Women’s Premier League face tough task
Altona faced the daunting task of coming up against a tough and experienced Greensborough side in the first match of Hockey Victoria’s double header weekend.
As expected Greensborough started strong in the first half turning defence into attack and creating numerous goal scoring chances. Altona’s defence headed by goal keeper Taylah Brennan and full back Scarlett Kennedy had little opportunity to rest as the Greensborough strikers propelled forward. Unfortunately the floodgates opened halfway through the first half and Greensborough converted their chances scoring 4 goals in quick succession.
Coach Marc Richardson laid down the gauntlet to his young team at half time, asking for 100% commitment. The second half saw a much improved performance. Altona was able to create a number of chances with Hockeyroo Danielle Schubach leading the way in the midfield. Some brilliant play by young forwards Anisha Kidd and Chelsea Pugh created a short corner opportunity which was calmly converted by co-captain Bronte Kerley. Greensborough’s goal keeper was forced to make some good saves as Altona’s confidence started to grow, but it was all too little to late for the young Seagull side, who were outclassed by a hardened Greensborough in the first half.
Altona now have to rest and recover to play MCC on Sunday in the second match of the double header weekend.
Altona 1 lost to Greensborough 6
Goal: Bronte Kerley
Premier League Men beat ‘Burra at home
Altona made a convincing return to the winners list this Saturday after a solid performance over Greensborough who sat 2nd in the Premier League competition. Greensborough took control of the game early with a penalty corner in the opening minutes, reminiscent of the start of their last meeting in round 2 when Greensbourough took the honours 6-5. Fortunately for the A’s, the corner broke down and the match opened up. A fast and skilfull half ensured, the cold wet conditions making for perfect playing conditions on the hybrid wet/dry surface that is at it’s best after heavy rain.
With young Seagull’s Josh Horton and Andrew Scanlon returning to the side from state duties with the Victorian U18’s (who beat NSW to take the national championship the previous weekend), and veteran defender Matthew Higgins back on deck, the A’s looked solid in defence, a stark contrast from the previous weekend when they went down to Hawthorn 6-0.
The first half saw a strong tussle for control and even after Greensborough scored the opening goal the Altona men rallied hard through the tireless work of Tyson Priddle and Keiran Symons in the midfield. The A boys headed into the half time break 1-0 down but looking in control of the game play, coach Ben Guy urging his players to increase their work rate in the second half with the game plan proving effective in shutting down the Greensborough attack.
The team responded and the second half saw relentless attack and forward movement through the hard work of Harry Dolenc and Chris Porter in the midfield, several blistering runs down the right sending a few balls begging across the face of goal. A well executed penalty corner variation was well saved by the Greensborough goalie, but the rebound was well read by Neel Garcia who slotted the ball calmly into the net.
Back by a solid performance from the defensive unit, the A’s continued the attack, led by strikers Jesse Gatt and Pat Phillips who piled on the pressure. A desperate shot from Alex Tyrrell forced a save and a series of rebound shots that eventually found the net through Chris Porter. This was all the confidence needed for Altona who assumed control of the match to the delight of the home crowd.
The final nail in the coffin for Greensborough game through a comedy of errors as a hit and hope cross from Gatt was mistimed by the Greensborough goalie who edged the ball into the net for an own goal, final score Altona 3 Greensborough 1.
After the match coach Guy was all smiles, “The boys really pulled it together today, they followed the plan and took control of the game. This is a pleasing result against a quality side following from a slump last week” said Guy.
Back to back games will see the A boys line up against MCC at home on Sunday. Next week Altona meet Doncaster as the club celebrates Fair, Go Sport day at JK Grant reserve in Altona, Saturday the 27th at 2pm.