The East Gippsland Hockey Association’s (EGHA) Victorian League side recently played its first home fixture at the WORLD precinct in Bairnsdale.
The side play on a Sunday in division three of the statewide competition which provides a pathway for local players to compete at higher levels while maintaining strong ties to their community clubs.
The EGHA embodies excellence on the field and a commitment to giving back, serving as both a competitive force and a pillar of community pride in East Gippsland.
The local side, called the East Gippsland Giants, recently hosted the Gippsland Strikers, in front of large parochial home audience.
The match against the Gippsland Strikers was a closely contested battle, the Strikers maintaining most of the offensive pressure, but the Giants’ defence held strong, creating a few chances of their own.
Both defensive ends were impressive and stoic, keeping the game scoreless by half time.
The deadlock was finally broken just before the end of the third quarter, when the Giants scored the opening goal though Lachie White on a well placed drag flick.
However, the Strikers quickly responded minutes into the fourth quarter, levelling the score.
Both teams had additional chances to secure a win, but neither could convert.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of two of Gippsland’s premier hockey teams.
The East Gippsland Giants will face ladder leaders Powerhouse St Kilda at Albert Park in their next match.
