BAW Baw Bulls Hockey Club started the season with a mighty 93 win over Trinity in the Men’s State League 4 division, gaining top position after round one.
The under 13s showed good form as well with a 40 victory over Dandenong. The Men’s Metro 1 East lost to Yarra Valley 23 and the under 15s were unlucky with a 12 result against a strong PowerhouseSt Kilda team. The under 17s had a close game against Goulburn Valley.
MEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
All the preseason work paid off for the Bulls’ firsts when they had a convincing win over Trinity in round one. Ken Farmer was on fire, running around to make effective backstick shots and slotted home five goals. Mark Robjant was strong and determined in attack and Chris Senini played a typically passionate game in defence. New chums Andrew Glazzard, Kane Millard and Peter McKinsley played strong and skilful games adding great depth to a disciplined and keen team.
Scores: Baw Baw 9 d Trinity 3.
Goals: Ken Farmer 5, Mark Robjant 2, Andrew Glazzard, Doug Earwicker 1.
WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
The Baw Baw women didn’t win but their new lineup displayed a lot of promise. Against Parkville, in the final 15 minutes, Baw Baw managed to demonstrate its flexibility in teamwork. Tara Cann, who has come from State League 2, added great depth to the team. Goalie Rochelle MacFarlane did a great job despite being under a lot pressure.
The back line of Chris Sewell and Kim Turner remained solid and Alia and Isis Brammall on the right were skilful and fast. Parkville was able to dominate the midfield, playing a great team game.
Scores: Parkville 7 d Baw Baw 0.
UNDER 17 PENNANT A
The Bulls opened their season in at the State Hockey Centre against Goulburn Valley. The Bulls began with great strength and were looking good, especially after Chris Weller drilled home the first goal from the edge of the circle. Cheyne Hackett was a constant source of strength and drive and Sam Hannah was reliably strong and accurate all night. Matt Goetz displayed excellent skills and speed and Sam Burton and Evan Pattie showed good determination. However, Goulburn was more successful with forays into the circle.
Scores: Goulburn Valley 4 d Baw Baw 2.
Goals: Chris Weller 2.
UNDER 17 GIRLS A
In freezing conditions, Baw Baw played its first Agrade match against last year’s grand finalist Hawthorn. Starting confidently, Baw Baw held Hawthorn for most of the first half. The experienced Hawthorn backs defended strongly, not allowing striker Sheree Thomson many scoring opportunities, while their forwards put goalkeeper Kate Walker under considerable pressure.
In the second half Hawthorn scored five goals, most from excellent short corner drills and Jessie Gleeson scored an opportunistic goal when she was moved to centre forward.
Although not the win they were hoping for, the Bulls showed promise and determination.
Scores: Hawthorn 6 d Baw Baw 1.
Goals: Jessie Gleeson 1.
UNDER 13 PENNANT SOUTH
The young Bulls played a great game in their first round. Keisha Leggett passed to Michael Kramer, which enabled him to score the first goal. Jesse Ward then scored and, just before halftime, Keisha was in perfect position to score.
In the second half an attempt by Matt Zurrer was defended by the goalie but Lauren Grigoleit was in a great position to push it into goal. Goalie Ryan Ward saved a couple of great shots. The team played as if they had been together for years, which was great considering there are eight new players this year.
Scores: Baw Baw 4 d Dandenong 0.
Goals: Michael Kramer, Jesse Ward, Keisha Leggett, Lauren Grigoleit 1.
CLUB NOTES
New players are welcome at training on Tuesdays at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Bowen Street, Warragul. Juniors start at 5pm and seniors at 7pm.
