Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Preliminary Finals Preview

Battle on for final spots in hockey grand finals
Teams will do battle in three Wimmera Hockey Association preliminary final matches at Yanac this Saturday to determine who will play in the grand final matches next week.

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At 11am:
Leopards versus Warriors

At 1pm:
Dimboola Women versus Warrack Women

At 3pm:
Hoops versus Hurricanes
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Every minute and opportunity of these matches will be crucial in what could be some very even hockey. The winners will meet teams who have already won their way through to the big final after last week’s semi finals.
At 11am Nhill Leopards will play Yanac Warriors in the junior preliminary final. The winner of this match will meet Dimboola Kangaroos in the grand final.
Warriors have some handy scorers in Bradley and Nathan Alexander and Sam Bone. These players together with Erin Blackwood and Alex Wheaton have been a strength behind the team and they will all have to work hard and use their younger players to combat the attack from Leopards.
Leopards have strength across the board while more senior players like Jack Janetzki, Talor Dent, Sarah Wallis and goalie Alex Welsh will work hard and look to main scorer Ben Smith to be on target.
Leopards have won two of their encounters during the season while the other result was a draw. However, Warriors are the only team to have beaten the top side Kangaroos this season and are never to be discounted.
At 1pm Dimboola Women and Warrack Women will play in the women’s preliminary final. The winner of this match will meet Horsham Highlanders in the grand final.
These two teams have won one game against the other this season while the last encounter between them in round 15 ended in a draw. Warrack has been strengthening during the season after a shaky start to the season when they lost their first match 9-0.
Dimboola will want to score a couple of early goals to put Warrack on the backfoot, but everyone knows that Warrack can score a goal or two under pressure. Sue Puls and Karen Triffitt between them have scored more than half of Warrack’s goals between them this season and could be a thorn in Dimboola’s side. Alana Argent and Linley Arnold-Wardle have been a strength behind the scorers along with several experienced finals players.
Elizabeth Klinge, Michelle Searle and Jess Ross will need to work hard for Dimboola and push into attack from early on. They will need their top scorer Adina King to be on target and make use of all opportunities. Defender Cara Elsom has also been a strength behind the women especially in recent rounds.
Dimboola has been leading Warrack on the ladder but no matter how they have been playing during the season Warrack always seem to get it together at finals time, so Dimboola best be on their guard, keep a level head and work together.
At 3pm Warrack Hoops will play Horsham Hurricanes in the men’s preliminary final. The winner will meet Yanac Tigers in the grand final.
Hoops have had the upper hand over Hurricanes during the season although Hurricanes did come away with one win when Hoops were not at their strongest. A draw in their last encounter however, which was only two weeks ago in the last home and away match, could be an indicator of a close match.
Hoops have several players very capable of scoring and Hurricanes defenders Will Hewitt and Richard Kemp will need to be ready. Goalie Steve Grose was last year’s men’s best and fairest and will need to be at his best for Hurricanes in this match. Hurricanes have also shared the goals around although Andrew Dorman has proved himself handy up forward.
Jarrod Knoop and Paul Slater have been a strength behind Hoops this season and can both score goals.
The whole team from Horsham will need to work together if they want a spot in the final. Reigning premiers Hoops will be on fire to try for a spot to defend their title.
- Rachel Clark

Semi Finals Review

Top teams take first hockey grand final berths
The top teams in each division have won their way through to take the first berths in Wimmera Hockey Association’s grand finals after semi finals matches were played on Saturday at Horsham.
Tigers, Highlanders and Kangaroos have the first grand final spots. Each finished on top of their respective ladders at the end of home and away matches.
Tigers defeated Hoops in a close men’s qualifying final. Hoops took the game to them on Saturday and gave them a scare starting off well with good team work. Hoops scored first blood but Tigers answered the call ten minutes after. The scores were level at half time.
A dramatic injury from a collision of players saw Yanac’s Kim Croot knocked out and he left the field for the remainder of the game.
Tigers worked their way back to take the win 3-2 and earn the first grand final berth.
Michael Dart, Adam Clohesy and Kim Croot scored for Tigers. Tammy Goyne and Shane Langman scored for Hoops.
Highlanders had an emphatic win in the women’s qualifying final 5-1 over Dimboola Women. Dimboola had the majority of early play but could not capitalise. After their nervous start Highlanders scored a strong field goal late in the half through Carmel McFarlane who scrambled another off a short corner to take the lead 2-0 at half time.
Highlanders dominated the second half with excellent passing bringing all players into the game. They scored through Kate Ferrier, Ellie Morrow and Rebecca Batchelor.
Dimboola struggled for a team on the day and were buoyed by some juniors. They kept trying and scored one through Lisa Robson, but they were no match for Highlanders’ determination.
Top junior side Kangaroos is looking very strong after their big 5-0 win over Nhill side Leopards, who beat them in last year’s grand final.
The Dimboola juniors scored three goals in the first despite good defence by Nhill keeping the ball mostly midfield. They scored a further two goals as they dominated the second half.
Nathan Jorgensen scored twice while Michael Pohlner and brothers Brydon and Brett Tischler also scored in the win.
Kaniva Men bow out of the season after a disappointing 3-2 loss to Horsham Hurricanes in the men’s elimination final.
The undermanned Kaniva side, due to a wedding on the day, were propped up by three juniors as allowed by the association executive for this finals series. The juniors had each played their own junior final for Raiders before taking to the field in the last match of the day to help the men barely field a team.
Both teams created goods scoring chances with Horsham creating structured forward play and Kaniva playing a fast open game. Horsham scored from scrambly field play to take a 1-0 lead at the break.
Hurricanes scored early in the second half but Kaniva never gave up scoring twice through Meyer brothers Fergus and Kendal to draw level. The match was on but Hurricanes scored the winner with two minutes to go.
Will Hewitt, Ryan Robson and Paul Mackereth scored Hurricanes’ goals.
Warrack Women scored early through Karen Triffitt in their elimination match against Yanac Women. Yanac had their chances to score in a slow paced game but were thwarted by good defence from Warrack.
Yanac had more chances to score early in the second half but could not find the back of the net. A strong goal from Jenny Gaulke late in the match sealed the win for Warrack, 2-0.
In the junior elimination final Warriors got a good start over Raiders scoring in the first minute through Bradley Alexander. Even play followed for the half and early into the second. Sam Bone through some clever play flicked one passed the goalie. Raiders were tiring while Warriors lifted and it wasn’t long before Nathan Alexander got one through. Sam Bone snuck in his second just before the whistle to take the win 4-0.
- Rachel Clark

Semi Finals Results

Juniors:
Qualifying final: Kangaroos 5 d Leopards 0.
Goals: Kangaroos, N. Jorgensen 2, Brydon Tischler, Brett Tischler, Michael Pohlner.
Elimination final: Warriors 4 d Raiders 0.
Goals: Warriors, S. Bone 2, B. Alexander, N. Alexander.

Women:
Qualifying final: Highlanders 5 d Dimboola Women 1.
Goals: Highlanders, C. McFarlane 2, K. Fry, E. Morrow, R. Batchelor; Dimboola Women, L. Robson.
Elimination final: Warrack Women 2 d Yanac Women 0.
Goals: Warrack Women, K. Triffitt, J. Gaulke.

Men:
Qualifying final: Tigers 3 d Hoops 2.
Goals: Tigers, M. Dart, A. Clohesy, K. Croot; Hoops, T. Goyne, S. Langman.
Elimination final: Hurricanes 3 d Kaniva Men 2.
Goals: Hurricanes, W. Hewitt, R. Robson, P. Mackereth; Kaniva Men, F. Meyer, K. Meyer.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Semi Finals Preview

Hockey finals begin at Horsham
Wimmera Hockey Association finals series starts this Saturday with six semi-final matches at Horsham racecourse from 11am. All six clubs will be represented in the semi-finals.
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At 11am:
Highlanders play Dimboola Women in the women’s qualifying final.
Warriors play Raiders in the junior elimination final.
At 1pm:
Tigers play Hoops in the men’s qualifying final.
Kangaroos play Leopards in the junior qualifying final.
At 3pm:
Warrack Women play Yanac Women in the women’s elimination final.
Hurricanes play Kaniva Men in the men’s elimination final.
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Highlanders have dominated the women’s competition this season winning 16 out of 17 home and away matches. Highlanders have won three out of four of their encounters with Dimboola during the season, although Dimboola Women are the only team to have come close to them, drawing with them in one match. This will be a fierce competition battling for the first berth in the women’s grand final.
Warrack Women have won all three of their encounters with Yanac this season, although Yanac have done well in the last two only losing by one goal each. This could be a close match and the Yanac side will battle hard.
Warriors came close a top two spot on the junior ladder and will play hard against Raiders to further their season campaign. The teams have drawn twice while Raiders had the upper hand in their last encounter. It should be a close match and teams should be prepared to go to extra time or more. The winner of this match will play in the preliminary final next week.
Nhill will be pinning their finals hopes on their junior side Leopards, being the only Nhill side to play hockey finals this year. A win in their match would give them an immediate grand final berth, however they have not beaten the top side Kangaroos this year. Not since they beat them in the grand final last season. The tables may be turned this year and could make for an interesting rematch with a slightly different lineup.
The only side to have beaten Kangaroos this year is the Yanac Warriors who still have to get passed Kaniva Raiders in the junior elimination final.
Hoops won their first encounter with Tigers but Tigers have won their last two, the latest a convincing 6-2. Hoops are the reigning premiers having defeated Tigers in the final last year. Tigers will be wanting to secure their berth for another chance at the premiership.
Hurricanes have won two close encounters with Kaniva Men this year while the other was a draw. This one could come down to the wire with no second chances here.
Good luck to all teams playing in the 2008 finals series. Play hard but fair!
- Rachel Clark

Round 17 Review

Yanac Women sneak into the finals
Yanac Women will take the fourth spot in the women’s finals despite losing 1-0 to the struggling Thunderbirds in the final round of the home and away season at Nhill. Thunderbirds got the only score of the match through young Sarah Wallis although play went both ways.
Grace McLeod did best for Thunderbirds while Sarah Coughlan worked hard for Yanac.
Yanac’s loss does not matter however following Kaniva Women’s 4-1 loss to Dimboola Women. This leaves Yanac and Kaniva equal on points but Yanac with a five-goal advantage which is enough to sneak them into the finals.
Elizabeth Klinge scored twice and was Dimboola’s best. Claire McDonald was best for Kaniva, also scoring their loan goal.
In the other women’s match Highlanders defeated Warrack Women 2-0 giving them an impressive unbeaten record for the home and away season of 16 wins and one draw. Highlanders have only had seven goals scored against them this year. Kate Ferrier scored and starred for the victors while Julie Langman was strong for Warrack.
Leopards took a 2-1 win over Warriors to secure their second spot on the junior ladder ahead of Warriors. Talor Dent topped the field for Leopards in the win while twins Nathan and Bradley Alexander were best for Warriors. Nathan scored their goal.
The bottom of the ladder junior competitors Kookaburras and Bombers played each other in their final matches of the season but both teams played with determination. It was an even competition with both sides scoring multiple goals, through seven different players. The end result was 5-3 in favour of Kookaburras and a good match to end both teams’ playing season. Jamie Guerin shone for Kookaburras also scoring one of their goals. Monique Schwedes stood out for Bombers, scoring two of their goals.
The luckless Bombers have lost all their matches this season but have been formidable opponents and will take their experience into the next season.
Raiders took the lead in their match against Kangaroos but the top team came back with a vengeance winning 5-2. Raiders will take fourth spot in the junior finals. Meaghan Pohlner was best for Kangaroos while Kendal Meyer was best for Raiders.
Dimboola Men have scored their third best result for the season, after a tight match with Kaniva Men finished in a 3-3 draw. It was Dimboola’s last match for the year and they gave it their all getting the early score and making Kaniva work hard to even the match. Clint Beattie topped the field for Kaniva while Beau Lovett was best for Dimboola.
Hurricanes and Hoops also had a draw which shows how close the competition is going into the finals next week. They finished 2-2. Hoops finish second on the ladder and Hurricanes third. Will Hewitt was best for Hurricanes while Paul Slater was best for Hoops.
Tigers had a more convincing win 4-0 over Nhill Men who bow out of the competition at this point, finishing in fifth place. Tigers have a strong scoring contingent scoring through four players. Josh Cramer was best for Tigers. Trevor James was best for Nhill.
- Rachel Clark

Round 17 Results and Ladders

Juniors: Leopards 2 d Warriors 1. Goals: Leopards, J. Janetzki, B. Smith; Warriors, N. Alexander. Best: Leopards, T. Dent, J. Schwartz, A. Welsh; Warriors, N. Alexander, B. Alexander, R. Smith.
Kookaburras 5 d Bombers 3. Goals: Kookaburras, A. Crowhurst, K. Villis, J. Guerin, Z. Aitken, L. Searle; Bombers; M. Schwedes 2, A. Valentine. Best: Kookaburras, J. Guerin, J. Keating, A. Crowhurst, K. Villis; Bombers, M. Schwedes, S. Creek, K. Trounce.
Kangaroos 5 d Raiders 2. Goals: Kangaroos, Brett Tischler 2, N. Jorgensen 2, J. Klinge; Raiders, B. Clark 2. Best: Kangaroos, Meaghan Pohlner, Brydon Tischler, J. Lehmann; Raiders, K. Meyer, R. Sanders, T. Eastwood, L. Clark.
Final Ladder: Kangaroos 60 points, Leopards 50, Warriors 42, Raiders 38, Revengers 28, Kookaburras 14, Bombers 6.

Women: Highlanders 2 d Warrack Women 0. Goals: Highlanders, K. Ferrier, C. McFarlane. Best: Highlanders, K. Ferrier, C. McFarlane, L. Schilling; Warrack Women, J. Langman, L. Dart, L. Arnold-Wardle.
Dimboola Women 4 d Kaniva Women 1. Goals: Dimboola Women, E. Klinge 2, M. Searle, A. King; Kaniva Women, C. McDonald. Best: Dimboola Women, E. Klinge, J. Ross, C. Elsom, M. Searle; Kaniva Women, C. McDonald, D. Meyer, K. Webb, H. White.
Thunderbirds 1 d Yanac Women 0. Goals: Thunderbirds, S. Wallis. Best: Thunderbirds, G. McLeod, S. Wallis, E. Moorhead; Yanac Women, S. Coughlan, A. Blackwood, J. Kube.
Final Ladder: Highlanders 66 points, Dimboola Women 46, Warrack Women 40, Yanac Women 20 (goal difference minus-12), Kaniva Women (minus-17), Thunderbirds 12.

Men: Kaniva Men 3 drew with Dimboola Men 3. Goals: Kaniva Men, C. Stimson, L. Wallis, M. McDonald; Dimbooola Men, T. Jorgensen, B. Jorgensen, T. Crowhurst. Best: Kaniva Men, C. Beattie, K. Meyer, R. Wallis; Dimboola Men, B. Lovett, T. Jorgensen, R. Booth.
Hurricanes 2 drew with Hoops 2. Goals: Hurricanes, S. Hoffman, A. Dorman; Hoops, J. Knoop, S. Langman. Best: Hurricanes, W. Hewitt, S. Hoffman, P. Mackereth; Hoops, P. Slater, J. Knoop, S. Bardell.
Tigers 4 d Nhill Men 0. Goals: Tigers, A. Clohesy, J. Cramer, H. Finlay, M. Croot. Best: Tigers, J. Cramer, A. Clohesy, J. Harding, M. Dart; Nhill Men, T. James, J. Bendall, D. Reichelt, R. Thurlow.
Final Ladder: Tigers 56 points, Hoops 46, Hurricanes 40, Kaniva Men 32, Nhill Men 22, Dimboola Men 8.

Round 17 Preview

Top two junior spot still up for grabs
Warriors and Leopards will compete for the top two spot on the junior ladder in the final round of the Wimmera Hockey Association home and away season when they clash at Nhill’s Davis Park this Saturday.
Nhill Leopards are currently in second spot but with only a four-point buffer a win to Yanac Warriors could possibly see this order change. Warriors would need to win by at least two goals.
If Leopards win or the result is a draw Leopards will retain their second spot and the enviable double chance in the finals which start next week. Warriors would retain third spot.
In their round one encounter Leopards won 4-2 but by round eight Warriors were strengthening and the teams drew 2-2. Anything could happen this week in round 17.
Raiders will play top team Kangaroos and even though Kangaroos are the stronger team it will make no difference to Raiders’ fourth position, except perhaps to their level of confidence going into the finals next week.
In the other junior match Bombers play Kookaburras in a clash of the bottom of the ladder. Neither team will make the finals this year but will still play with determination in their final matches of the season.
Revengers finish in the middle of the junior ladder and have the bye this week.
Can Highlanders finish their 2008 home and away season unbeaten or will Warrack Women end their run in the final match before finals? Warrack are still on the improve while top Highlanders remain consistent. The Horsham side’s worst result so far this season has been one draw.
There is still a slim but unlikely chance that Kaniva Women could get a finals berth but they would have to either draw with Dimboola or hope Yanac would lose to Thunderbirds. Thunderbirds have struggled all year to field a consistent team let alone score many goals so Yanac will be the probable victors of their match. Dimboola should be too strong for Kaniva and will also be looking to gain a few more points to secure their top two spot considering Warrack is only two points behind them.
The order of the men’s ladder cannot change now. Kaniva Men play Dimboola Men who will play their last match for the season, also Nhill Men when they play top team Tigers. Hurricanes and Hoops will meet and they will possibly play in two weeks time in the preliminary final depending on next week’s results.
- Rachel Clark

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Senior Country Week - Women's Photos

The 2008 Runner Up Women’s Team:
Back from left: Michelle Searle, Mary Kedwell, Jennifer Klinge, Vicki Smithyman, Linley Arnold-Wardle, Hannah Bedford, Naomi Kuhnell.
Middle from left: Jess Ross, Elizabeth Klinge, Cara Elsom, Claire McDonald, Adina ‘Fred’ King.

Front: goalie Rosa Goode.






Rules Session #1 - 2008

Report for Wimmera Hockey visit 3 May 2008
Saturday May 3rd, Mark Frost and I traveled to Nhill to conduct an umpiring clinic and assessing day. We conduct two rules session, one for umpires and coaches and second for parents and players. Each session had around thirty five attendees. As both sessions were running concurrently this is a fantastic effort for Wimmera Hockey Association and they must be congratulated for such an excellent turnout. We arrived at 9.00am to work with umpires appointed to junior games and provided tutoring for these games. At midday the two rules sessions had been arranged and Mark Frost and I presented the rules sessions. Mark conducted the session for parents and players in the Football Clubroom while I present the rules clinic in the Netball Clubrooms. Both sessions were well attended and the response for participants was fantastic, It was great to be able to spend time with each group and their needs were different. The players and parents session was conducted to provide information on rules and as an education process for the association members, whilst the coaches and umpires session was targeted towards the knowledge and specific issues that effect umpiring and player welfare within the association. Speaking with Mark he was delighted with the response from parents and their desire to learn what the basic rules of the game were. With games starting at 9.00 am and continuing until 6.30pm we had a busy day viewing ten local umpires for assessments and providing tutoring and mentoring for some umpires that have just started. To these five umpires we look forward to seeing the development and skills base increase with more experience. The grounds were excellent and for grassroots hockey the Wimmera Hockey Association and local councils must have a good working relationship.
All the community umpires that have not completed theory online will do so over the coming weeks and will pass this information onto me when completed. The recommendations for beginner umpires were conducted on suitable games and all umpires demonstrated appropriate skills. This will allow Wimmera Hockey to extend the knowledge base for umpire development and assist with the HockeyEd program for community assessments. Several umpires need to complete the Beginner online theory and they will also follow the above format. Five umpires will be updating accreditation next season so we have already completed practicals for these. I have left with Wimmera Hockey a detailed plan for the umpiring sector to work with and through, this includes a five step program, umpiring program, accreditation process and benefits, game management and signals documentation and a mentoring program and the requirements for usage. This will allow the long-term development of the system we started last year and will assist this association to develop a pathway for their umpires and ensure they receive the support and assistance they need. I would like to thank Launa Schilling and the Wimmera Hockey for their efforts and the hospitality they extended over the course of the day. To the players, coaches and umpires thank you for your assistance and responsiveness towards umpire development I have attached several photos from the weekend for your usage. Yours truly,
Charlie Martin
Regional Umpire's Coach
South West Zone
Hockey Victoria



At the Rules Session at Nhill on 3 May 2008:
Vern Wheaton, Regional Umpire's Coach for the South West Zone for Hockey Victoria Charlie Martin and Mark Frost, and Kim Croot. Wimmera Hockey Association's Umpire's Convenor 2008 Launa Schilling is in front.

Kaniva Hockey Club's Claire McDonald umpiring on the Rules Session day.

Horsham Highlanders' uniform at the start of the 2008 season, before they switched to the Olympic quality suit!






Round 16 Review

Yanac Women move into fourth spot
Yanac moves ahead of Kaniva on the women’s ladder after defeating them in a close battle in Wimmera Hockey Association’s round 16 at Horsham on Saturday.
The first half was very even but Yanac made the most of limited opportunities scrambling a goal through Sheree May. Yanac’s momentum continued until the break. Even play followed in the second half with both teams setting up good scoring chances and were rewarded with one goal each. Natalie Farmers scored for Yanac before Kayla Saunderson scored one back for Kaniva with a solid hit on a short corner. The match ended in Yanac’s favour 2-1.
Mandy Falting, Sarah Coughlan and Mikaela Jago were Yanac’s best. Kayla Saunderson, Claire McDonald and Kelsey Webb worked hard for Kaniva.
Yanac is now equal on points with Kaniva but has a three-goal advantage with one round to go.
Highlanders continue to surge ahead on the women’s ladder after defeating their nearest counterparts 3-0. Highlanders scored early through Ellie Morrow but were not dominating. Dimboola Women were unable to make use of their forward moves due to Highlanders’ solid defence. Michelle Searle was strong for Dimboola while Jac Zordan was best for Highlanders.
Warrack Women took advantage of an undermanned Thunderbirds side, dominating play. Nhill did score one goal through Grace McLeod. It was one way traffic in the second half. Warrack should have scored several more in their 7-1 win. Jenny Gaulke was best for Warrack while young Brittany Dickinson was awarded best for Nhill.
Leopards move back into the number two position on the junior ladder after a 4-0 win over Revengers. Both sides showed great team work. Ben Smith scored two goals and was best for Leopards. Mark Hewitt was strong for Revengers.
Kangaroos dominated Bombers winning 6-0. Bombers had a few quick runs up the field but were unable to score. Nathan Jorgensen scored twice and was best for Kangaroos. Sean Creek did well for Bombers.
Warriors lost their match 5-3 to Raiders and now slip back into third spot. It was a fast attacking game with good skills from both sides. Warriors had an early lead with speed through the Alexander twins and two goals while Erin Blackwood was solid in defence. Raiders came back in the second half scoring five goals with excellent team play, with their younger players stepping up and making a difference. Kendal Meyer was best for Raiders while Nathan Alexander best served Warriors.
Kaniva Men were not strong enough for top team Tigers who took the win 3-0 in a fast paced match. Simon Farmers was best for the victors. Clint Beattie was best for Kaniva.
Rain met the later men’s matches. Nhill Men made Hoops work hard in a fiery game with plenty of play midfield. Both teams displayed good defence with Warrack only penetrating Nhill’s once through Scott Morrow to win 1-0. Jarrod Knoop shone for Hoops while Jarryd Bendall did well for Nhill.
Nhill’s loss puts them out of a chance for the final four in the men’s competition.
Dimboola Men gave Hurricanes a run for their money with a majority of early play. Good work in the circle led to good goals to James Klinge and Josh Halsall. Hurricanes stepped up the pressure after the break and persistent attack eventually led to a goal and then another not long after. With only minutes to go Ben Schwedes scored for Hurricanes to win the game 3-2. Richard Kemp defended well for Horsham while Beau Lovett gave Dimboola good drive. Richard Kemp and Luke Dunn scored Horsham’s other goals.
- Rachel Clark

Round 16 Results and Ladders

Juniors: Kangaroos 6 d Bombers 0. Goals: Kangaroos, N. Jorgensen 2, A. Hose, J. Klinge, Brett Tischler, K. Smithyman. Best: Kangaroos, N. Jorgensen, J. Lehmann, Brett Tischler; Bombers, S. Creek, E. O’Connor, J. Ellis.
Leopards 4 d Revengers 0. Goals: Leopards, B. Smith 2, G. Janetzki, B. Newcombe. Best: Leopards, B. Smith, M. Farinha, T. Dent; Revengers, M. Hewitt, M. Williamson, N. Langman.
Raiders 5 d Warriors 3. Goals: Raiders, K. Meyer 2, J. Clark 2, L. Bothe; Warriors, S. Bone, N. Alexander, B. Alexander. Best: Raiders, K. Meyer, J. Clark, L. Wallis, B. Clark; Warriors, N. Alexander, B. Alexander, E. Blackwood, A. Wheaton.
Ladder: Kangaroos 56 points, Leopards 46, Warriors 42, Raiders 38, Revengers 26, Kookaburras 10, Bombers 6.

Women: Warrack Women 7 d Thunderbirds 1. Goals; Warrack Women, K. Triffitt 2, S. Puls 2, L. Arnold-Wardle, A. Argent, J. Gaulke; Thunderbirds, G. McLeod. Best: Warrack Women, J. Gaulke, S. Puls, A. Argent; Thunderbirds, B. Dickinson, G. McLeod, E. Morehead.
Yanac Women 2 d Kaniva Women 1. Goals: Yanac Women, N. Farmers, S. May; Kaniva Women, K. Saunderson. Best: Yanac Women, M. Falting, S. Coughlan, M. Jago; Kaniva Women, K. Saunderson, C. McDonald, K. Webb.
Highlanders 3 d Dimboola Women 0. Goals; Highlanders, E. Morrow 2, C. McFarlane. Best: Highlanders, J. Zordan, C. McFarlane, K. Ferrier; Dimboola Women, M. Searle, M. Pohlner, J. Ross.
Ladder: Highlanders 62 points, Dimboola Women 42, Warrack Women 40, Yanac Women 20 (goal difference minus-11), Kaniva Women 20 (minus-14), Thunderbirds 8.

Men: Hurricanes 3 d Dimboola Men 2. Goals: Hurricanes, R. Kemp, L. Dunn, B. Schwedes; Dimboola Men, J. Klinge, J. Halsall. Best: Hurricanes, R. Kemp, W. Hewitt, L. Dunn; Dimboola Men, B. Lovett, T. Jorgensen, R. Booth, N. Jorgensen.
Tigers 3 d Kaniva Men 0. Goals: Tigers, A. Clohesy 2, J. Cramer. Best: Tigers, S. Farmers, L. Reichenbach, J. Cramer; Kaniva Men, C. Beattie, C. Stimson, M. Wallis, F. Meyer.
Hoops 1 d Nhill Men 0. Goals: Hoops, S. Morrow. Best: Hoops, J. Knoop, S. Langman, T. Goyne; Nhill Men, J. Bendall, R. Thurlow, G. Jago.
Ladder: Tigers 52 points, Hoops 44, Hurricanes 38, Kaniva Men 30, Nhill Men 22, Dimboola Men 6.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Round 16 Preview

Kaniva and Yanac women do battle for finals berth
Kaniva and Yanac women’s teams will do battle for a finals berth when they meet this Saturday in Wimmera Hockey Association’s round 16 at Horsham.
It is an important match for both sides with the winner likely to take the fourth spot in the finals. Kaniva is currently in fourth spot after claiming the four points last week, benefiting from a forfeit. Kaniva is only four points ahead of Yanac. Yanac’s six-goal loss last week brought the goal difference between the two teams to only one goal with Yanac the slight advantage. With the final match next week, which statistically Yanac is likely to win against Thunderbirds and Kaniva is likely to lose against Dimboola Women, their match this week could well be the decider of which team will play finals this season.
If there is a draw this week, Kaniva Women would have to at least draw against Dimboola next week to be assured of a finals berth. That may be a tough ask.
Kaniva and Yanac women’s teams have met twice this season, drawing 0-0 in round two and Yanac the upper hand in round 12 winning a close 2-1. Yanac have been strengthening as the season wears on may have the upper hand this week, but whatever the outcome it will be a great match of hockey.
With only one round to go after this match, whichever team wins this week may prove to be the more deserving team to play in the finals series.
Highlanders, Dimboola Women and Warrack Women have already secured their places in finals.
This week Dimboola will meet Highlanders who they will be likely to play in the semi finals. There will be some hot hockey in this match.
Warrack will meet Nhill Thunderbirds.
Although the top four teams on the junior ladder are set their positions could still alter this week. Warriors and Leopards are tied on points but Warriors have a goal difference advantage of four goals placing them second and Leopards third. Warriors play Raiders this week and this could be a close match. Warriors will have the fire behind them with a lot at stake at this stage of the season.
Leopards play Revengers who had a good win last week over Raiders and should be on fire again. It may not be enough to combat Leopards who have been consistent this year and will be looking to reclaim their top two spot on the ladder.
In the other junior match, Bombers will have a hard task against the top team Kangaroos.
In the men’s competition the final four positions are unlikely to change now with Tigers on top, Hoops, Hurricanes and Kaniva Men in the top four. Matches will nevertheless still be fast and furious with Kaniva Men taking on Tigers, Nhill Men playing Hoops and Dimboola Men something to prove when they play Hurricanes.
Junior side Kookaburras has the bye.
- Rachel Clark

Round 15 Review

Warriors sneak into hockey top two
Warriors have sneaked into second spot on the junior ladder after a close win in Wimmera Hockey Association’s round 15 of competition at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park.
They are a whisker ahead of Nhill side Leopards who had been second all season except for one week in top spot, now third and separated only by goal difference with Warriors having a small four-goal advantage.
Warriors played a close match on Saturday, narrowly defeating the weaker Dimboola side Kookaburras. Warriors were very attacking but Kookaburras had some scoring shots. Kookaburras goalie Kobi Villis was very strong, although Warriors did well with their opportunities and were 2-0 up at the break. Warriors slowed the pace in the second half although still scoring one goal, while Kookaburras picked up and were able to score two goals. Both teams had many scoring opportunities but the game finished in Warriors’ favour 3-2.
The Alexander brothers did the scoring for Warriors – Nathan with two and Bradley the other. Nathan Alexander was best along with Sam Bone. James Keating and Caleb Halsall scored for Kookaburras, while Kobi Villis and Olinda Elsom were best.
Revengers scored a big win over Raiders 4-1. Strong teamwork from Warracknabeal saw Mark Hewitt and Bonnie Crafter score early. Raiders’ Kendal Meyer passed well through the centre while Liam Wallis showed strong control in the slow and wet conditions.
In the second half strong attack and consistent intercepts by Marcus Williamson and Megan Watts made their mark on the game for Revengers. Ashleigh Wallis scored a lovely goal passed from the opposite side for Raiders’ loan goal. Both teams made a very consistent effort given the wet surface.
Marcus Williamson and Mark Moloney shone for the victors while Donna Robinson and Mark Moloney scored their other goals. Kendal Meyer and Liam Wallis shone for Kaniva.
Kangaroos took a solid win over Leopards 3-1. Dimboola had most of the play through James Klinge and Nathan Jorgensen. Talor Dent defended well in the cold conditions while teammates goalie Alex Welsh and Jack Janetzki also stood out for Leopards. All goals were scored in the first half – James Klinge, Nathan Jorgensen and Michael Pohlner for Dimboola, and Ben Smith for Nhill. It was a better half from Nhill in the second. Both sides had equal opportunity but just couldn’t score.
Horsham Highlanders scored another solid win, 6-0 over Yanac Women. Carmel McFarlane stood out for Horsham on Saturday, while Sarah Coughlan worked hard for Yanac.
It was a tight match between Warrack and Dimboola women with Dimboola defender Cara Elsom playing best for her team, while attacker Alana Argent was best for Warrack. The game was leveled at 2-2.
Nhill Thunderbirds forfeited to Kaniva Women.
The men’s competition saw close games all-round showing an evenness of competition with all lower-placed teams strengthening towards the end of the season.
Second-placed Hoops had a narrow victory in the men’s competition with a 1-0 win over the young Dimboola side with the loan field goal scored by Brant Peters for Warrack with three minutes to go. Both sides had shown consistency of ball passing given the bounce of the field. Long passes found easy targets and this generated good play. Stephen Laverty and Simon King shone for Hoops, while Beau Lovett and Tim Jorgensen did well for Dimboola Men. This match benefited from the umpiring skills of Regional Umpires Coach for Hockey Victoria Charlie Martin who along with Mark Frost conducted the Rules Session and umpiring clinic during the day.
Top Tigers and third-placed Hurricanes drew 2-2 with all goals scored well. Kim Croot shone for Tigers while Will Hewitt defended well for Hurricanes. Mark Frost was an umpire in this match, which was evenly contested with well-mannered play.
Kaniva Men also had a narrow 1-0 win over Nhill Men. Young Kendal Meyer shone for Kaniva while Mathew McDonald scored the goal. Jarryd Bendall was strong for Nhill. Kaniva needed this win to help cement their chance to play in finals.
- Rachel Clark

Round 15 Results and Ladders

Juniors: Revengers 4 d Raiders 1. Goals: Revengers, D. Robinson, M. Moloney, M. Hewitt, B. Crafter; Raiders, A. Wallis. Best: Revengers, M. Williamson, M. Moloney, M. Watts, M. Hewitt; Raiders, K. Meyer, L. Wallis, B. Dixon, A. Wallis.
Kangaroos 3 d Leopards 1. Goals: Kangaroos, J. Klinge, N. Jorgensen, Michael Pohlner; Leopards, B. Smith. Best: Kangaroos, J. Klinge, N. Jorgensen, Brydon Tischler; Leopards, T. Dent, A. Welsh, J. Janetzki.
Warriors 3 d Kookaburras 2. Goals: Warriors, N. Alexander 2, B. Alexander; Kookaburras, J. Keating, C. Halsall. Best: Warriors, N. Alexander, S. Bone, M. Croot; Kookaburras, K. Villis, O. Elsom, J. Keating.
Ladder: Kangaroos 52 points, Warriors 42 (goal difference plus-25), Leopards 42 (plus-21), Raiders 34, Revengers 26, Kookaburras 8, Bombers 6.

Women: Highlanders 6 d Yanac Women 0. Goals: Highlanders, J. Zordan 3, R. Creek, C. McFarlane, S. O’Connor. Best: Highlanders, C. McFarlane, K. Ferrier, E. Morrow; Yanac Women, S. Coughlan, M. Jago, J. Ussing.
Warrack Women 2 drew with Dimboola Women 2. Goals: Warrack Women, S. Puls 2; Dimboola Women, J. Ross, M. Searle. Best: Warrack Women, A. Argent, L. Arnold-Wardle, S. Puls; Dimboola Women, C. Elsom, M. Searle, E. Klinge, J. Ross.
Thunderbirds forfeited to Kaniva Women.
Ladder: Highlanders 58 points, Dimboola Women 42, Warrack Women 36, Kaniva Women 20, Yanac Women 16, Thunderbirds 8.

Men: Hoops 1 d Dimboola Men 0. Goals: Hoops, B. Peters. Best: Hoops, S. Laverty, S. King, S. Bardell; Dimboola Men, B. Lovett, T. Jorgensen, N. Jorgensen.
Kaniva Men 1 d Nhill Men 0. Goals: Kaniva Men, M. McDonald. Best: Kaniva Men, K. Meyer, R. Wallis, M. McDonald; Nhill Men, J. Bendall, A. Creek, D. Reichelt.
Tigers 2 drew with Hurricanes 2. Goals: Tigers, A. Clohesy, K. Croot; Hurricanes, A. Dorman, L. Dunn. Best: Tigers, K. Croot, M. Dart, J. Cramer; Hurricanes, W. Hewitt, S. Grose, L. Dunn.
Ladder: Tigers 48 points, Hoops 40, Hurricanes 34, Kaniva Men 30, Nhill Men 22, Dimboola Men 6.