Two local derbies were played as part of round six of the East Gippsland Hockey Association, with Sale taking on Maffra and Swan Reach doing battle with Mitchell River, while Sale hosted Orbost in the final game.
As always, the under 10 kids games got underway first where it is was pleasing to see so many girls and boys on the field learning the game of hockey.
This reflects one of the great aspects of hockey in East Gippsland, in that boys and girls play together on the same team, making it a fantastic family sport.
The under 12s games where underway next. Played on a full field it allows the next level of player development, with player numbers evened out to maintain enjoyment as players skill levels are developed.
In the under 14s Maffra was able to take home a win over an improving Sale outfit winning 4-1.
Orbost proved far too strong for Wellington winning comfortably 8-1, with Jasper Anderson a standout with six goals.
It was close affair in the Swan Reach and Mitchell River clash, with Mitchell River home in a thriller 2-1, whil in the under 16s Swan Reach was easily able to overcome Mitchell River with a strong 8-0 win, with Hayley Pruscino commanding the field for Swan Reach.
In the Sale and Maffra derby, it was the team work of the Sale side that proved the difference in their 3-1 victory.
Orbost was pushed hard by a determined Wellington outfit, eventually winning 5-2.
Wellington was able to turn tide in the under 18 clash with a commanding 14-1 shellacking with Jimmy Love weaving his magic on the ball from almost anywhere on the field to score nine goals. Sale comfortably overrun Maffra with a 6-1 win, Stuart Ray having a standout game.
There was plenty at stake in the Mitchell River and Swan Reach tussle, with ladder leadership up for grabs.
Mitchell River took the lead after Andrew Jefferies’ run into the scoring zone was finished with a flick over the keeper.
Everywhere man Alex Wong and Bianca Henderson did their best to even the scoreline for Swan Reach, though a further goal late in the piece was able seal the win for Mitchell River.
In the women’s clash Mitchell River dominated in their game against Swan Reach, a tomahawk goal by Amber Wilson a ripper, as the team controlled play for a 7-0 victory.
In the other derby ladder leader Sale was just too strong on the ball winning 4-0 over Maffra, while Orbost won 3-0 against a luckless Wellington team.
Two games were played in the open division, both local derbies, adding a bit of extra spirit to the games.
Sale won comfortably over a rebuilding Maffra 8-0, while the Swan Reach and Mitchell River game was an absorbing encounter played with pace and skill.
Both teams moved the ball across the field effortlessly at speed with the aim to create space and opportunities.
Ren Crunden-Smith was dominant in centre field for Mitchell River, ably supportted by his brother, while Riley Simpson created goals from the slightest of opportunities to get past arguably the best goalie in the competition in Mitchell Casse. Mitchell River winners 4-1.
There are no matches this weekend due to the Kings Birthday Holiday Weekend, play will resume on June 14, with Orbost hosting Sale, Swan Reach welcoming Wellington and Maffra doing battle with Mitchell River at home.
