The 2025 East Gippsland Hockey Association (EGHA) season got underway last Saturday with hockey played across all grades throughout the region.
This season marks further development of junior hockey with under 10 and 12s playing at separate time slots, followed by under 14, 16, 18s, women’s and open.
In the first round of games local derbies were played between Sale and Maffra, Swan Reach and Mitchell River, while Wellington made the long trek to Orbost.
Mitchell River is the new team name for what has become the combined team of Nagle and Bairnsdale players in recent years.
Most clubs have welcomed a number of young players following recent Hook into Hockey programs and it was pleasing to see a few of these players making their debut into under 10 teams in round one.
From the sidelines at the Swan Reach and Mitchell River fixture being played at the WORLD precinct, the day started with the under 10 game, a match played in good spirits.
Although there was a lot of stop/starting as players learnt the rules of the game, with no scoring in the matches everyone gets an opportunity.
Coaches were pleased with how well their girls and boys played and adapted after learning the basics in pre-season.
The under 12s are now playing on a full field and time will tell if this format will work as little legs have a lot of ground to cover.
Again the coaches looked pleased at proceedings, with the development of an understanding of field positions and the means of passing that is important at this level.
There is also no scoring in under 12 matches.
In the under 14s all kids were super eager to get out on the pitch and play hockey.
The coaches were offering many words of encouragement as the game moved from end to end and it was encouraging to see kids playing hockey for the enjoyment of the game.
Mitchell River proved too strong through the midfield winning the game 6-1, while in other matches Orbost was too strong for the Wellington side in a high scoring affair 8-5, with Maffra and Sale posting a 1-1 draw after an enthralling encounter.
It was a one-sided affair in the under 16 game with Swan Reach controlling most of the play against Mitchell River.
Mitchell River struggled with a passing game with little field movement whereas Swan Reach capitalised on any loose ball. That combined with some slick passing it ran home an easy winner 8-0.
In other games Orbost won 5-1 against Wellington, while Maffra and Sale drew 2-2 in another closely contested game.
The under 18 game was played at pace with some excellent stick skills and running play shown by players on both sides. Mitchell River opened the scoring and controlled many passages of play, though it looked tired in the second half, losing its structure which enabled Swan Reach to work in two goals late to tie the match 2-2.
In what looks to be an evenly-sided age competition, Wellington won 4-3 at Orbost and Sale was able to take the points home 3-2 against Maffra in another close contest.
This season EGHA welcomed back a Wellington women’s team, who went down to Orbost in their return 4-1.
Mitchell River was able to shut down Swan Reach’s usual dominance through the midfield, playing a better passing game, creating more opportunities on goal to come out an impressive 4-1 victor.
The game was highlighted by excellent ball control and teamwork with Emily Junge in her first season as goalie off to a perfect start to the season showing off some techniques picked up at the recent goalies training camp organised by EGHA with former Olympic player, Rachael Lynch.
Sale outplayed Maffra to the tune of 10-2.
There was plenty of action in the two open games, with Mitchell River opening the scoring and at half time it appeared to have the upper hand in a closely matched contest.
However it was the experienced Swan Reach side that was able to work itself back into the game late to come over the top with for a heart stopping 5-4 win.
Sale was much too good for Maffra winning 6-0.
All junior players are reminded that nominations are now open for the EGHA squad sides (under 14, 16 and 18) to play at Junior Country Championships.
The championship will be played over May 17-18.
In round two matches scheduled for this week Sale will host Orbost, Mitchell River is at home to Maffra, and Wellington will welcome Swan Reach.
