There was plenty of action in the attacking circles at both ends, but Derwent just made a bit better use of their opportunities, despite numerous goal-line saves. It was an entertaining match, played in tough but fair manner by two sides that obviously have mutual respect.
Nick Leslie scored for OHA from a PC drag-flick, to neutralise an earlier Derwent field goal, and the OHA penalty corner defence held firm, but two more Derwent field goals from brief unguarded moments proved the difference. OHA sits a point outside the top four, on two wins and three losses from the first round of five matches.
They will be looking to get ahead of the curve in the next five and are hoping to have the side strengthened by the return of former national representative Jeremy Edwards from Melbourne. He comes out of obligatory quarantine this week and may then be close to getting back on the pitch.
Unfortunately, the ongoing travel restrictions will put paid to any possibility of James Thomas flying in for occasional games through the season.
(Special thanks to Ian Chambers & Kath Arneman for these amazing photos & wonderful match reports each week!)
