WITH only three games left in the season, the final four was still open for Baw Baw hockey teams in several grades.
MEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
At Keilor, the senior Baw Baw men contested the secondplaced Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School teams, with whom they had drawn first time around. With the back line boosted with the strength of David Cuthbertson returning from injury, the Bulls played a tough game, defended strongly and continually moved the ball forward into attack. But they could not capitalise on a number of opportunities and were beaten by PEGS’ accuracy. Joseph Sutton scored the only goal with a deflection from a free hit, just outside the D. This week the three men’s teams play at the State Hockey Centre.
Scores: PEGS 3 d Baw Baw 1.
WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
Both Baw Baw and RMIT had the same points totals and the match at Footscray was for fourth place. In wet and cold conditions RMIT started strongly and dominated most of the first half. Baw Baw was finding it hard to penetrate midfield and had few chances to score. RMIT scored early but Jo Bruce in goals for Baw Baw repelled many more attempts. Near the end of the first half Baw Baw started putting together some good plays.
The second half proved to be Baw Baw’s better half. The team was working harder, Alia Brammall, Kim Dorling and Alicia WoodDavies were able to feed the ball to waiting forwards and soon a conversion by Penni Beck from a penalty corner evened the score. Baw Baw dominated the second half but was unable to get the ball over the goal line.
Scores: Baw Baw 1 drew with RMIT 1.
MEN’S PENNANT E
Baw Baw was pleased to keep second side Mentone down to two goals. Baw Baw needs to win the next few games to stay in pennant division and this week meets TEM at the State Hockey Centre in what should prove to be the match of the round.
Scores: Mentone 2 d Baw Baw 0.
MEN’S METRO 4 SOUTH
In a tough game, the Bulls held up well with a great result against thirdplaced Melbourne High Old Boys. Sitting just outside the four, Baw Baw faces a couple of challenging games in the last three rounds when they play two more teams from the top four.
Scores: Baw Baw 3 drew with MHOB 3.
GIRLS UNDER 17 SOUTH
Returning to the State Centre to play Greensborough, Baw Baw displayed great teamwork, especially in the second half, where rapid and precise movement of the ball enabled the Bulls to defeat improved opposition. All players were regularly rotated through positions to enhance Baw Baw’s running game, give all players equal match time, and to keep the pressure up on opponents. Julia Hannington (two goals), Cassie Baker and Sophie Wiglesworth scored.
Scores: Baw Baw 4 d Greensborough 0.
UNDER 15 PENNANT A
On Friday night, Baw Baw went to Werribee to take on the top side. In the first half both teams tried to move the ball around quickly. Great defence by Baw Baw limited opportunities for Werribee to score until midway through the first half. Through continued persistence and good forward moves, Ryan Ambrose was able to capitalise with a good field goal from the centre of the D to equalise before halftime.
During the second half, Werribee scored twice but the Baw Baw team never gave up.
Scores: Werribee 3 d Baw Baw 1.
UNDER 13 PENNANT SOUTH
In a clash of the second and thirdplaced teams, MCC started by pushing forward continually and scored the first goal of the half. From a short corner Julian Hannah’s pass to Jesse Ward enabled Baw Baw to equalise. MCC scored two quick goals before Hannah hit back twice to equalise again by halftime.
After the break, the young Bulls stopped MCC scoring and Ward put Baw Baw in front. Perfect positioning from Dana Howard brought two more goals. The team showed great determination to come from 13 down and is continually showing new strengths. Most disciplined player was Ben Bloomfield.
Scores: Baw Baw 6 d MCC 3.
CLUB NOTES
Club secretary Keith Sutton was heading off to England this week and the club wished he and his wife a safe and happy journey.
The locally based summer hockey short competition begins on 3 October at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School in Warragul, runs until 16 December and is open to age groups from undernine to under17, men, women and veterans. This competition is played sixaside on a smaller field. Anyone interested should contact Pauline Mackinnon, phone 5942 9025, email mackscyberspace.net.au.
