Round 12 Review

Dimboola Men take first win
Dimboola Men have broken the drought with a good 2-1 win over Hurricanes at the weekend in Wimmera hockey’s round twelve. The round at Nhill’s Davis Park had several surprise scorelines, perhaps with the very cool conditions a contributing factor.
A predominantly young Dimboola side’s best result so far this season had been one draw. Each week they work hard and use good pace from young and fast players while building on their strengths and teamwork. They are always a hard match for any opposition, just lacking in some experience resulting in a shortage of goals.
On Saturday both Dimboola and Horsham played good open hockey, with each side propped up by several juniors. Dimboola made the most of their chances with Basil Jorgensen pushing the ball passed the goalie. Tim Jorgensen played well all half. In a very even second half both sides continued to play hard fast hockey. Nathan Jorgensen scored for Dimboola off a good short corner while John Heenan scored a field goal for Hurricanes. Tim Jorgensen, Beau Lovett and James Klinge were best for Dimboola, and Lochlan Zordan, Ryan Robson and John Heenan for Hurricanes.
Tigers had a close win over Kaniva Men. Yanac had more attacking options in the first half although the ball spent a lot of time midfield. Kim Croot scored in the second half to give Tigers the 1-0 win. Defenders were best - Luke Reichenbach for Tigers and Damien McKeown for Kaniva.
Hoops and Nhill Men scored a goal each in the first minute and a half which made for an exciting start. Nhill dominated for the next 20 minutes scoring again. Hoops equalised three minutes before the break. Hoops made the only score in the second half to take the game 3-2. Jarrod Knoop scored one goal and was best for Hoops, while David Reichelt was strong in defence for Nhill.
Dimboola Women have ended Highlanders’ winning streak although the Horsham side remains unbeaten after a 0-0 draw. This quality match could be a preview of a final match. On Saturday both teams started fast and hard running the ball well. Highlanders had a lot of play in their half but Dimboola defenders fought hard. Kate Ferrier was strong in the centre for Highlanders. The second half was much the same as the first but Dimboola had some good chances at goal, narrowly missing. The Klinge sisters Jennifer and Elizabeth ran hard all game for Dimboola.
Yanac Women have sneaked into the top four on the women’s ladder after a well-fought 2-1 win over Kaniva, putting Kaniva out of the top four on goal difference. The game was nil-all in the first half with slow play on both sides. Sharon Croot scored early in the second half which lifted both sides to run more and play better hockey. Yanac used good team play which saw Sheree May score another for Yanac before Kaniva’s Kayla Saunderson slammed in a goal from a short corner. Kaniva fought hard and had a few chances but Yanac had answers for everything and the score remained 2-1.
Warrack Women had a solid 4-0 win over Thunderbirds.
Revengers did well claiming a 2-2 draw with top two junior side Leopards.
Kangaroos took until the second half to get ahead of Raiders with two excellent running goals from Nathan Jorgensen. Raiders did not cease trying but the final score of 3-1 to Kangaroos was a just result.
A good fair game saw Warriors score five goals but Bombers found the back of the net in the second half and before long had three goals to their credit. Bradley Alexander, who scored four goals, and Erin Blackwood were best for Warriors, while Monique Schwedes controlled the ball well for Bombers. Warriors won 5-3.
Minkey Competition
The Minkey Competition played on the junior field at Davis Park was heralded a success, with about 68 competitors taking part. A great number of these came from Dimboola although all six clubs were represented. These young players are the future of our association and it is great to see so much support for them.
Eight minkey teams played 12 games over two junior fields, with no finals being played. Organisers said it was an even competition with positive attitude from the minkeys in freezing conditions. The focus was on participation and the kids having fun.
It was also good to see that junior players contributed to and gained experience from umpiring the minkey games.
Each player received a participation pack and the Wimmera association would like to thank several businesses for donating towards the packs: ANZ, Subway, Just Hockey, Magnatts, Hockey Victoria, and Go For Your Life.
- Rachel Clark