Round 4 Review

It was the women’s hockey games that held the most interest in round 4 of Wimmera hockey in Yanac on Saturday.

The top of the ladder clash between the Thunderbirds and Warracknabeal Women saw an excellent 2 nil victory to Nhill. Ebony Stephens and Pam Cramer ably led the Nhill team. Julie Langman and Cathy Noone fought bravely in defence for Warracknabeal.

The Highlanders recorded their first win of the year against the more favoured Yanac Women. A tight first half had both teams driving forward, with Launa Schilling controlling things in defence and Kate Ferrier also impressive for the Highlanders. Within 30 seconds of the half time break Denise Vallance scored for the Highlanders. This was followed by many Highlander attacks on goal in the early part of the second half but with Anne Blackwood Yanac’s standing strong in defence, Horsham could not break through. Yanac managed a couple of good goal opportunities late but were not able to convert.

Kaniva Women managed to get past Dimboola in the other women’s match. Both teams dominated at different stages throughout the match, and it was two goals within 5 minutes by Chelsea Sanders that gave Kaniva a winning lead. Dimboola continued to have their chances. Lisa Robson and Jess Ross playing well, and managed to convert through Michelle Searle but could not bridge the gap.

In the juniors the Leopards and Bandits played a fantastic match. Fast end to end hockey saw a great late goal to youngster Jayden Newcombe break the deadlock. Leopards best included Adrian Creek, and Tom Cook, while the Jarryd and Lauren Bendall starred for the Bandits.

The Horsham Black Hawks had a big win over the Warriors. Andrew Valentine was the goal scorer and best for the Black s were Sean Creek, Ally Slater and Elly O’Connor. While Alex Wheaton, Erin Blackwood and Marny Croot all played well for the Warriors.

Kaniva Men got up in the dying seconds of their match against Dimboola to record their first victory in the competition. Well done Kaniva.