Southern lands back in the big time
Southern United broke a six-year drought and claimed the final place in the newly-formed top tier of Victorian hockey when it claimed the State League 2 title at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Sunday.
United overcame Albury-Wodonga 2-0 to book a spot in the 12-team Victorian Premier League competition for 2013.It was the club’s first piece of major silverware since the 2006 State League 2 victory over TEM.
Michael Pearce and Jesse Workman landed the killer blows for Southern, scoring after some superb midfield play from Rowan Yeo in each half.
Pearce broke the first-half deadlock after an even opening 20 minutes when he deflected home a classy reverse-stick cross from Yeo. Yeo beat two players just inside the 25 and fired a sensational cross that found Pearce lurking on the back post.
But Albury was not without its chances in the first half. It came closest to scoring in the seventh minute when a deflection attempt just missed the left post, and again from a penalty-corner flick 10 minutes later. Goalkeeper David Hammond’s save low to his right deserved to be up there as one of his best for the season.
Workman’s goal was just as clinical, effectively sealing the victory with eight minutes remaining. After a midfield intercept, Yeo found his Kiwi compatriot, who effortlessly rounded the advancing goalkeeper and slotted home.
United could have had another one two minutes later when Craig Hardham broke clear and unloaded a trademark rocket that smashed into the upright with extraordinary force.
A late yellow card to Albury eased the pressure on Southern, which secured only its second clean sheet of the season.
Mark Tesoriero (Captain)
Having just read Mark’s match report of what was an excellent game, it’s easy to think that this was just another game. Far from it: this was the biggest result in Southern United’s history. Going in to the game everyone involved knew what was at stake and how big a part of our overall plan that this represented. No hiding the fact that this was BIG.
The fact that every single player (and coach) that represented the Club did so with such dedication and focus is a fantastic testament to the preparation of the entire group. Mark has mentioned a number of players and while they did a great job, every single player performed incredibly well and if they did make a mistake, they just got back on with it and it was this sustained, relentless pressure that was the difference between the teams. Fabulous preparation, great effort on the day and a well deserved outcome for all involved. We are all very proud of you and your efforts. Bring on the Premier League!!
Mike Campbell (Men’s Section Leader)
