IT was a high-intensity clash in the Lower South East Hockey Association’s Division 1 men’s competition on Saturday afternoon when Redbacks and West locked horns for Round 4 of the season.
Played in perfect conditions, the match resulted in a two-all draw, with neither side able to find their way past the keepers for the illusive game-winning goal.
Division 1 Men
Redbacks 2 dw West 2
West started the game strong and with plenty of attack it had Redbacks under pressure early.
However, despite this early dominance, West was unable to push past the Redbacks’ defence.
Redbacks then began to work its way back into the game, leaving the scores locked on nil-all at half time.
The game opened up in the second half and Redbacks opened the scoring with Dale Hill finishing off after a good run from Toby Maddern broke the West defence open.
West rallied and it was not long before it equalised with a field goal of its own.
The arm wrestle continued as Toby Maddern put Redbacks back in front through a brilliant baseline run to beat the West keeper, only for West to again draw level after converting a penalty corner.
The dying minutes saw both teams desperate to win with both goal keepers pulling off game-saving blocks.
A two-all scoreline at the final whistle reflected the even and entertaining game.
Division 1/2 Women
Redbacks 2 d Naracoorte 0
FRIDAY night hockey saw Redbacks’ Division 1 side take on Naracoorte’s Division 2 last week.
Redbacks looked to take control of the game early and settled into a good passing game, which made the Naracoorte defence work hard to prevent an opposition score.
The trio of Kate Pinkerton, Claudia Edmonds and Jade Delaney combined well in the midfield and created chances for Redbacks’ forwards.
It was Edmonds who opened the account for Redbacks and shortly after a clever deflection by Lexi Merrett gave Redbacks a 2-0 lead going into half time.
The Naracoorte defence rallied at half time and were solid in denying the Redbacks any further chances up forward, while creating a few break away opportunities of their own, only to be shut down by the Redbacks’ defenders.
With no addition to the scoreboard in the second half, Redbacks claimed a two-goal win.
The victors were best served by Jemma Heraper, while Pinkerton and Delaney were also named among the Redbacks’ best.
Division 2 Women
Redbacks 2 d Strikers 0
IN an even game, Redbacks landed its first win for the season when it faced Strikers in the Division 2 competition.
About 10 minutes into the first half, Angela Kain slammed home a goal from a short corner to open the ledger for the game.
The remainder of the half saw both sides with their opportunities, but these were denied by defenders.
Halfway through the second half, Claire Moore found herself on the end of some quick passing and she slotted home the Redbacks’ second goal.
In the last 10 minutes of the game, Strikers pushed hard into the circle on numerous occasions, only to have their shots denied by some good saves from goal keeper Alex Cape.
Redbacks’ defenders were well served by Nic Vause and Donna Cranwell, consistently repelling the Strikers’ attack and feeding the ball through to their forwards.
Strikers’ Anna Gourley and Celia Baseley where setting up play well and worked tirelessly for their team all game, along with Julianne Schubert who was stopping a lot of the Redbacks’ attack.
However, it was not enough to turn the tables and Redbacks took home the victory.
Division 3 Women
West 3 d Redbacks 0
DESPITE being undermanned, Redbacks Division 3 women put up a valiant fight against West on the weekend.
In an impressive defensive display, the side was able to hold West to only three goals, but was unable to score any for itself.
Each of these goals were finished off by Tayla Wilson-Smith, while Elle Gregory, Katrina Hockey and Lisa Jewel were named as West’s best.
Redbacks had several close shots on goal, but all were successfully defended by the West defence led by Lisa and Sarah Jewell.
Bethanie Brodie, Layne Blackwell and Kelly Thompsell were the best on the pitch for Redbacks.
Under 15 Girls
Redbacks 6 d West 2
THE Lower South East Hockey Association Under 15 competition saw the Redbacks claim a solid 6-2 win over West in a hard-fought game.
Redbacks opened the scoring early, but West was quick to reply with with an equaliser.
Both teams were working together to find their way into the attacking circle and this resulted in a second goal for both sides before the break.
It was after half time where the Redbacks took control of the game.
Having returned from state duties, Zara Blackwell had an impact in the midfield and set up her forwards Claire Moore and Abi Miller to score another four goals for the match.
West had several forays into Redbacks’ defensive circle, but strong defence from Tannah Solly and Rachel Curtis in goals kept the team scoreless in the second half and saw the Redbacks with the win.
Under 12 Girls
Riddoch Strikers 2 d Redbacks 0
AN early start on Sunday morning saw the Under 12 girls competition get underway for the season, with Riddoch Strikers claiming a 2-0 win over Redbacks.
The well-manned side dominated the game by controlling the midfield and moving forward with strong, accurate passing.
However, Redbacks’ goalkeeper Abby Miller made multiple saves which kept her team in the game.
She was accompanied by her teammates, who put in a solid effort to break down Strikers’ many attacking short corners.
This saw Strikers with just a one-goal lead at the break.
In the second half it was evident the superior bench numbers enjoyed by Strikers allowed them to maintain a fast-paced game, while the Redbacks’ legs tired.
This meant the Redbacks appreciated the new 20-minute half format.
Strikers demonstrated their skill to score their second goal for the game, with one each to Tille Derrington and Zoe James, while Redbacks remained unable to put a score on the board.
