Round 7 Review

Junior players score for the men in Wimmera hockey
Junior players made the difference when Nhill Men played Hoops, scoring five out of the seven goals in the Wimmera hockey round seven match.
Nhill Men scored their first win this season 4-3 with three out of four of their goals being scored by juniors Jack Janetzki and Ben Smith. Janetzki’s father Graeme Janetzki shone for Nhill, also Mont Miller who scored the other goal. Lyndsey Marchment was strong for Hoops, while junior Ethan Schilling scored twice and Jarrod Knoop scored the other. The win all the more satisfying for Nhill against a top two team.
Kaniva Men were also the benefactors of an upset game, with a 1-0 win over top team Tigers. The even game was marred by many dangerous balls that were penalised by several cards. Yanac had failed to capitalise on many short corners, while Kaniva was awarded a penalty stroke which Ryan Wallis converted for the win.
In the other men’s match, Dimboola had a close game with Hurricanes, but the latter stood firm 1-0. A junior player, Sean Creek, scored the winning goal in this match also.
Following losses by the top two men’s sides on Saturday the ladder is much more open, with only four points separating the top four teams.
Highlanders continued their dominance in the women’s competition with a 2-0 win over their nearest competitors. Dimboola started well and good defence prevented more goals, but Horsham passed well to create scoring chances to win the game. Kate Ferrier and Launa Schilling directed play and scored one each, while Elizabeth Klinge was solid for Dimboola.
After repeated short corners Yanac Women failed to convert and Kaniva had a chance to move forward, scoring through a deflection by Samantha Wallis. Natalie Farmers scored early for Yanac in the second half and good play followed by both teams to finish a draw, 1-1.
Sue Puls and Karen Triffitt were on target scoring three and two goals respectively to take Warracknabeal Women to a 5-1 win over Thunderbirds.
In junior matches, Leopards defeated Raiders 3-1. Raiders passed well between backs and forwards but were unable to finish off in goal. Leopards won with more direct passing and ball control.
Revengers enjoyed a win against Bombers, 1-0.
Kangaroos shared the goals around five players to beat club counterparts Kookaburras 8-0.
- Rachel Clark