MEN - Competition Finals

Saturday
Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
2.55 p.m. Northern Star v Waratahs

Hunt Park, Labrador
2.30 p.m. Coraki v Mullumbimby

Sunday
Barry Smith Field, Murwillumbah
1:30 p.m. Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2

Does Hockey Form Predict Performance?
This year's J.H.Williams Premier Hockey League finals have finally arrived. And the hockey public have been blessed with some exceptional lead up games leaving all and sundry glued to the edge of the seats.

The loss of last year's premiers Allstars without even a bully looked to have robbed the competition of some intensity. But this year a number of other teams stepped into the fray to forge their own place in history.

At this stage last year Coraki had only won one match and Northern Star two. However this year both teams have reached the JHWPHL finals weekend without a loss with both topping their respective pools. But before we align these teams into the final, we have to look at their semi final competition.

At Hepburn Park Goonellabah Northern Star take on the perennial finalist Waratahs in what is sure to be a blistering affair. After losing to Coraki last weekend Waratahs had looked gone given the intensity of their pool with Burleigh meeting the inconsistent Mudgeeraba. But a Steve Hammond goal nine seconds from time changed their fortunes with Burleigh losing their only match.

Star has decimated their pool competition. While this is impressive, this pool has been the weaker of the two with a bye thrown in for good measure. So in terms of preparation Star will have to overcome this perceived barrier.

And another possible barrier to top performance for Star is the recent injury to match winner Mark Harris. After copping a ball to the eye in Brisbane Harris had more than thirty stiches inserted into the area.

With Harris unlikely to play and Brad Hassett and first goalkeeper Aaron Head out Star will be undermanned. However the return of bothers James and Matt Harmon will surely boost their confidence along with the home advantage.

But Waratahs have named an unchanged side to the one that went down to Coraki. Tim Willis and his boys have been cock-o-hoop with their fortunes and clearly have a return match with Coraki in their sights. Michael and Dwayne Newell in the forwards, James Walker in the centre and Jamie Hetherington in defence will make it hard for Star.

At Hunt Park, Labrador, Coraki will meet Mullumbimby in the other semi-final. And the first impression that comes form this game is a David v Goliath style meeting with Mullum the minnows.

But one thing is for sure Mullum's big heart and constant running style will leave nothing in reserve. For instance Brendan Iwanuscha and Simon Johnston are Mullum's best strikers will be looking to make every opportunity a winner against the stout Coraki defence.

And with injuries and unavailability Coraki will have a couple of question marks about their team. Warren Birmingham (Saturday), David Bodley, Peter Ryan and Cory Thomas are all unavailable. While injury clouds still persist with Adrian McGrath, Trent Brown, Matt Moss and Scott Gallagher.

However Ben Moss's recent super performances have given Coraki an extra bow to their armoury. And Mitchell Dunstan gives Moss some exceptional support in attack. And in defence Chris 'Chad' Morgan and Michael Grande are exceptionally tough to overcome.

Final Pointscore

Pool 1: Coraki 19(+10), Waratahs 16(+9), Burleigh 14(+6), Capri 12(+8), Mudgeeraba 9(-1), Casuarina 5(-7), Ballina 4(-9), United 1(-14).

Pool 2: Northern Star 18(+16)#, Mullumbimby 15(+11)#, East Lismore 9(-1)#, Labrador 6(1)#, Alstonville 7(-6)#, Redbacks 4(-7)#, Kingscliff 3(-12)#. (#Denotes Bye)

WOMEN - Competition Finals

Saturday
Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
4.20 p.m. Glee v Casuarina

Hunt Park, Labrador
4.00 p.m. Labrador v Mullumbimby

Sunday
Barry Smith Field, Murwillumbah
11.30 a.m. Winner Semi 1 v Winner Semi 2

Will Defending Premiers Labrador Extend Their Run?

In Women's J.H.Williams Premier hockey league finals all three associations are represented. This year Tweed Border supply two teams with FNC and Gold Coast supplying one apiece. With women's competition so much closer than the men's competition all teams had to battle so much harder to earn semi final positions.

Last years premiers Labrador are back again to defend their title. And currently they have rarely put their strongest team on the paddock. But as always the big games tend to spark Labrador into bringing their best players and their special brand of ruthlessness.

In the first semi final Glee have secured the top pool position and the home ground advantage. While looking less than convincing in their early season form, Glee have settled into a very productive groove. And not losing a match on their way through to the finals puts them into a strong position.

The attacking flair of Cassie Douglas, Kim Chappel and Nicole Danvers has consistently terrorised defences to set Glee apart from their opposition. And most impressive in their recent form is the defeat of Waratahs at home last week.

And apart from Glee's attacking strength is their defence with goalkeeper Raechel Alback, Margie Pembroke and Nicole Munns leading the second most effective defence in the competition. But Glee's one weakness has been their midfield. And against Casuarina this is one area that is likely to get some extra attention.

After spending a few weeks with many of their best players unavailable Casuarina have finally managed to put it all together for the finals. Hannah Rafferty will be welcomed back into the midfield allowing them many more options and flexibility.

While in attack Casuarina's Kim Tuckwell is a master tactician who gains tremendous support from Katrina Springfield and Margie Coleman. And in defence newly married goalkeeper Hope Miller and Lou Ferguson have rarely given up too much to any opposition.

At Hunt Park Labrador, Labrador's job has been so much easier with Mullumbimby's loss of strikers Kim Chappel and Nicole Danvers leaving a gaping hole in their attack. With both players dual registered with FNC and Tweed Border this is the downside of a successful campaign and an uncompromising draw.

Labrador though will not have the match all their own way with the Saturday semi final sure to clash with players in the Brisbane competition. However Claire Jackson, Laura Shillito and Belinda Morrison have been consistent performers this year. And Jackson, Shillito and Morrison form an exceptionally structured midfield that is the envy of most other teams.

While it is debateable if Marnie Hudson and Kylie McEniery are to take the field Saturday, Jaclyn and Jenna Wilson have still been very effective in attack with a number of their younger players.

Given the unavailability of Chappel and Danvers the pressure falls back to youngster Sam Iwanuscha to lead Mullum's attack. But it is the lack of attacking depth that may cause them their most trouble.

The experience and drive of Megan Shepherd, Alicia Harvey and eveready Jo Tunstall form the heart of Mullum's structure. However Tunstall's recent unavailability may further weaken the team.

Final Pointscore
Pool 1: Glee 13(+9)##, Mullumbimby 10(+5)##, Waratahs 9(+2)##, East Lismore 6(-1)##, Mudgeeraba 3(-6)##, Kingscliff 3(-9)##.

Pool 2: Labrador 14(+19)#, Casuarina 13(+13)#, United 12(-1)#, Griffith 8(0), Ballina 7(-6)#,
Northern Star 3(-11)#, Alstonville 1(-14). (# Bye)

 

--

Jim Challenor - BHMS (Ex Sci)

Round 7:- Minor Competition

MEN
Ballina 2 Casuarina 2
Coraki 3 Waratahs 2
Northern Star 5 East Lismore 4
Redbacks 6 Kingscliff 3
Capri 2 United 1
Mullumbimby 4 Labrador 2
Mudgeeraba 2 Burleigh 1
Alstonville Bye

Replay of Deferred First Round Match
Waratahs 3 Capri 1

Nine Seconds Prove to be Burleigh's Downfall

Mudgeeraba pulled the proverbial rabbit-out-of-the-hat snatching a goal nine seconds from time defeating competition heavyweight Burleigh 2-1 in J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League action.

As a result Burleigh have now have dipped out of the semi-final race. And after Coraki defeated Waratahs in a stunning and enthralling match Saturday, the Burleigh loss allowed Waratahs back into the fray to heat up the final weekend of competition.

At Hepburn Park Coraki made a clear and bold statement in their 3-2 win over the defiant Waratahs Saturday evening. At a glance Coraki won the battle of the midfield with a stunning first half giving them a more potent attacking advantage.

Even without Adrian McGrath, the addition of Warren 'Busta' Birmingham into the midfield proved to be a masterstroke. And Birmingham's lived up to his hard fought reputation with his initial foray seventeen minutes into the game. As if following a Hollywood script Birmingham joined the match spectacularly setting up an exceptional Dave Brown (17min FG) goal.

Birmingham, David Bodley, Brady Battese and Trent Brown set up the match with their midfield performance allowing Waratahs little space and few options. And Ben Moss (13min PC, 27min FG) again reminded everyone of his enormous potential with yet another powerhouse attacking performance to seal the victory.

And when Waratahs refocused at half time even their best efforts fell short as Chris 'Chad' Morgan and Michael Grande anchored a blanket over the defensive area. And when Waratahs could get through fill in keeper Jordan Ryan proved to be up to the task.

Tim Willis proved to be the Waratahs heart-and -soul in an inspirational effort when his players struggled to cope with Coraki's intensity. And save for some defensive grittiness from 'keeper Mitchell Paron the score could have really blown out. Jamie Hetherington and James Walker tried to rekindle some action for Waratahs to pick up the intensity but Coraki proved far too resilient.

Willis (64min PC, 70min PC) never-say-die attitude allowed him to improve the bottom line with two late goals.

Ballina and Casuarina fought out an interesting stalemate with neither side taking the initiative. Mitchell Harley (15min FG) and Michael Broadbent (47min FG) scored for Ballina. While Jeff Stibbard (32min FG) and Sean Reid (60min FG) scored for Casuarina.

Harley, Paul Flanagan and 'keeper Matt Campbell stood out for Ballina. While for Casuarina Ian Lomas, Stibbard and Scott Fitzpatrick were their best.

After leading 2-0 at halftime Northern Star used all of their get out of jail free cards in the second half to overcome a sneaky East Lismore goal blitz. Star captain Thomas Vantaggiato (20min PC, 54min PC, 64min FG) relished the conditions with a three-goal return. And Chris McGuiness (28min FG) and Mitch Carter (57min PC) added the extras.

Andrew McFadden and Daryl Hughes defensive effort anchored Star's win as the game appeared to be fading away.

Raymond Rodda (38min PS), with a typical captains effort, drove his team to keep going when they looked out of the match. And Daniel Hughes (48min PS, 55min PC) and Mat Rodda (58min FG) answered their captain's call with a great passage of goal scoring.

East's 'keeper Nathan Osborne and Matt Currie deflected plenty of Star's attacking efforts. But in the end the match just got away from East's.

Redbacks Finally Break Drought
Redbacks finally broke their JHWPHL drought with a comprehensive 6-3 win over a disjointed Kingscliff.

With regulars Jake Farrell and Luke McMahon unavailable Redbacks re-jigged their line-up. And with exceptional performances from the stand-ins Dylan Wotherspoon (centre forward) and Ryan Farrell (centre half) Redbacks got just the tonic they needed to grab the match.

Scott Reading (two), Dylan Wotherspoon, Ryan Farrell, Troy Gravel and Michael Reading all joined in the scoring frenzy for Redbacks. While for Kingscliff Matt and Jeff Prichard scored their goals.

Capri maintained their faint finals chances with a desperate 2-1 win over United Saturday evening at Murwillumbah.

With just one point in the competition United scored first and held that lead till midway through the second half. Goalkeeper Shaun Wedd sustained his exceptional form in defence gave United every chance and Travis Johnston was having a fantastic game until a knee injury took him out of action. Jason Mortimer scored United's goal.

However midway through the second half Capri sprung into action with Grant Putland putting away two goals and giving them the lead and the points. Luke McCowan again stood out for the Black & Reds.

Replay Proves Ominous for Capri
And in the replay of the storm deferred first round match Waratahs stepped up ensure that they retained their slim chances of making the semi-finals cut with a gutsy 3-1 win over Capri. And with both sides keen on taking the points there was little separating the teams.

Capri opened the game at a frantic pace applying enormous pressure to the Waratah defence. And Capri held the upper hand till midway through the first half before Tim Willis (16min FG, 33min PC) slotted the first of his two goals to take the lead.

But as quick as Waratahs had taken the lead Brad Mathers (20min FG) put Capri and the match back onto even terms. But Willis struck again before the half time break to give Waratahs the lead from which they were never headed. Michael Newell (47min PC) put the game out of reach and secured the important points.

Willis, Jamie Hetherington and Adam Guest were Waratahs best. While for Capri Mathers and 'keeper Brad Hollis stood tall in a losing side.

Mullumbimby outclass and outplayed a dishevelled Labrador side 4-2. In a very one sided affair Mullum made all the running totally outclassing a side that until recently had been putting in some defiant performances. But today even the home advantage failed to rally Labrador as they meekly allowed the Taipans control of the match.

Brendan Iwanuscha (two), Luke Iwanuscha and Simon Johnston scored for Mullum. While for Labrador Ben Forrester and Damien Price scored their goals.

Mudgeeraba Come from the Bleachers
After a competition that has proved exceedingly frustrating for Mudgee Steve Hammond's penalty corner conversion nine seconds from the end at least gave the team a measure of respect. And scoring the winning goal was a just reward Hammond after a stirring performance allowed the team to secure the win. Matt Swift scored Mudgee's other goal.

But as improbable as Mudgee's victory may have appeared the result proved to be a devastating blow to Burleigh. After having bounced back form the loss of so many players from last year's team Burleigh have done everything possible to earn a place in this year's finals. But sport is a fickle master and this result highlights that unknown factor that keeps everyone enthralled.

For the records Matt Freeman scored Burleigh's goal. And Burleigh's back four of Nathan Bayliss, Matt Hart, Simon Joyce and Nick Hoffman were the pick of their players.

Finals Draw
Coraki now meet Mullumbimby in one semi final. While Northern Star will meet Waratahs in the other.

Times and locations for the game have not been set at the time of this Press Release. But semi-final matches will be played on Saturday at Hepburn Park, Goonellabah and Hunt Park, Labrador.

The finals will take place at Barry Smith Field, Murwillumbah on Sunday. The women's Final will start at 11.30am and the Men's Final will start at 1.30pm.

Pointscore
Pool 1: Coraki 19(+10), Waratahs 16(+9), Burleigh 14(+6), Capri 12(+8), Mudgeeraba 9(-1), Casuarina 5(-7), Ballina 4(-9), United 1(-14).

Pool 2: Northern Star 18(+16)#, Mullumbimby 15(+11)#, East Lismore 9(-1)#, Labrador 6(1)#, Alstonville 7(-6)#, Redbacks 4(-7)#, Kingscliff 3(-12)#. (#Denotes Bye)

 

---------------------------------------------
WOMEN - Round 7:-Minor Competition

Casuarina 4 Northern Star 0
Glee 2 Waratahs 1
United 3 Ballina 0
Mullumbimby 3 Mudgeeraba 2
Labrador 5 Alstonville 0

Griffith Bye
East Lismore Bye
Kingscliff Bye

Glee and Labrador Take Charge of Pools

A goal eight seconds from time helped Mullumbimby overcome Mudgeeraba 3-2 and secure a vital J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League women's semi-final position. After the final (seventh) round action finally sorted out the competition places Mullumbimby were the big winners after Glee had secured a tight 2-1 win over Waratahs Saturday evening at Murwillumbah.

As a result of all matches Glee will play Casuarina in one semi final while Labrador will play Mullumbimby in the other next Saturday. Times and Locations of the semi finals are still to be confirmed. The Women's final will be in Murwillumbah next Sunday at 11.30am.

In Hepburn Park action Casuarina ensured another critical semi final positions with a 4-0 win over a defiant Northern Star. Katrina Springfield (12min PC, 61min FG) scored the only goal of the first half in an exceptionally tight match.

But a collision between Springfield and Star keeper Erin McKenzie twenty minutes from time left the keeper concussed and forced from the field. And when Star chose to play without a keeper for the rest of the match the game opened up for Casuarina.

As usual Kim Tuckwell had a field day playing cat-and-mouse with Star's defence along with Margie Coleman. But Casuarina struggled to find openings when Star's defence was in place. But as the match opened up Springfield, Cassandra Petty (54minFG) and Tuckwell (59min PC) all posted goals by the end of the match.

McKenzie had an exceptional match in defence whilst she was on the park along with Danielle Seiffert and Leanne Albertini. And Nikki Amber proved to be a revelation in the midfield for Star. But a lack of support and good defence by Casuarina's Debbie Dolan and Louise Ferguson proved to great an obstacle to overcome.

In Murwillumbah Cassie Douglas again took centre stage in a blistering performance to tear the heart out of the Waratahs structure. And Nicole Danvers and Kim Chappel joined in on the attacking performance to frustrate and demoralise the Tweed powerhouse.

With Glee in such a positive mood and onto the front foot early Waratahs struggled to maintain cohesion. And the final straw came for Waratahs in the second half when Tara Rochester sizzling goal shot only manage to hit the cross bar.

Playing without luck Rochester, Amy Paron and Candice Philip made the most of their chances.

Ballina failed to fire in the match against United going down 3-0. Carliha Brown scored all three goals in another awesome performance.

Labrador took a while to take the wind out of Alstonville's sails. But when the smoke had cleared Labrador had easily accounted for the competition favourites 5-0. Laura Shillito, Trina Lockenby, Emmi Dixon, Jaclyn and Jenna Wilson all scored goals.

Mullumbimby Seal Victory With Seconds to Spare
With the outcome of the match against Mudgeeraba absolutely crucial to their chances Mullumbimby tore out to a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals to Kim Chappel and Nicole Danvers. And Mullum held this lead for most of the game.

However two goals to outstanding Mudgee striker Renee Allen turned Mullum's situation into a nightmare. But he cool head of Megan Shepherd prevailed as she calmly converted the nerve jangling conversion to usher Mullum into the finals.

Louise Symonds and Allen were Mudgee's best. While for Mullum Shepherd, Erin Schumacher, and Sam Iwanuscha were awesome.

Pointscore
Pool 1: Glee 13(+9)##, Mullumbimby 10(+5)##, Waratahs 9(+2)##, East Lismore 6(-1)##, Mudgeeraba 3(-6)##, Kingscliff 3(-9)##.

Pool 2: Labrador 14(+19)#, Casuarina 13(+13)#, United 12(-1)#, Griffith 8(0), Ballina 7(-6)#,
Northern Star 3(-11)#, Alstonville 1(-14). (# Bye)

--

Jim Challenor - BHMS (Ex Sci)