WEST GIPPSLAND HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Inc.

PRESS REPORTS FOR:   Saturday 29th March 2009

Under 9’s

Aztecs (1) def Gulls (0)

A great start to the season. Aztecs had a lot of new players start today. The one goal win to the Aztecs was scored by Anthony Forrest. What a wonderful start for our youngest club members.

An enthusiastic match played on a beautiful opening Saturday.  New players, Samuel Wells, Alex Elder-Hackford and Alice Greenall showed great potential as they followed the coaching of Rob Greenall.  Stewart Bedford and Belle Mann made some great interceptions, preventing the opposition from attempting too many goals.  Eliza Greenall covered the field well and honed her skills from last year.

Under 11’s

Drouids (4) def Aztecs (0)

An undermanned Aztecs side defended fiercely to keep the Drouids to 4 goals. Shaylah Ward and Brittany Forrest were relentless in attacking the ball, while Sarah Chandler was versatile across the field. Sam Coulter shone in her debut as goalie.

Gulls (3) def Warriors (1)

The Gulls totally dominated this match against an undermanned Warriors team.  However many of the Gulls players were new which evened up the result.  Alec Bedford had a mighty tussle with Ethan Calway but still managed to score to goals and set up many attacks.  Gabbie Farnham was very active in attack as was Nick Mann.  Pippa Dent played a great game midfield stopping most Warriors attacks.

Under 13

Drouids (15) def Aztecs (2)

With only 8 players taking the field, Aztecs worked really well together. Luke Hall and Michael Finger both scored in the first half. Thanks to Sarah Chandler and Travis Dow for playing up. With all U/13 players having already played in the U/15, the second half showed the Aztec players working extremely hard to try and keep the ball from the Drouids.    

Under 15

Aztecs (2) def Drouids (0)

The opening of the 2009 hockey saw a bright sunny day. Player numbers were boosted by five U/13 players. Aztecs had most of the play in the first half with Cameron Price and Michael Finger each nearly scoring a couple of times. Just before half time Luke Taylor ran through the top of the circle to score a lovely goal. In the second half Aztecs had a number of short corners but couldn’t put the ball in the goal.

Gulls (4) def Warriors (0)

Great opening game of the season for both teams, the Gulls boasting a formidable forward line belting home 4 goals.  Our newbie goalie, Elliot Campbell had a great time sweltering in the heat not having much of the play. 

Women

Gulls Green (3) def Aztecs (2)

Gulls Green fielded a full team for the opening match and played well against an undermanned Aztecs.  Special thanks and mention to the new goalie Jackie Kerr who did well considering the heat and first game as goalie.  Gulls played well all over the field with Emma Wallin and Clair Fernandez pushing hard through the midfield.

With only 7 players on the field, Aztecs played an amazing first game of the season.  The open field allowed many long runs of the ball before passing or evasive action was required. 

Men

Drouids (3) def Aztecs (1)

A tough ask on a hot day for the Aztecs Men with only 8 players, whilst their opponents, Drouids, had the luxury of 3 players on the interchange bench. Matthew Taylor, Leigh Childe and Logan Colley-Curtin ran the field, constantly passing to the forward combination of Tom Anderson and Chris Wood-Davies.  This resulted in many attempts at goal – many wayward shots with only one finding the net. Patrick Childe was at his best in goals. Goal scorer for Aztecs was Matthew Taylor.

Warriors (6) def Gulls (0)

A great first game by an undermanned Warriors Men in hot conditions resulted in a 6 nil win. Although a lot of shots at goal did not make it home Warriors continued to try till the siren blew. Playing as a team, sharing the ball throughout, it was impossible to choose any outstanding players. Special mention must go to Brendan Noye and Jack Trippett who stepped up to fill in and blended in well with the team.

Gulls fielded only 8 players but bravely fought off the Warriors attacks subduing them to only 6 goals.  Special mentions to Matt King our newest player making many possessions in his first game.  Many great saves by Adam Horne in goals and an excellent defense mounted by Gulls.