Round 3 Review

Round 3 of the Wimmera Hockey Association saw some twilight matches played in Nhill at the Davis Oval. However, this time it was the junior teams showing their stuff under lights and they didn’t disappoint, showing great skill and teamwork in some close matches.
The first twilight game was played against the Nhill Bandits and Kaniva Raiders. The Bandits came out determined and scored within the first 30 seconds, to stun the Raider’s defence. The Bandits, led by the Bendall family, maintained a strong attack for rest of the game, but Raiders defenders Tim Eastwood and Liam Wallis wouldn’t let anything through. The Bandits tired near the end of the game, giving Raiders some chances, but they were unable to convert.
In the other twilight match, the Nhill Leopards were able to overcome the Yanac Warriors, in a good fast game. Warriors Sam Bone was able to sneak the ball under the goalie’s feet to create a spectacular goal in the first half. However, the Leopard’s coach must have had some words at half time and after the break the Leopards came out firing. A good sneaky goal from Nat Jones started the roll Leopards way, and even with the best efforts of Warrior’s Erin Blackwood, Alex Wheaton and Jess Wheaton, Leopards dominated the rest of the game, winning 3-1.
In the other matches, the Warracknabeal and Kaniva women played a very even game. Kaniva had most of the play at the start of the game through Janie Silinger, but Warracknabeal warmed up after a while, making it an even account for the first half. Both teams had plenty of chances with short corners and shots on goals in the second half. Warracknabeal was strong in attack, with Jenny Gaulke and Alana Argent pushing toward goal. However, Kaniva defenders Kayla Saunderson and Claire Riches were able to hold off all attacks at goal, meaning that the final score was a fitting nil-all draw.
The Horsham Highlanders took on Dimboola women, with both teams eager to get a win on the board. It was an evenly played game, with Dimboola having many runs at goal through Michelle Searle and Jess Ross, but Highlanders attackers, led by Ellie Morrow, made the most of their opportunities in the goal. With only a few minutes remaining, the game was drawn at 2-2, then an amazing off the stick goal from Adina King gave Dimboola the win they had been waiting for and left Highlanders pondering another disappointing loss.
The Horsham Hurricanes showed once again that they are a force to be reckoned with this season, overcoming Dimboola. Two goals to both Luke Dunn and Paul Mackereth sealed the Hurricane’s win, with Shane Schwartz standing out for Dimboola, scoring their only two goals in a best on ground performance.
In the other games, Nhill Thunderbirds overcame the Yanac women, Bombers and Kookaburras drew, Warracknabeal Hoops just got over Kaniva men and the Kangaroos were far too good for a young Revengers side.