Round 6 Review

Wimmera hockey games moved east this week to Horsham and Dimboola following welcome recent rains. Even games were the theme of the week as the season gets into full swing and top four positions are at stake.

At Dimboola on a very fast low cut surface, Dimboola Men showed much improvement in a narrow defeat 4 – 3 against Warracknabeal in the game of the day. The first half was very even, but it was Josh Halsall on the end of a good pass giving Dimboola a one nil lead into the break. It seems to be the case each week, Warracknabeal’s direct style allows them to dominate the second half as opposition teams tire. The Hoops hit three quick goals to put themselves in a very strong position. However this time Dimboola struck back with Shane Schwarz hitting two goals to even things up. In the tense final few minutes the Hoops won a short corner and skilfully converted. Shane Langman and Craig Searle were standouts for their respective defences. In the other game Yanac Tigers were once again too strong for an improving Kaniva winning 2 – 0.

Nhill Bandits and Dimboola Kangaroos played a top game. The Bandits were first to with a goal in the opening minutes to Duncan Koop. But the Kangaroos fought back into the game and began to dominate with goals to Kelly Smithyman and Nathan Jorgensen. The second half again saw the Kangaroos have most of the possession and a goal by Brydon Tischler put the result beyond doubt giving the Kangaroos a 3 – 1 victory.

At Horsham and in a battle of the Horsham junior teams Blackhawks defeated the Bombers 1 – 0. Both defences were strong with Monique Schwedes and Josh Sykes-Atkins forming a brick wall in defence for the Bombers, while Sean Creek and Allie Salter held things together at the other end for the Blackhawks. A highlight of the game was some good play by up and coming players such as Will Lehmann and Rupert Lang for the Blackhawks, and Blakes Sykes and Jack Vauge for the Bombers. Tristan Barret was the hero scoring the only goal.

In another high standard junior match the Raiders defeated the Revengers in a battle for the coveted fourth position on the ladder. The Revengers got off to a flying start with a top goal to Rebecca McPherson. Raiders defended well with Roey Sanders and Tim Eastwood the standouts. Revengers piled on the pressure early in the second half through Ethan Schilling, Nakita Langman, and Eddie Aitken. But it was the Raiders who dug deepest scoring two second half goals to take the game 2 – 1.

The ladder leaders Leopards beat the Kookaburras 14 – 0 in the other junior game.

In an upset Dimboola Women pulled themselves off the bottom of the ladder with a 3 – 0 win over Warracknabeal. An even first half saw all the field being used. Dimboola had many chances but were stopped by Warracknabeal’s strong defence led by Jenny Ford. Trailing one nil into the second half Dimboola, in particular Marly Sallman came out firing scoring three goals. Sue Puls got one back but it was not enough and Dimboola was victorious. Jess Ross and Jennifer Klinge were best for Dimboola.
Yanac Women surprised with a 3 – 0 win over second place win over Kaniva. Naomi Brick scored twice in the first half. What a difference a week makes as Kaniva beat top of the ladder Thunderbirds. The women’s competition is unfolding as the most even of the three competitions. In the other match the Thunderbirds got over the Highlanders 2 – 0.