In the final match of hockey in the home-and-away season for both Birchip-Watchem and Wycheproof-Narraport, the Demons dominated in the senior games, while the Bulls took home the honours in the juniors.

Two minkey games were played on Saturday with both clubs fielding enough for two full teams, albeit, from a younger cohort.

There was lots of vocal support from parents, grandparents and siblings on the sideline as the players showcased their season’s improvements. Thanks to all the coaches, umpires and supporters who have given the next generation of North Central players a love for hockey and, hopefully, some skills along the way. Birchip-Watchem award winners: Greta McClelland (Birchip Newsagency) and Thomas Noonan (Ash Smith & Heath Hogan ball).

Under-12

On a very warm day at Wycheproof, the atmosphere was electric as the BullsUnder-12 hockey team took on Wycheproof-Narraport. The home side faced a challenge with a shortage of players, so in a show of sportsmanship, Des Coffey and Jakoby Saggers from the Bulls stepped up to lend their support. The first half delivered an evenly matched contest, with both teams creating opportunities and putting pressure on the goalkeepers through some impressive extended runs and committed defence.

The Bulls had more of the play, lifting the spirits of the crowd, but it was Archie Tyler who delivered the decisive moment just before the break, with a dynamic run from halfway and slotted home a superb goal to break the deadlock. With the first half concluded, the stage was set for an exciting second period as both teams continued to battle for dominance.

The second half turned into a see-sawing affair, with both teams battling hard for control. Des Coffey was running hard for the Demons, applying pressure on his home team mates, but sister Lucy was steady in defence, applying good skills and solid tackles to prevent the Demons getting any scoring opportunities. Despite the back-and forth nature of the game, Birchip-Watchem managed to maintain its slender lead. Wycheproof-Narraport had a key moment to score, but a crucial save by Eligh Dean in goal, proved vital in securing the victory. Birchip-Watchem walked away with the points after a gripping encounter, winning 1-0 and will now have a week’s rest before it plays Wycheproof-Narraport again in the first semi final on its home turf. Award winners: Eligh Dean (Sharp’s Bakery), Denley Tyler (O’Connors Towell).

Underage

The sun was shining brightly as the underage took the field. In the first half Birchip-Watchem was met with a ferocious Wycheproof- Naraport backline. Noah Dean successfully dribbled the ball to the D to then be challenged by the Demons who gained possession, but again it came back as Kobe Hamilton worked his magic at half-back, not allowing the ball to penetrate the Demons’ D. Both teams were evenly contesting the ball, but at the half- time break the Bulls were a goal ahead, with Noah Dean putting the first score on the board.

After the half-time break Wycheproof-Narraport came back fighting with a penalty corner that was stopped by Birchip-Watchem’s goalie,Tory Atkinson, only to be called another short corner. Again, Tory was able to produce an amazing stop from the ground, but the Demons persevered and eventually Priya Coatsworth scored a goal giving the Demons their first score. The Bulls responded though, with Lana Angel taking the ball through the middle before passing off to Mia Sharp, who passed to Willow Ryan, who was able to penetrate the D and produce another goal for Birchip-Watchem, giving the Bulls a 2-1 win at the final whistle. Birchip-Watchem awards went to Mia Sharp (Fiona Best Glass) and Noah Dean (Sharps Bakery Voucher).

Men’s

The fated return of Asher Whitehand and Boyce Knight saw the Bulls’ morale high for their final game of the season and while the first quarter was dominated by Wycheproof-Narraport, the second quarter was tight, with the Bulls defending a downhill position and nullifying all but one of the Demons’ attacks.

Into the second half, the Bulls were defending uphill, and the forwards capitalised with more strategic options, with John Brooks and Max and Shaylee Field arrayed around Allie Knights in the centre. However, scoring was still hard for the Bulls and a yellow card to Tison Wiantara saw the Bulls down an experienced player, which was sorely felt.

In the backline, Hannah Kemp and Boyce and Mckellar Knight had a battle in front of the goals, with Kristy Knights getting plenty of pressure from Marcus Williamson, who ended the day with seven.

Despite several short corner opportunities, Birchip-Watchem remained unable to secure a goal leading into the final quarter and Wycheproof- Narraport never let up as it had several dominant forwards ready to capitalise on their counter attacks. James Paley pounded the field, exploiting any opportunity to touch the ball and deny a fraction of the field to the Demons, but they had too many options to score, with Jacob Moresi, John Woods, James Ison and Corey Harrison all hitting one goal and Jacob Harrison adding two, as they amassed a thirteen-love lead.

The bitter contest kept going until the last moments, as the Bulls made their presence known trying to score from a short corner right as the final whistle blew. Lukshan Kasthuri Arachachi and Evon Gurusinghe were awarded the Bulls’ best for their efforts in trying to stem the flow but it wasn’t enough, as Wycheproof-Narraport won its final home and away game as the Demons, 13-0.

Women’s

Like the men’s match, Wycheproof-Narraport was too strong all over the field for the Bulls, with multiple avenues to score. Lana Angel and Beau Haslam ran hard to try to counteract the damage, but the experience and strength of the Wycheproof-Narraport team, which has assembled a talented list of players from across the North Central were on display from start to finish.

For the home side Sarah Botheras added four goals and Sam Giorlando, Cassie Pardella and Lilian Pritchard all added two, to give Wycheproof- Narraport a 10-0 win, ahead of its finals campaign which will commence in two weeks against reigning premiers Charlton. Wycheproof- Narraport in its final season will be determined to win some silverware in the women’s hockey and have the capacity to challenge the much-decorated Charlton team.

Awards for Birchip- Watchem: Lana Angel (Andy and Sarah Barber) and Beau Haslam (Fiona Best and Jamilca)

This article appeared in  The Buloke Times, 16 August 2024.