Round 15 Review

Warriors sneak into hockey top two
Warriors have sneaked into second spot on the junior ladder after a close win in Wimmera Hockey Association’s round 15 of competition at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park.
They are a whisker ahead of Nhill side Leopards who had been second all season except for one week in top spot, now third and separated only by goal difference with Warriors having a small four-goal advantage.
Warriors played a close match on Saturday, narrowly defeating the weaker Dimboola side Kookaburras. Warriors were very attacking but Kookaburras had some scoring shots. Kookaburras goalie Kobi Villis was very strong, although Warriors did well with their opportunities and were 2-0 up at the break. Warriors slowed the pace in the second half although still scoring one goal, while Kookaburras picked up and were able to score two goals. Both teams had many scoring opportunities but the game finished in Warriors’ favour 3-2.
The Alexander brothers did the scoring for Warriors – Nathan with two and Bradley the other. Nathan Alexander was best along with Sam Bone. James Keating and Caleb Halsall scored for Kookaburras, while Kobi Villis and Olinda Elsom were best.
Revengers scored a big win over Raiders 4-1. Strong teamwork from Warracknabeal saw Mark Hewitt and Bonnie Crafter score early. Raiders’ Kendal Meyer passed well through the centre while Liam Wallis showed strong control in the slow and wet conditions.
In the second half strong attack and consistent intercepts by Marcus Williamson and Megan Watts made their mark on the game for Revengers. Ashleigh Wallis scored a lovely goal passed from the opposite side for Raiders’ loan goal. Both teams made a very consistent effort given the wet surface.
Marcus Williamson and Mark Moloney shone for the victors while Donna Robinson and Mark Moloney scored their other goals. Kendal Meyer and Liam Wallis shone for Kaniva.
Kangaroos took a solid win over Leopards 3-1. Dimboola had most of the play through James Klinge and Nathan Jorgensen. Talor Dent defended well in the cold conditions while teammates goalie Alex Welsh and Jack Janetzki also stood out for Leopards. All goals were scored in the first half – James Klinge, Nathan Jorgensen and Michael Pohlner for Dimboola, and Ben Smith for Nhill. It was a better half from Nhill in the second. Both sides had equal opportunity but just couldn’t score.
Horsham Highlanders scored another solid win, 6-0 over Yanac Women. Carmel McFarlane stood out for Horsham on Saturday, while Sarah Coughlan worked hard for Yanac.
It was a tight match between Warrack and Dimboola women with Dimboola defender Cara Elsom playing best for her team, while attacker Alana Argent was best for Warrack. The game was leveled at 2-2.
Nhill Thunderbirds forfeited to Kaniva Women.
The men’s competition saw close games all-round showing an evenness of competition with all lower-placed teams strengthening towards the end of the season.
Second-placed Hoops had a narrow victory in the men’s competition with a 1-0 win over the young Dimboola side with the loan field goal scored by Brant Peters for Warrack with three minutes to go. Both sides had shown consistency of ball passing given the bounce of the field. Long passes found easy targets and this generated good play. Stephen Laverty and Simon King shone for Hoops, while Beau Lovett and Tim Jorgensen did well for Dimboola Men. This match benefited from the umpiring skills of Regional Umpires Coach for Hockey Victoria Charlie Martin who along with Mark Frost conducted the Rules Session and umpiring clinic during the day.
Top Tigers and third-placed Hurricanes drew 2-2 with all goals scored well. Kim Croot shone for Tigers while Will Hewitt defended well for Hurricanes. Mark Frost was an umpire in this match, which was evenly contested with well-mannered play.
Kaniva Men also had a narrow 1-0 win over Nhill Men. Young Kendal Meyer shone for Kaniva while Mathew McDonald scored the goal. Jarryd Bendall was strong for Nhill. Kaniva needed this win to help cement their chance to play in finals.
- Rachel Clark