A large crowd at Grant Reserve saw two stirring come-from-behind victories for Altona’s men’s and women’s State League One sides on Saturday.
Camberwell men’s side have always been strong in the State League competition and are expected to once again factor in the 2012 finals series. Altona’s performances to date had been brilliant in patches, but very inconsistent. Camberwell’s reputation for clinical and systematic Hockey meant any lapses would be punished.
Camberwell dominated the first half, moving the ball crisply throughout their midfield and back half. Altona still had chances, but most were quick breaks, against the flow of play. Altona’s attack, driven by the pacey Pat Philips and Sukh Butter up front, and the silky Jesse Gatt in the midfield, lacked penetration, and chances were hurried.
Gun drag flicker, Chris Coleman, narrowly missed a blistering flick on a penalty corner chance. Soon after, a freak bounce saw a break down of a penalty corner at Altona’s end, and Camberwell ran the length of the ground to win a penalty corner in their attack. They successfully converted and took a 1-0 lead at half time.
The Seagulls came out after the break and were working well together, with their forays forward putting pressure on the Camberwell defence. Co-captains, TJ Priddle and Stevie Campbell, were controlling the midfield and setting up numerous attacks for Butter, Phillips and current Altona junior, Mitchell Gough, to capitalize on. A messy, goal mouth scramble saw several saves from the Camberwell ‘keeper, but Gatt pounced, and somehow managed to slot the ball in the net from the scrum of bodies for an equalizer.
The Seagulls seemed to lift a notch, spurred on by an excited home crowd. The game opened up, with some chances missed at both ends. Altona’s defense was magnificent led by ‘keeper Aaron Anstis, and young full backs Jacob Macvean, Chris Coleman and Matt Briscoe.
Coleman and veteran champion Matt Higgins continually pressed forward, linking with the speedy Altona strikers. An errant hit from the Camberwell full back hit Gatt on the upper leg, resulting in an Altona free for a dangerous ball. Phillips immediately played on while the Camberwell defense argued with the umpire, striking a powerful backstick shot into the net. The crowd erupted, as their boys looked on the verge of an unlikely come back victory.
Altona held out Camberwell for the remaining minute of the match to record a 2-1 victory. Ecstatic co-captain TJ Priddle was realistic after the match “we know that was one we robbed today. But, we’ve had several seasons where we were on the wrong side of those types of matches, so it shows the side is getting more mature and staying focused right until the final whistle”.
Altona take on Toorak-East Malvern next Saturday away.
Altona 2 def Camberwell 1
Goals: Jesse Gatt, Pat Phillips