Altona’s Premier League sides travelled to South Yarra on Sunday to play MCC in two must win matches. The womens side, sat just one ladder position below their opposition, and were still looking for their second win of the season, in a desperate bid to avoid relegation. The mens side sat one point behind MCC, and fresh from an impressive victory against Waverley last week, were confident of maximum points from the clash.
The mens match was a tough encounter, with several rough challenges and tackles keeping the umpires busy. Altona was moving the ball through their midfield with purpose, but struggling to get meaningful circle penetrations against the MCC flood. It was Altona who got on the scoreboard first, with striker Pat Phillips combining with veteran Tyson Priddle to set up Chris Porter for a great team goal.
MCC continued to defend with most of their team in the defensive circle, making Altona earn every goal shot. They were looking dangerous on the counter attack, and it took a spectacular back stick tomahawk goal to level the scores at 1-1, close to half time.
The second half saw both sides with several chances, and goal keeper Ben Oborne and veteran defender Mathew Higgins, were crucial in keeping MCC out. Chris Coleman and Steve Campbell were both providing drive through the midfield, and linking up Ben Burriss, captain Jesse Gatt and Tyson Priddle up forward. Several chances were saved by the MCC keeper, and one drag flick, from Coleman on a penalty corner, hit the post. The sides couldn’t break the dead lock and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
“After scoring four goals last week against a better quality opposition, today’s lack of conversion was disappointing. On a positive note, the defensive side of our game was very good today. The next step for this young group is getting both sides of our game firing at the same time. That will see better results against the quality sides in the competition.” said Coach Ben Guy.
Altona 1 drew with MCC 1
Goal: Chris Porter
Altona’s young Womens Premier League side has had a tough year, sitting in second last position, and only recording one win, against the bottom side. The ladder position is not indicative of the side’s performances in many of their games, with several heart breaking losses masking some very good team performances.
In the race to avoid last place, and relegation out of the premier league, it is matches against fellow lower ladder clubs, like MCC, that are extremely important for the Altona women. The side started well, led by Hockeyroo Danielle Schubach, centre half Bronte Kerley and midfielder Tegan Purser. Unfortunately, MCC scored first, a save from goal keeper Taylah Brenann on a penalty corner deflecting to an MCC forward, who slotted it in the net.
Altona created some chances, but narrowly missed the net or was denied by the MCC goal keeper. Defenders Caity Campbell and Scarlett Kennedy were fantastic repelling the MCC attack, and Purser was troubling the MCC defence with her skilful runs. Unable to find the back of the net, Altona went down 1-0, and that second win remained elusive.
“The endeavour was there today, and the near misses up front mean we are nearly there, nearly ready to take that next step and get some more points. Until we provide score board pressure, these close losses are likely to continue” said coach Marc Richardson.
Altona 0 lost to MCC 1