WEST and Cavaliers fought out a tough game in Round 5 of Lower South East hockey, with the former prevailing in a 2-0 result.
Jason Steen led the West forwards and applied plenty of pressure in the first half, with Steen capitalising on a penalty corner to take a slender lead to the half-time break.
Cavaliers fought back hard early in the second half, but the West defence held strong.
West regained its first half momentum and with pressure building, broke through with another goal from a penalty corner conversion courtesy of Chris Calliss.
Both teams battled away for the remainder of the match, but neither was able to convert, leaving West to claim its first victory of the year.
Division 2 Men
West 3 dw Cavaliers 3
WITH one win between them in the first four rounds, both West and Cavaliers were eager to claim the points in what was set to be a tight affair.
Cavaliers took control in the early stages, with the likes of Darren Bowyer and Andrew Grant capitalising on some quality long passes.
West debutante Jonathon Allcock wrestled back control in the midfield and Nick Thomas found space in the circle to minimise the damage to 2-1 at half-time.
Daniel Grosse imposed himself in a number of attacking plays early in the second half, but some timely defensive intercepts by Cavalier’s Scott Burston denied West an early goal.
However, their efforts were rewarded when Nathan Widdison put away a deflection off the Cavaliers’ keeper to level the score.
With a rise in intensity from both teams, Cavaliers’ veteran Andrew Grant slipped a hit past the keeper from a tough angle to take the lead.
West responded quickly, with a determined Connor Murphy finishing a string of passes in the attacking circle to secure a 3-3 draw at the final whistle.
Division 2 Women
West 5 d Naracoorte 2
WEST and Naracoorte Division 2 women took to the turf in a late-night encounter on Friday evening, with the former victorious after a tough battle.
Naracoorte, hampered with being two players down, found the early stages difficult as swift ball movement led West to two early goals.
Naracoorte rallied and tied the match at two all at half time, sending West to the huddle disappointed to have lost the advantage.
The second half saw Naracoorte come out hard, forcing West to play a defensive game.
Once West settled they were able to open the scoring in the second half to take the lead 3 -2.
The Naracoorte goalkeeper was busy throughout the second half and instrumental in keeping the score manageable.
West’s advantage in numbers soon paid dividends, with the final 5-2 score line a credit to both sides.
Under 15 Boys
West 5 d Cavaliers 0
WEST showed some dominant form on the weekend in the Under 15 boys hit out, claiming a 5-0 win over Cavaliers.
West’s short passing game gave them more chances in attack, which they took advantage of early.
Dylan McGregor provided some clever assists to his West teammates, who pounced on the opportunities to score.
Cavaliers best chance to score through Ben Weedon’s skilfulness was just as ably snuffed out by West goalkeeper BJ Howard.
West’s Aiden Cameron controlled the mid-field, blocking Cavaliers attacks and then fed his forwards with a stream of precision passes.
Under 12 Boys
West 3 d Cavaliers 0
WEST and Cavaliers met for the first time this season, with the added challenge of a grass game to test the skills of both teams.
Both clubs fielded teams with a mix of new players and experienced campaigners from previous seasons.
West scored early, with Eric Delaland finding space in the circle.
Cavaliers, through Logan Gore and Rhys Earl, worked hard to create opportunities for their side, but were unable to penetrate the West defence.
In the second half, Cavaliers continued to play hard, but it was West that scored through Jack Leishman off a penalty corner to extend their slender lead.
Late in the game Will Cameron scored off a penalty corner to seal the win.
