WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY ASSOC Inc.
Press report for: Saturday 28/4/07 written by Liz Keily
HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS
Rain held off for the day enabling some high scoring to take place on a softening ground at Bellbird Park.
A busy calendar of events is underway for the WGHA season with players training for a number of Carnivals and Championships which take place throughout the year. Rep. teams are being entered in the Country Championships, West Gippsland vs Melbourne University Challenge, Geelong U13 Carnival and Springvale/Noble Park Carnival. Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to develop their skills and experience at these highly competitive events where some great hockey is to be seen.
RESULTS: ROUND 2
U9
Warriors 4 def Aztecs 0
U9 Warriors’ hit off their first game of the season with five new recruits, whilst Aztecs had the advantage of one game under their belt. Aztecs played an impressive team game, supporting each other strongly in defence against a determined Warrior attack. Aztec coach, Tony Chandler, is pleased with his team’s progress, particularly with Shayloh Ward and Sarah Chandler’s attacking skills. Warriors Lachlan, Josh and Gabe gave great support to newcomers and stylish goal keeping displayed by Kate and Tom was impressive.
Drouids Navy 3 def Drouids Blue 0
A match of friendly rivalry was played out between the two Drouids teams. Jakob Goodman, Meghan Wright and Robert Di Pietro ran some great attacking strategies for Blue whilst Navy recruit, Chelsea Beca showed great promise in defence. Although most of the play took place in Navy goals, Blues defended strongly with Riley Jamieson a stand out. Charlie Park of Navy was a top scorer for the match.
U11
Drouids 2 drew Gulls 2
A see-sawing first half made a tight, tough match. The first half was scoreless, but in the second a revitalised Gulls was relentless in attack particularly in the first 15 minutes, with two quick goals by Luke Mc Wha who came rampaging down the ground. Quick scoring combined with Cameron Bedford’s impassable defence, the result seemed fait accompli. Suddenly, against the flow of play, Richard Jones deflected a Jacob Bush pass into the goal which then resulted in broken play where Jacob used the break to score a vital point two minutes later. With 3 minutes left, the score became level 2 all. A draw on the siren was a fitting result to an exciting, evenly matched game
Aztecs 3 def Warriors 0
An exciting first half saw Aztecs up 2 nil. They ably deflected the fierce Warriors’ defence. Aztecs worthy of mention are: Michael Finger, Ebony Scott, Tayla Brown and Brooke Hamilton. Warriors Fletcher Boreham was under fire in defence, but showed great skill. Samantha Taylor and Gema Riehart were able tacklers who kept the game steady.
U 13
Aztec 4 def Warriors 0
First half saw aggressive defence by the Warriors and determined goal defending by their goalie Leigh Borehamby but the older, big hitting Aztecs managed to put 3 goals in. Leigh had less to do in the second half as Warriors kept the play well forward with many opportunities to score. They were unable to break through Aztec's dogged defence. Nick Brown was constantly attacking goals but couldn't quite get it passed the experienced opposition. A goal-less second half showed improved defence by both teams. Thanks to Tim for standing in as coach and to the under 11's who played an extra game to help field a full team.
Aztecs players produced a strong all around effort with a number of players scoring goals. Shannon Ward was strong and persistent in both defence and attack. Sara Howard ran the ball well ably assisted by Chris Cooper and Lisa Crookston. Michael Finger, Ryan Ward and Dylan Brown also made valuable contributions in what was a great team effort overall. Goal scorers were Adam Smetana, Chris Cooper Sara Howard and Ryan Ward.
Drouids worked constantly to clear Gull's powerful goal attempts. Half back coordinated well backing up and channelling play towards the forward line. Drouids quickly saw that their chances lay in using their wings to advance. Gulls goal spree was relentless until late in the 2nd half when Drouids consolidated their defences. Team work award went to Keshia Leggett. Matt Zurrer scored a great field goal and Liam Watts as goal keeper showed great persistence.
An outstanding game by Kelsi Bayles who fought hard all game and scored a fantastic goal as a result of her efforts. Lucy and Bethany ran hard and showed good skills. Jake shot 3 strong goals.
Evan and Joel amazed all with their “never say die” attitude which constantly put pressure on the Drouids. Well done Gulls!
Goal scorers: Jake 3, Michael 2, Aubrey 2, Bethany 1, Kelsi 1 .
U15
Drouids 3 def Gulls 0
Gulls defence fought hard, but the Drouids were far too good on the day.
Midfielders for Gulls played a hard, determined game which unfortunately wasn’t reflected on the score board.
U 15 From Drouids. Result Drouids 3 def Gull 0
Drouids moved the ball quickly and accurately. Nicole Cooper, Leah Holgate, Kate Christian, Dylan Thomson and Liz Christian played their positions superbly to enable Julian Hannah (1) and Brayden Hatfield (2) to score from in close. Sam Stenson, Dean Gallagher and Claire Wiglesworth as Goal Keeper were great in defence.
Aztecs 6 def Warriors 0
What a fantastic team game! Excellent effort was applied by every player. All positioned themselves well and attacked the ball. Team set ups enabled Georgia Irwin (3), Jesse Ward (2) and Tori Brown (1) to score. Terrific defence from Jake Griffiths, Beth Whelan, Steph Hill, Owen Douglas and our star Goalie, Cameron Price. Wonderful positioning from Tori Brown. A very impressive game. Well done Aztecs!
There was some strong attacking in the goal area as well as strong defence – particularly by Nick. Superb blocking by the goal keeper, Tim. Josh was excellent in providing back up support. Rachael as a newcomer to the game showed great promise.
U17
Aztecs 2 def Warriors 0
Toffa went in boots and all in his first game for Warriors! With great team work by Daniel and Murray in the centre, Evelyn and Kathryn protecting the wings, and Lyndon in defence all seemed purposeful with scoring only taking place in the second half.
A lack lustre first half was surpassed by a much more action packed 2nd half when both goals were scored. Leigh Childe played an excellent offensive game and was well supported by Jamie Cochrane and Jesse Ward. Steph Crookston received the Coach’s award of Most Disciplined Player for her efforts on the back line. Jade Whitehead and Jake Griffith worked well as team players as did Beth Whelan and Heidi Smitt. Goal scorers Jesse Ward (1) Leigh Childe (1)
Gulls 1 def Drouids 0
A much better performance from Gulls this week.
Ben Bloomfield was in goal & had a torrid first half, but prevented Drouids from scoring. Firm resistance was provided by Matt Vorbach, Chris Miles & Peter Eshuis. The second half again proved to be the best part of the Gulls game. Isaac Armstrong found himself on the receiving end of a blistering pass from Tiarna Kramer to net the only goal of the game. Lara Trevorrow had a fantastic game on her birthday. Solid games from: Laura Court, Chris Fox, Nathan Kemp, James Meaker, Emma Hoffman & Kasey Crestani all who played a valuable part in the win this week.
Drouids showed great teamwork and improving fitness levels. Though no goals were scored the Drouids players were consistently working hard to break through Gulls defence. Drouids made many attacks on goal and not for the great goal keeping by the Gulls keeper the score could have been very different. Drouids defence worked equally hard to gain control of the ball and prevented the Gulls from having scoring opportunities.
Womens
Last week, Gulls players wore black armbands during the game as a mark of truibute and respect for the tragic death of Drouids player Lyn Kenworthy late last year.
Lyn was a great supporter in all aspects of the game and will be sadly missed.
Warriors 2 def Aztecs 1
In the grand final rematch, Warriors and Aztecs again played a good spirited and evenly contested game. After a sluggish start last week, Aztecs played as a team with everyone contributing. Jan Park was in everything, whether it was running at the Warriors attack or backing up her team mates. She was well supported by Penni Beck who blocked many passes. Alicia Wood-Davies was strong in attack and scored the only goal in the second half. This came from a play where all attackers were involved. Kerry Irwin continues to develop in her new position and Club President, Colleen Crookston, had a few touches in her first ever game of hockey. Robyn Ridsdale and Jackie Mowat were strong with their clearances out of defence.
Drouids 1 drew Gulls Gold 1
With the addition of several new players and the return of old players Drouids got off to a solid start against a determined Gulls attack.
Wiglesworth sisters, Claire and Sophie, on the forward line showed great stick skills and had many driving attacks on goal. The forward line of Lauren Conochie, Angela Brown, Meg O’Brien and Kim Mass combined well with strong passing and teamwork. Congratulation to Kim Mass on her first hockey goal!!
Amy Worlley and Lorraine Tyson showed great versatility playing soundly in both attack and defence throughout the game. They were supported by Helen Dionysopoulos and Nicki Cann who stopped many a Gulls attack across the half back line.The back line of Rhonda Lane, Heather Fleming and Rose Fleming displayed great teamwork and were unwavering against the determined Gulls attack
It was great to have Shelly Olsen back as goalkeeper, and she was in the middle of the action. Shelley stopped many shots on goal and a penalty stroke.