A STRONG start and an early goal was the deciding factor for Cavaliers when it claimed the Division 1 men’s win over Redbacks in Round 15 of Lower South East hockey.
Cavaliers started the match well, earning an early penalty corner which was converted with a deflected shot.
Division 1 Men
Cavaliers 2 d Redbacks 1
From there the match settled into an even affair, with Redbacks showing plenty of drive through the centre and standout moments from Toby Maddern.
However, Cavaliers was able to put its second goal away with a first-time strike from Josh Aston.
Now on the back foot, Redbacks responded with a goal, with the well-placed drag flick from Maddern putting the score at 2-1 before the break.
Both teams tired in the second half, which allowed for plenty of attacking opportunities, but neither side was able to capitalise.
Towards the end of the match Redbacks gained control, but were unable to break down the stubborn Cavaliers defence.
Division 2 Men
Cavaliers 0 d/w Rams 0
ON a cold Sunday afternoon, a high intensity clash was had between Cavaliers and Rams in the Division 2 men’s hockey competition.
Both teams started strong and maintained the pace throughout the match, with the final score of nil-all reflective of the closeness of the contest.
The play steadily moved back and forth between each end of the field, but no one was able to capitalise.
Rams seemed to be working its play wide and with quite a few overhead balls.
Keiren Brennan and Kenn Jardine played strong throughout the match for Rams.
Cavaliers’ players constantly manoeuvred the ball to their centre-forward Tony Duggin, hoping he could get a goal on the board.
However, it was not to be on the day and despite a penalty corner awarded to Rams in the final seconds of the match, the scoreline remained level at full time.
Division 2 Women
Cavaliers 2 d West 1
THE competition was close when Cavaliers and West went head-to-head in Round 15 of Division 2 women’s hockey on the weekend.
West won the toss and started with the ball, but Cavaliers quickly gained possession.
Keeping the ball in the attacking half, it was able to produce a penalty corner.
However, a good save from West goal keeper Angela Broad denied Cavaliers the early lead.
West soon gained some composure and the game settled into an even contest.
Both teams found their way into the attacking circles, but neither side could find the back of the net.
Midway through the first half, Cavaliers’ youngster Samara Herpich was able to make a quick break from the halfway line and weave around West’s defence for a one-on-one against Broad.
Herpich slotted the ball in and Cavaliers took the lead.
The side’s second goal came soon after with a turnover from a side ball.
Rachael Byrne was able to hit the ball into Cavaliers’ circle, before Isabelle Ladner trapped the ball into the corner of the goals.
West was quick to respond with several penalty corners awarded late in the term, but was unable to convert due to good work by Cavaliers’ fill-in keeper Anne Duddy.
With a two-nil lead at the break, Cavaliers started the second half strong, but found the goals elusive.
A missed penalty corner proved costly, as West’s Sharon Lewis quickly cleared the ball out of defence and surged forward with teammates into attack.
Leanne Ballintyne finished off the play with a goal and West continued to pressure Cavaliers’ defence.
However, Cavaliers’ backline worked hard and prevented further score to record the team’s first victory over West this season.
