| We all know it takes a village. The wonderful Tim Bowman has captured our village in a way that only Tim can. It is on our insta, if you don’t follow us on insta now is your chance to do it.
Speaking of village. Our village relies on volunteers, and every bit you can do to help makes our club a better club, is appreciated. It doesn’t have to be a huge thing, but it helps. Thanks to those that stepped up to the canteen on Sunday for the pennant/metro day, and of course those that fulfilled their roster on the big match day.
Thanks also to the social committee who organised the “Back to the Spice Bowl” it was wonderful to see such a crowd.
What’s in the wrap this week.
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Coming up – Funkey hockey
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FUNKEY HOCKEY
We are super excited to share that we will start our NEWEST PROGRAM for our youngest hockey superstars …..
Hockey is for everyone so also for the 4-5 year old, little superstars, of our SUHC Hockey Family.
To introduce 4-5 year olds to hockey in a sporty way, FUNKEY Hockey is more than hockey.
It is FUN for the kids and they learn to be active and move which is KEY…….FUNKEY.
The program will run during term 2 and term 3 on Saturday morning 8.15am – 9.15am on an allocated part of the pitch (at the same time when the Under 8 competition is on at the other parts of the pitch).
This might also be a great option for the youngest ones of the family who are at the hockey pitch anyway as their brothers/sisters are playing.
Training starts on Saturday 3 May 8.15am – 9.15am at Farm Road.
The costs for the program is $60 for both terms together + $59 HV registration fee (when you were part of the term 1 Hookin2Hockey Program you have paid HV fee already).
No club uniform is needed, a red shirt and red socks will be great for training.
Registration can be done via the link https://suhc.com.au/registration/
Please contact suhc.funkeyhockey@gmail.com for enquiries about this new program.
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This year we will continue to celebrate milestones here in the wrap. The number of games is for Southern United.
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| It is always exciting to start the season with so many returning faces, but also to be able to welcome to the club so many new people.
Round 2 saw many new people play their first round of hockey for Southern United. We also welcomed new men’s premier league coach Neil Hodgson.
The following made their debut for Southern over the past 2 weeks in these teams. Welcome.
Toby Lewis, Neil Hodgson and Brad Newbond.
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The under 16 championships took place last week and Southern players Neve Hoult and Evan Laing-Peters were part of the Vic teams while Jenny Woodcock was assistant coach of the 16 girls development team. Congratulations to Neve Hoult who finished with the bronze medal.
Speaking of Under 16s the under 16 indoor team did not make the last wrap. Southern was represented by Letiticia Menge, Eve Carter, Elliott Thomson, Teagan Dally and Charlie Gow. The girls finish with a bronze. Congratulations to all.
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Women’s Premier League – Loss
The WPL were keen to finally be playing back at the bowl on what was a beautiful day for SUHC’s season’s launch. Unfortunately we didn’t walk away with the three points. Waverley came out strong and were on top 3-0 going into half time. We wrestled back the majority of possession and had our chances, including plenty of penalty corners, but couldn’t convert. We look to bounce back after the Easter break.
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Men’s Premier League – Loss
This weekend we had our first home game of the season, hosting Waverly underneath a scorching Saturday sun. A fixture that has a rich backstory, namely referring to the final day in September last year. Unfortunately, this time we came up short losing 2-1.
It was an arm wrestle all game, with some notable moments. We started slowly and Waverly piled on the pressure, but we didn’t crack going into half time tied at nil all. Both teams stepped up in the second half and Waverly drew first blood. Immediately following their goal, we took it to them and secured ourselves a stroke and a chance to bring the scores level again, but it wasn’t to be. In the final quarter Waverly increased their lead.
Despite the 2-goal deficit we took it to them, getting corner after corner and shot after shot but only managed a singular goal. Jordan Ward slotting the drag flick.
The overall focus for the game was to utilise our ball movement taking advantage of the heat and making our opponents work. As a team we thought we fell short of our goal. Some key takeaways were attacking with intent gets outcomes, our defensive shape was solid despite low possession and knowing we can confidently adapt our shape midgame.
The man of the match award went to Al Hart for his determination and relentless pressure throughout the game, a player who is revered as a leader and role model for representing the badge.
After the easter break, our eyes move to MCC away.
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Women’s Premier League Reserves – Loss
It was a hot match for the WPLR both on the field and the weather. Waverley came out strong and we knew it was going to be a tough battle. We got the first goal from a Clare drag flick in a short corner. Soon after they got the next one which meant it was 1-1 going into half time. Then they got a second goal meaning that they were 2-1 going into the last quarter. The last quarter was filled with excitement, a goal from Tas late in the final quarter meant that it was even with around 3 mins to go. Soon after our goal they got a goal to take the win. But it was a well fought battle from both teams in the heat. |
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Men’s Premier League Reserves – Loss
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Women’s Pennant B – Win 2-1
Another hot sunny Sunday saw the girls come out firing yet again. There were a couple of last minute additions and 4 girls doubling up / down. It was fantastic to see young Louise Turner back on the pitch proving she has still got it! We welcomed back Ella after getting medical clearance and Neve and Abi who agreed to come and give us a hand but special praise goes to Amelia and Mila-Mae who finished their game in the heat before ours and then jumped straight back on the pitch to play again! The heat took its toll with both teams showing signs of fatigue and as the opposition coach, (Julian), also mentioning how the girls reverted to type as fatigue set in.
A seesawing game saw the ball up and down the pitch but we were in the attacking circle a lot more than a defensive circle thanks to the efforts of Maryke and Louise. After a few stumbling attempts at short corners, the girls adjusted and started to put more pressure on the Footscray goalie. After a few near misses, it was left to Ellie to stroll in and have a short resulting in the only score for the game. It has to be said that best on ground for the opposition was their goalie who happens to be 70 years of age apparently! Awesome work by all of the girls from both teams in the heat.
1-0 win that is 2 from 2! Go Southern! |
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Women’s Pennant D – Loss
In hot and windy conditions Southern came out strong in the first quarter, taking an early 1-0 lead with a penalty corner goal from Suzie. The team dominated possession and created several chances to score again, with one beautiful shot from Olivia H hitting the post in the second quarter. However, despite the pressure and multiple chances, Southern couldn’t convert. The second half saw Hawthorn handle the hot conditions better than Southern, managing to scramble two goals to secure a 2-1 victory. A challenging game, but we’ll get them next time! |
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Women’s Pennant E – Draw
It was good to finally get on the turf, having had a bye in round 1.
Our Premiership team welcomed Nicolette, Bri, Ava and Aahana.
The hot forecast delivered and so the interchange bench kept rolling, giving players as many rests as needed. The team adapted well with multiple positional changes. Thank you to Fiona Cooke for her assistance with this.
We knew that Camberwell would come at us hard, having a score to settle after we defeated them in last years preliminary final.
Our team were set to just hold them early and maintain our composure. Our defence was rock solid and repelled Camberwell’s circle entries time after time. In the net Sally was stretched at times and pulled off some great saves, one causing a dent to the back of her helmet after leaping up to save a shot and falling against the backboard.
At the other end Southern’s circle entries were few and we managed only one penalty corner for the match with no result.
However, overall we were happy with the 0-0 result and the point, especially given that Camberwell won 4-0 in round 1.
Well dome Team! Good things to come.
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Men’s Pennant A – Win 2-1
Sunday afternoon was a scorcher as the PA boys took on Footscray. The team came out firing with two goals in the first quarter—courtesy of a Rowdy Rocket solo run from 40 out, followed by a second Rocket slotted into the bottom left from a penalty corner. Not long after, Maxim made it 3-0, scrapping hard in front of goal to punch it through.
Footscray fought back with two quick goals before halftime, making it 3-2 at the break.
Both teams began to tire in the third, but our defence held strong, preserving the one-goal lead.
The final quarter was a dogfight. Backs against the wall and reduced to 10 men, first-gamer Evan stood tall with multiple clutch-time saves to seal the 3-2 win. A great team effort all round. |
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Men’s Pennant C – Win 3-0
6.30pm on a balmy Saturday night – no place better to be than at the Spice Bowl getting ready for a rematch of the prelim final from last season against Geelong. Within minutes of the first whistle Will C got a nice deflection in front of goals to make it 1-0. The score stayed that way until Captain Steve (Pennant C’s newly appointed Rowdy) smacked one in from a PC to me it 2-0. This was still no easy game with a bit of argy bargy happening on the pitch in the final term as Southern put on the pressure. Cam Paice brought it home with a goal in the last quarter. Some great defensive work from the mids and backs means we ended up with a 3-0 victory. |
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Men’s Pennant D – Win 2-1
Great first game for the Pennant D boys, taking down last year’s premiers 2-1. After being down by a goal at half time, the team lifted to get one back in each of the next quarters thanks to Cai’s excellent finishes. Fantastic to see the team click early and improve every quarter and has set a strong standard for the rest of the season. |
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Men’s Pennant E South East – Bye
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Men’s Metro 2 – Win 1-0
Metro B went two from two with a solid win against Monash at Monash. In a real dogfight, Southern just outlasted Monash on a hot day, getting a second quarter goal through Marco and then holding on to run out 1-0 winners.
Jason made a strong return from injury up forward, while Jobst held his second clean sheet in a row, including saving a penalty stroke and several hits off penalty corners.
Lots of interchanges and some strong running by our younger players proved the difference. Players are looking forward to a week off before returning against Frankston on Sunday week. |
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Round 1 – Open Black – Win 1-4
Open Black started the season with a bang. With some last minute player movements, Ashton joined the crew to head to the magic 8.30 Donnie game. With Donnie bringing two teams to the open comp this year, it was going to be interesting to see how it went.
The scoreline does not represent the match which was a close tough match. With Emilia touching in one goal, a tomma and flick from Rylan netting him two, and a massive PC hit from Cai, with great trapping from Nick giving us the fourth goal.
Good to get 3 points on the board for the first match in what will be a tough competition. |
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Round 1 – Open Silver – Win 0-4
What a way to kick off the season – up against Waverley, who (if memory serves us right) have taken out the Open competition title every year. With a squad stacked with experience, we weren’t exactly expecting to walk away with the points… but sport has a funny way of surprising you.
We started with just 11 on the field – waiting on Hammo to get his shinguards on – but that didn’t stop Adam from launching a textbook tomma just minutes in. Boom – 1–0. Moments later, Lana pulled off a cheeky nutmeg and suddenly we were 2–0 up at halftime. Not sure who was more shocked – them or us!
The second half saw Waverley press harder as we carried the ball a bit more loosely, but the tide didn’t turn. Roald slotted in a third goal, and then came the moment: Rory’s “amazing triple save” – a jaw-dropping effort that will be talked about all season. He absolutely lit it up in goals.
To cap it off, Maxim converted from a penalty corner with just minutes left on the clock. Final score: 4–0. And the cherry on top? We kept Waverley goalless.
Huge team effort, massive start to the season – let’s keep it rolling. |
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