It was a mixed back of a week for the Gippsland Strikers as one of their junior teams took home a comprehensive win to stay atop the ladder.
Seniors
Strikers 3 def by Old Trinity Grammarians 4
Goal scorers Strikers: M Zurrer 2, S Pearse 1
Goal scorers Old Trinity Grammarians: T Carroll 2, M Hunter-Scott 1, D Kelly 1
The Strikers were brought undone in a tough away game with frustrating site access as the club offered huge thanks to the new faces who helped them field a full squad.
Steve Pearse made an instant impact, scoring within his first minute on the field.
Matt Zurrer followed up with a high tomahawk in the second quarter to give the Strikers a 2–0 lead at half time.
The opposition hit back to make it 2–2 by three-quarter time, then snuck ahead 3–2 in the final term.
Mark Robjant's desperation led to a second goal for Zurrer to level it 3–3 late, only for a short corner on the buzzer to snatch it for the home side 4-3. .
A great team effort, and a special shoutout to Steve Pearse, Luke Allen, Seth Rumble, and Steph Selvaraj for stepping into Strikers men for the first time.
Under 14s
Strikers 8 def Waverley 0
Goal scorers Strikers: T Boltong 4, O Fallon 1, G Hazell 1, J Smorenburg 1
Under the chilly Friday night skies of Bellbird Park, the Strikers under 14 mixed team faced off against Waverley in round six of the Melbourne metro-district competition.
With Waverley short on players due to injury and illness, the game was played under the "number of players dispensation" rule, switching to a nine-a-side format.
Despite the change, the Strikers adapted quickly and took control of the match from the outset.
A blistering first half saw them go into the break with a 3–0 lead, thanks to precise teamwork and smart use of the field's width. Fast-paced play repeatedly broke down Waverley's defence.
The second half brought more of the same as the Strikers piled on another five goals, maintaining high intensity and showcasing brilliant passing combinations.
The club offered a big thank you to all the supporters who braved the cold to cheer on the team, saying it truly makes a difference.
They also gave their heartfelt appreciation to their dedicated volunteers for keeping everything running smoothly.
The Strikers' next home game is on Friday July 4 as they encourage people to come down and support the team in their exciting and successful season.
Under 18s
Strikers 1 def by Hawthorn Hockey Club Red 5
Goal scorers Strikers: W Callanan 1
Goal scorers Hawthorn Hockey Club Red: S Eaton 3, M Browell1, O Norquay 1
Friday night was a much anticipated double header junior Strikers round as the first match saw their under 14s win very comfortably over Waverley..
The under 18s went in under a bit of pressure with a chill to the night air to attempt to make it the magic double win.
With a full complement of players on their side they met the Hawthorn Red team full on.
This is Hawthorn's second team in the competition filled with all their talented players.
The Strikers under 18s certainly gave it their all on Friday night as all players put in their best effort.
They certainly matched the efforts of the Hawthorn team and, having the luxury of a full bench of players, Strikers were able to interchange when needed to reduce the fatigue and tiredness that comes with a lot of backwards and forwards play.
Strikers were able to obtain a much-needed goal in the first quarter to match Hawthorn's efforts too.
Quite a few other great attempts at goal were taken during the game, but were just not quite able to seal the deal as goals.
By the end of the second half, Hawthorn was the better team on the night and won the game. The two teams will meet them again in about seven week's time in round 13 for a replay of sorts.
Masters
Strikers 5 def Waverley 0 (forfeit)