Strikers go unbeaten

The West Gippsland Strikers are moving on up after successfully completing an unbeaten season in Hockey Victoria's Men's Vic League 3.

The Strikers finished off their perfect season in perfect fashion last Saturday, defeating LaTrobe University 5-4 in a thrilling grand final to claim the title and promotion to Men's Vic League 2 next season.
Matt Zurrer led the scoring for the Strikers with two goals while Scott Marks, Jordan Oellermann and Steven Pearse all scored one each.
Playing with a relatively small squad of experienced and dedicated players, the Strikers took it up to the rest of the competition all season, finishing the home and away season with 16 wins, two draws and, most importantly, no losses.
Many of the Strikers have played at higher levels in years previously, giving them an edge throughout the year.
The grand final was ultimately a replay of the qualifying final, which also saw the Strikers win by just the one goal.
The club's promotion will be a boon for local hockey in general, giving younger players a pathway to stronger hockey against a variety of metro-based clubs.
In addition to the win, the Strikers enjoyed a dominant night at Hockey Victoria's Awards Night for Men's Vic League 3.
Matt Zurrer was named league MVP and recognised as the top goal scorer with 55 goals with Scott Marks awarded MVP runner-up.
Additionally, Zurrer was named in the team of the year, alongside fellow Strikers Steve Pearse, Luke Allan, Tom Anderson and David Cuthbertson.