Well, we got one round of hockey in before the season was suspended. Here’s a run-down of both matches in case you missed them. It was a promising start for both our teams who remain undefeated in 2020!
OHA PL Women got off to a flyer with a 7-0 demolition of Canterbury, featuring doubles to Maddi Brooks and Sarah McCambridge. There were lots of good performances across the ranks and it was a great way to welcome OHA newcomers Victoria Fish and Bree Macaulay (who scored a goal on debut).
The OHA women had multiple opportunities to practice their “virus-modified celebration routines”, including no-touch high-fives, elbow bumps and stick taps!
The OHA PL Men faced a much-hyped Canterbury side in what promised to be a testing season opener. It was a tight contest and an old-fashioned type of hockey match, where goals were hard-won and defence was equally as important as attack.
OHA put on a good all-round team performance and came away with an important 2-0 win. Sam McCambridge opened the season’s scoring with a trademark deft and accurate close-range field goal. Alex Moir then gave OHA some breathing space with a tap-in on the post after a neat pass across the D from Ned Paynter.
Around those moments there were tough midfield battles and strong defence. Nick Spandler played the best game I have seen from him. Mac Winch debuted in PL, wearing the Number 11, previously made famous by star goalkeeper Aaron Guilliamse (250 + OHA caps), and also well-known on Eddie Ockenden’s Kookaburras shirt, so……. no pressure Mac.
A good hard-fought Ships win to start the season!
