A VERY eager and excited bunch of under 12 girls hit the field for their first game this season against Albury Falcons on Saturday. From the outset they worked hard as a team and implemented what they had been training. Through some beautiful passing from Ava Ryan, Phoebe Read, Amelie Reilly and Morgan Hope, Scarlett Clancy jumped with joy after scoring her first goal of her hockey career and season in the first quarter. It wasn’t long before Amelie Reilly scored the second goal for Wangaratta. The Falcons rallied and managed to have some forward attack which resulted in a goal. Wangaratta’s backline remained strong through Greta Le, Eliza Taylor, Claudia Kerr and goalkeeper Jordana Moore making some amazing clearing kicks. As the heat set in Wangaratta continued their attacking pressure on the Falcons and Amelie Reilly managed to score her second to cement their win, with the final score 3-1. The division two men played their first home game against Wodonga on Sunday. With Wodonga a very strong attacking team, the Dragons went into defensive mode early in the game. The backline of Sam Couche, Xavier Bennett and Jack Weir were kept on their toes throughout the first half, with Wodonga pushing hard with their attacking raids. Despite all their efforts the Dragons went into the half-time break four goals down. The midfield of Henry Findlay, Charles Webster and Scott Tognola ran their backsides off manning up their opponents and trying to work the ball downfield. With Wodonga able to squeeze in another goal in the third quarter, the Dragons still hadn’t given up. The Dragons were able to force a short corner penalty in the final quarter and made the most of it with Aaron Rhodes clawing a goal back, the final result a 6-1 loss. This week the men travel up the highway to Albury to take on the Wombats. The division three women defeated Wodonga 1-0 with Jamielee Sexton scoring the winning goal. Lucy North played strong with many attempts in goals but the Wodonga defence was on point. The Dragons backline of Jane Kealy, Louise Trenker, Susie Rudd and goalkeeper Carli Notman were impenetrable all day. It was great to see mother daughter duos on the field , Kylie and Ellie Samson, also Jane Kealy and Lucy Dwyer. The combined under 12 team of boys took to the field for the first game of the season against Corowa United. Elias Thompson and Cooper Drage worked hard to control the midfield, while Miles Henderson took every opportunity to attack. Arlo Rivett and Ethan Richardson defended well to support Jaxon Walker as the goalie to fight off the strong United attack. Whilst they lost to United, the team showed great skill and promise for the future. Division 3 Wangaratta men played on their home field on Saturday afternoon against a visiting team from Wodonga. It didn't take long to realise how strong the visitors were - despite under 14s coach, Matt Lane, joining the team for his first game of hockey and solid performances from Michael McMurrie in defence and John Lee in goals, Wodonga was just too strong taking the win. The division two women faced an experienced and strong Wodonga team on a warm and sunny Sunday. Wodonga had much of the attack in the first quarterm, however, the strong defence of Paula Collins, Katie Crane and Tayla Coonan stood firm Unfortunately, Wodonga managed to score a goal from a fast breakaway. In the second half Wodonga quickly scored off a short corner. Both teams had several opportunities Wangaratta had several scoring opportunities, however, Wodonga’s skilful goalkeeper stopping anything coming her way.
