Cassie Jolley were strong in tackling and pushing Aztecs back into attack. From the back line, Robyn and Jackie proudly watched their young team finally gel together!

Goal Scorers: Natalie Tyson (3), Bridgette Ockerse (2), Anna Nielson (1), Alicia Wood-Davies (1), Jane Rees (1)

Men’s

Warriors drew Drouids 1 - 1

The Drouids dominated the game but could only manage a draw.  Anthony McDonald played a pearler of a game in the mid-field, supported by Dan Wiglesworth and Rohan Lester.  The forwards worked hard but had trouble penetrating the Warriors defence.  Dillon Thomson scored the Drouids goal after a great pass from Alistair Milne.  Alec Zurrer also played well up forward.  Michael Smythe made some important saves in goals and was backed up well by Chris Garden.

Goals: Dillon Thomson (1)