Round 11 Review

Drawn games and close contests in tough conditions at Dimboola on the weekend made for some interesting play in the Wimmera Hockey Assciation matches.
Top junior sides Kangaroos and Leopards played a brilliant and exciting match, with Dimboola enjoying a home crowd advantage. Dimboola came out firing and within the early part of the game expert forward player James Klinge scored twice. This forced the Leopards on the back foot, a position that they have not been used to this season. Needless to say, they stepped up the pace and managed not just one, or two, but three reply goals through Alex Pipkorn, Tom Cook and Oscar Stephan to lead the match 3-2 at half time. The second half was fiercely fought out and it was up to James Klinge to score brilliantly again to draw the match, a fitting end to a close rivalry for these teams, which looks set to continue into the finals.
Nhill Bandits and Horsham Bombers also played a tight encounter and it was captains leading the way, with goals to Jarryd Bendall and Josh Sykes-Atkins. Jordyn Pizzoni and Monique Schwedes were solid in the Bombers half back line whilst newcomer Kimberly Trounce showed her stuff in the forward line. Jack Janetzki and Lauren Bendall played brilliantly for the Bandits. This was a confidence boosting draw for the Bombers, who are still fighting for their first win this year.
The women’s competition just gets tighter as the year progresses, with two drawn games at the weekend. The Kaniva women attacked early in their game against Yanac, but it was Yanac who scored first after 10 minutes. Kaniva, however, didn’t give up and a great combination between Nyree Hutchins and Nicol Wilson resulted in a goal in the dying minutes before half time. Yanac had many opportunities in the second half, but couldn’t convert. Kaniva’s Claire McDonald and Chelsea Dahlenburg combined well in Kaniva’s attack. Yanac’s Sheree May and Kaniva’s Hannah Bedford were a constant annoyance to their opposing sides in half back. Junior Jess Wheaton was impressive and will make a skilled future player for Yanac. The game was drawn one all at the final whistle and both these teams now need to fine tune their skills to ensure a place in the finals.
Nhill Thunderbirds and Highlanders also competed in an extremely close encounter. The Highlanders displayed some great teamwork early, passing the ball well and talking, which resulted in many pushes toward goal. Thunderbirds also had some chances, but Highlanders defence through Lorna Schilling and Shannon Jakobi was far too strong. The second half was more even, with Thunderbirds players Ebony Stephan and Pam Cramer shooting the ball toward their end repeatedly, but to no avail. Highlanders had chances through many short corners, but even the accuracy of attackers Ellie Morrow and Kate Ferrier was unable to penetrate a determined Birdies defence, led by goalie Debbie Barber.
The men’s competition was a little less tight with the Horsham Hurricanes winning a comfortable 4-1 match against Kaniva. The Hurricanes’ goals were evenly spread, with Luke Dunn and Paul Mackereth scoring two apiece, whilst Captain Stuart Hoffman played a best-on-ground performance. Kaniva’s goal came off a penalty shot, which was converted by capable shooter Reily Sanders. Christian Stimpson and goalie Brett Jewell were the best for Kaniva, saving many of the Hurricanes advances toward goal.
Warracknabeal Hoops also defeated Dimboola 4-1. Alex Bardell scored twice, with Shane Langman and Ethan Schilling the other scorers. Jarryd Tischler scored for Dimboola and Tim Jorgensen and Craig Searle were stand outs in the back line.