Round 2 Review

The game of choice in Yanac is Hockey. With no football team and strong community support, Yanac puts three quality hockey teams on the field each week. Two of their teams – Tigers and Warriors – were involved in grand final replays, the score lines being remarkably similar.

The replay of the men’s grand final saw the Warracknabeal Hoops lose a heartbreaking match against the Tigers. The first half saw good fast hockey with the ball moving end to end. Yanac Tigers attacking through their wings while the Hoops employed a more direct style. The Tigers went into the break with a deserved 1 nil lead. In the second half the Hoops came to life with Cameon Bardell the main threat in attack. High class goals from Bardell and Marcus Keam and a scrambled goal put the Hoops up 3-2 with minutes remaining in the match. With the Hoops dominating play and the Tigers uncharacteristically subdued, it looked like the game was over. This all changed with a powerful back stick goal by Kim Croot from the edge of the D that ignited the Tigers, this was quickly followed by another, and all of a sudden the game was over with the Tigers again winning 4 – 3.

Horsham Hurricanes fought hard with ten men to hold off a spirited Kaniva. Kaniva were impressive in their first game and will only improve as the year goes on. Paul Mackereth and Steve Gross was best for the Hurricanes, and Christian Stimson and Damien McKewan were in Kaniva’s best

With welcome rain falling the junior grand final replay began in scrappy fashion. But players soon adjusted and Kendal Meyer of the Kaniva Raiders scored his first through a short corner. Then just before half time a deflection off Yanac Warrior Marny Croot’s stick drew the scores level. But Kendall Meyer scored again for the Raiders in the second half to give them win. Liam Wallis and Tim Eastwood were strong in defence all day for Kaniva. While for the Warriors best included Erin Blackwood, Alex Weaton, and Anna Riechenbach.

In other junior matches, the Kangaroos and Bandits were impressive with strong wins in heavy conditions. Kangaroo Nathan Jorgensen already has eight goals from only two matches. In finer conditions the Leopards and the Revengers played a compelling match. The Revengers controlled the game for the most part. But it was the Leopards Goalie Chris Jones who held firm plus fine goals from Adrian Creek and Brady Newcombe that proved the difference, Leopards winning 3-0. Tom Hewitt and Ethen Schilling were best for the Revengers.

A strong second half in slow conditions and the Warracknabeal women defeated Yanac 2-1. Best for Warracknabeal was Kate Nicholson with 2 goals, while Sarah Coughlan and Joanne Wheaton were Yanac’s best. Nhill Thunderbirds scored 2 early goals against a determined Dimboola defence. Despite having more of the play in the second half, conditions did not allow Dimboola back into the match. Best for Nhill was Pam Cramer, while Michelle Searle played well for Dimboola. With the rain teaming down Kaniva and Horsham Highlanders battled hard. The conditions not allowing for free flowing hockey. Kaniva prevailed with a single goal to Nicol Wilson. Defenders Donna Meyer and Claire Riches best for Kaniva, while Ginny Forrest and Launa Schilling were in Horsham’s best.