Round 22 – v Camberwell at MBN 3.30pm.

 

Playing the reigning Premiers first and then runners up in back to back rounds, was indeed a daunting prospect. However, the Strikers could have drawn some confidence from a good showing in the first match on Saturday (Greensborough at GRN), a narrow 3-4 loss. Disappointingly, Burra’s winning goal came in the last minute of the game too.

 

On Sunday, Camberwell turned out to be a very different opponent. From the outset, they showed a class of hockey not encountered thus far. Their opening goal was scored in four minutes and to their credit, our lads matched this with a field goal from talented striker, Jesse Workman.

 

From here on though, it was evident that we were always going to be chasing the better team. Their polish and speed confounded spectators and opponents alike. Camberwell kept possession with deft passing and waited for an opportunity to stage fast and clinical attacks. Their international striker, Kleinschmidt, netted five goals in an awesome display, whilst their other international, goal keeper Bazeley, had merely one touch, though he did concede a goal in the first half.

 

The season now has a week long break which will give the Strikers time for a re-assessment and a breather before tackling lowest placed Mentone in the next round. This will end the first half of home and away matches.