AS the 2006 season draws to a close, Baw Baw Hockey Club is gearing up for an exciting finals series.
MEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
The large group of spectators and supporters that turned out to round 16 were treated to a spirited performance by the Baw Baw firsts.
With another win, the Bulls would come very close to snatching back top spot, which they’ve held for most of the season and automatic promotion to State League 3.
The clash started with a flurry, Old Xaverians slotting two goals in the first 10 minutes.
From that moment the Bulls turned the game around completely, showing the kind of hardness at the ball and teamwork that could well see them win a flag this year.
Within the next 10 minutes the deficit was reduced to 1, with a classy deflection from Pete McKinsley.
A cracking short corner strike had the Bulls back at 2all just moments before jogging into the halftime huddle.
Leading goal scorer in the competition Ken Farmer converted a penalty stroke to put the Bulls in front 32.
Baw Baw remains in second spot on the ladder, only two points behind Old Xav’s, with Eastern and Chadstone rounding out the four.
Scores: Baw Baw 3 d Old Xaverians 2.
WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
The game at the State Hockey Centre against Brunswick was a must win and was a very tightly fought match.
Brunswick dominated early and quickly scored 2 goals.
After halftime, Baw Baw managed to steadily rebuild its game and started its own scoring.
Successful penalty corners conversions quickly saw Baw Baw overtake Brunswick and take a 42 lead.
Brunswick did not give up, however and the final result saw a fourall draw.
Scores: Baw Baw 4 drew with Brunswick 4.
Round 16 played at Berwick on Sunday against secondplaced SNP was going to be a difficult.
SNP is a tough team to play and Baw Baw was determined to challenge the SNP side.
In fact, Baw Baw was the first to score and dominated the first half. However, SNP managed to exploit any Baw Baw weaknesses and not only equalised, but put another 2 goals in – the final score was a 31 victory to SNP.
Baw Baw women now have only one more game and have probably lost their chase to 2006 finals.
Scores Baw Baw 1 lost to SNP 3.
UNDER 17 PENNANT A
Round 14 was to be a real test for the Bulls combination.
Frankston’s reputation for playing the ball hard was well known. Both sides, sitting in the middle of the ladder, knew that they had to win to have a chance of making the finals.
The Frankston combination put the first score on the board within 15 minutes, leaving the Bulls in disarray.
After being 31 down after the break the Bulls fought back for a win. The result was a testament to the team’s persistence and determination and coach Doug Earwicker’s strategies.
Scores:: Baw Baw 4 d Frankston 3.
UNDER 13 PENNANT SOUTH
The young Bulls played second place Eastern, in Round 15.
Two quick goals from Eastern made the Bulls work hard to slow down the opposition’s forward run. Jesse Ward managed to score two goals: one off a short corner and the other off a run upfield. The halftime score was 23.
In the second half, the Bulls came out playing a stronger game.
Scores: Baw Baw 4 d Frankston 3.
