The 2009 hockey season is rolling by and already we find ourselves in week five in senior competition this weekend.
With certain teams starting to establish themselves at the top of the ladders, the next few weeks results will determine if they can stay there.
Park Royal Panthers finds itself sitting in the prime number one position in the men’s premier league after four rounds with the impressive stats of 4:4, which augers well for the rest of the season ahead.
It’s a tough competition and Panthers are doing everything right at the moment to justify its number one status.
Having beat last year’s premiers St Andrews for a second time already this year, the signs are there that Panthers mean business and are setting the benchmark in this competition.
Panthers will play United tomorrow night in the late game at 8pm and should have no trouble picking up the points, despite starting with a 0-5 deficit.
For United to avoid an onslaught, they will need strong defensive performances from Brendan Reick, Evan Garnaut, William Croser, Andrew Thorsteinsen and goalie Andrew Bown.
Danger forwards who could pile on the goals, if given any freedom in the circle region, are Matt Lowe, Matt Adams, Dylan Roberts, John Duka, and Brad Grebenshikoff. The curtain-raiser to the men’s game to be played at 6.30pm tomorrow night will feature Clare Valley Cruisers against last week’s giant killers Park Royal Panthers.
The last time these two sides met in round two, the game was very close ending in a hard fought 3-3 draw. Full backs Kailah Ramsay (PRP) and Jess Hammat (Clare) won the best-on-ground votes in this game and these two players will once again take on lead roles for their respective sides in this round five match.
Notable absentee from round two was Jess Dunkley who burst onto the scene in round three and Panthers all of a sudden are a different team.
Dunkley’s speed and ball control is exceptional and last week she dominated the attack for Panthers against St Andrews in a first class performance.
For Clare to win, they will need to shutdown key playmaker Dunkley and young gun Madeleine Jordan, while at the same time make use of their strong offensive players, Jan Falconer, Fiona Hill, Zoe Yeatman, and Amelia Lange to score goals.
No lights needed for the division one games on Saturday as St Andrews take on Risdon, the women scheduled to play at 2pm on the turf followed by the men’s game at 3.30pm.
It will feel quite different for the players who are so accustomed to playing under lights at night time.
Spectators won’t be disappointed as both of these games should feature some great action.
Risdon’s premier women’s hockey team were unlucky not to win last week’s game against Clare Valley, but with Kaylene Willson set to make her return to the side this week, it will strengthen up their defensive zone which will be very much needed against St Andrews.
Brooke Smith has been in dynamic form for St Andrews and has already scored a heap of goals this season – three in last week’s game against Park Royal Panthers.
If she can maintain this consistency, Risdon’s defence will be under enormous pressure.
Mel Lane also played well last week to be judged second best for St Andrews and she will be a tower of strength in the midfield in setting up attacking options.
For Risdon to win, they will need to score goals. Jaimie Gloede, arguably the most lethal hit in Port Pirie women’s hockey, has proven on more than one occasion that she has the ability to score from penalty corners, while Amanda Treloar and Katina Athanasos are more than capable attacking players and they too have the ability to find the back of the net.
St Andrews appear to have too much depth though and should win this game.
PHOTO: YOUNG GUNS...
Cameron Joyce, pictured in possession of the ball, was in sensational form last weekend for Risdon in the U17 boys hockey game scoring four goals.
Lee Kirchner was one of Panther’s best players.
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