BAW Baw Bulls continued their good performances with three wins and a draw last week.
MEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
In round six Baw Baw faced off against a tough, quick and well drilled Eastern Eagles side in a hardfought draw at the State Hockey Centre in Royal Park. It seemed that Baw Baw was in control early after a freakish effort by Mark Robjant put the Bulls on the board after five minutes. But the Baw Baw defence quickly was under mounting pressure from the thirdplaced Eagles while Eastern consistently repelled any Baw Baw attempts to move forward with an effective zone defence and superior skills .
In the second half the game got physical and an Eagles player was sent off for rough play, but Baw Baw failed to capitalise on having the extra players, making far too many skill errors. After a seemingly endless barrage of forward thrusts the Baw Baw defencse finally cracked, letting in the equaliser late in the second half.
Scores: Baw Baw 1 drew with Eastern 1.
MEN’S METRO 1 EAST
A great team effort by the Bulls saw them play a determined game against a strong Kew team, giving Baw Baw its first victory.
Scores: Baw Baw 3 d Kew 1.
WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE 4
Baw Baw played Brunswick at Royal Park on Sunday and both teams had opportunities to score in the first half. Only in the last 10 minutes of the first half did the scoreboard change, Brunswick finding the back of the net twice.
In the second half both teams had scoring chances, Brunswick putting in their third goal before a great run by Laura James, who worked through several opposition players to put the ball into the goal. New Baw Baw player Tiarna Kramer played strongly at halfback and Talia Leggett played well, but in goal Rochelle MacFarlane played a great game.
Scores: Brunswick 3 d Baw Baw 0.
UNDER 17 PENNANT A
Baw Baw’s encounter with Eastern was predictably tough and the young Bulls were able to capitalise early with a cracking shot by James Dobson after a short corner. Eastern was determined to equalise and spent the remainder of the half in the forward line while the Bulls repelled many attacking moves and short corners. The defensive strength of Dan Mackinnon and Michael Nocentini in goal prevented the scoreline from being far different. The persistence of Eastern was rewarded in the final minute of the first half and the sides were even at the break.
In the second half a magnificent individual effort by Chris Weller left the Eastern goalkeeper without a chance and gave the Bulls the lead. The Bulls sealed the match with a superb goal by Aaron Smith later in the second half.
Scores: Baw Baw 3 d Eastern 1.
UNDER 17 GIRLS A GRADE
Baw Baw tackled leader TEM at Monash in a late game. Despite intense early pressure, the Bulls rallied while goalkeeper Kate Walker made several important saves. A short play structure follwed by a goal to striker Jessie Gleeson frustrated TEM.
TEM was clearly not used to being covered so closely and they then did not perform as well under pressure. The young Bulls were unlucky to have TEM score two goals from short corners where their pushouts were run down.
Scores: TEM 4 d Baw Baw 1.
Goals: Jessie Gleeson 1
UNDER 13 PENNANT SOUTH
The young Bulls travelled to Waverleyand kept using the skills that shows why they are on top of the ladder. Andrew Bloomfield took up the position of goalkeeper and did a fine job. At halftime the score was 40 in the Bulls’ favour.
In the second half, the Bulls used great techniques, continually pushing the ball upfield and winning the ball most times.
Scores: Baw Baw 7 d Waverley 1.
Goals: Jesse Ward 3, Keshia Leggett, Johnno Anderson, Matt Zurrer, Sam Lodge 1.
