Round 13 Review

Tigers take an emphatic win
Top men’s team Tigers sealed an emphatic win over second-placed Hoops which could be a show of what is to come in finals. Tigers won 6-2 in Wimmera Hockey Association’s round 13 at the weekend.
It was a fast and furious start with Tigers having the better of the play. Jarrod Knoop gave Hoops good drive all first half. Kim Croot played well with two goals giving Tigers a 2-0 lead at the break.
Hoops held Tigers early in the second half and scored from a penalty stroke. Tigers settled and scored two goals through good work from Josh Cramer. Hoops scored again before Tigers finished off with two goals. Jamie Harding and Simon Farmers were the other scorers for Tigers. Tammy Goyne and Paul Slater scored for Hoops. Josh Cramer and Kim Croot were best for Tigers. Craig Bowler and Simon King defended well for Hoops.
Dimboola Men and Nhill Men played an even contest. Dimboola had good midfield play but not much attack. Nhill had good all-round play and made good use of chances, either scoring or gaining short corners, winning 2-1. Beau Lovett and James Klinge with one goal were best for Dimboola, while Ross Thurlow and Mont Miller with two goals shone for the victors.
Hurricanes and Kaniva Men also enjoyed an even contest. Hurricanes scored early but then play was mostly midfield. Both teams scored one goal in the second half, with Hurricanes winning 2-1. Mathew McDonald with one goal, and Clint Beattie were best for Kaniva. Will Hewitt and Stuart Hoffman were best for Hurricanes. Andrew Dorman and Paul Mackereth scored for Hurricanes.
Highlanders had a lot of play in the first half but Kaniva’s defence worked hard. Ellie Morrow scored off a short corner before half time. Kaniva put some pressure on Highlanders in the second half but Highlanders were stronger. Launa Schilling scored to seal the win for Highlanders 2-0. Hannah Bedford and Kelsey Webb shone for Kaniva, while Ellie Morrow and Kate Ferrier were best for Horsham.
Yanac and Warrack women both moved the ball fast down the field. Yanac Women had a fair amount of play in the first half but Warrack only need one chance and they eventually scored to take a 1-0 win. Alana Argent who scored the winning goal and Linley Arnold-Wardle were best for Warrack. Jill Kube and Anne Blackwood were best for Yanac.
Dimboola Women scored a solid win 4-1 over Thunderbirds, despite good early attack by Nhill. Anna Rowe and Rosie Wallis were best for Nhill, while Sarah Wallis scored their goal. Vicki Smithyman and Adina King with two goals were best for Dimboola. Lisa Robson and Taanya Aitken scored the other goals.
Warriors defeated Revengers after a close contest. Warriors attacked strongly but came up against a tough defence in Revengers. Warriors slipped one through in the second half for the 1-0 win. Nathan Alexander was best for Warriors, while defender Mark Hewitt was best for Revengers.
Raiders scored three goals each half and defeated Bombers 6-0. Bombers tried hard to restrict Kaniva’s advances. Brady Dixon and Braden Clark with three goals were best for Raiders. Kendal Meyer, Jordan Clark and Brandon Rich scored the other goals. Defenders Jahan Randall-Demllo and Sean Creek were best for Bombers.
Leopards and Kookaburras both had scoring chances, with Kookaburra’s Zoe Aitken scoring early in the first half. Leopards’ Ben Smith converted a penalty stroke to even the half. The second half was also even except for a five-minute blitz by Leopards, with Ben Smith and Michelle Fahrina each scoring a field goal for a 3-1 win. Taylor Dent and Michelle Fahrina shone for the victors while Jay Meehan and Ashlee Crowhurst were best for Kookaburras.
- Rachel Clark