WHEN – Saturday 31st July from 11PM.

TICKETS – $30 ticket for entry into the $1000 draw, two drinks of your choice and a sausage.

TARGET 1000 – Let’s aim for 1000 people to come through those gates on Saturday to show the proud and dominant force that Waverley HC is.

The day kicks off strongly with our two impressive under 9’s teams taking the field against Doncaster’s best under 9’s. The Under 9 Panthers will be looking to cement their 1st and 2nd places on the ladder – The next generation look strong! The club encourages parents and their kids to stay on for the day – We are supplying two jumping castles and have a Cub Card available for purchase on the day.

Cub Cards – $5 will get the kids one soft drink, a sausage and unlimited time on our two jumping castles.

Following will be an 120 strong minkey brigade taking the field to showcase the future of the club. Club members from State League 1, Pennant A and B will be down to help out coaching the minkeys program from 10:30am. Doncaster minkeys are also making the trek to Waverley HC to join in the fun. Again the club encourages the minkeys to stick around and to make use of the Cub Card!

WHC will welcome sponsors, supporters and council members at 12:00 noon to the club for a great day of socialising, food and hockey!

The third placed Pennant A Men will be looking for a win against the fourth placed Doncaster at 12:30pm – A win could potentially boost the team to first place!

2:00pm will showcase the clubs best Men’s talent with the State League 1 taking the field against Doncaster. The boy’s are coming off a strong win against Greensborough at home. They will ensure a fast paced, skillful and exciting game for the the home crowd to enjoy.

3:00pm Will see the $1000 draw begin, make sure you have tickets (ONLY $30!).

3:30pm the third placed Women’s Pennant A team will take on second placed Doncaster in what should be a well fought match to cement a finals spot!

5:00pm will showcase the final match of the day with the Pennant D Women looking to knock off a lowly PEGS to ensure a finals berth coming into the business end of the season.

Remember to show your support by getting down for the day to ensure we reach TARGET 1000.

Look forward to seeing you there

Congratulations to Brayden Lyon, Ryan Jones, Damon Steffens, Liam Alards and Emilio Fernandez, who were selected in the Under 13 State Hockey Team what a fantastic effort!

http://www.hockeyvictoria.org.au/index.php?id=11&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=581&tx_ttnews[backPid]=1&cHash=8da35d46d5

The early dominance of the Waverley team initially paid dividends when Riley Maddock – on the end of an excellent transition play that saw the ball passed the length of the field – shimmied his way through the circle to slot a goal past a despairing goalie. Unfortunately, a combination of Waverley’s failure to convert its high level of possession into goals and a late goal by Camberwell, left the team with no advantage to show for its efforts.

While Riley put Waverley back in the lead with a wonderful opportunist goal during the course of a short corner play, the second half was notable for the number of excellent goal scoring opportunities that were missed and the chance to exert scoreboard pressure on the opposition that was squandered. This left Waverley vulnerable when, in the closing phase of the game, it failed to maintain its adherence to the game plan and allowed the momentum to shift in favour of Camberwell. The consequence of this was two Camberwell goals and an opportunity lost.

Waverley remains in the hunt for a final’s position, but greater focus and discipline will be required if the team is to realise its full potential.

If you have lost your form and would another, please email tnbrooks@gmail.com and one will be forwarded to you.

Thanks for supporting the club.

Perhaps in recognition of this, innovative coach Stephen James drew on the talents of former Australian player and current State League 1 Captain Travis Brooks to address the team prior to the game. Travis’ engaging style helped to focus the players on the importance of self-belief and the need to adhere to team processes regardless of the reputation of the opposition or the state of the game.

Once again, the team placed enormous pressure on the ball from the outset, forcing the opposition into turning over possession and then using its speed and quality passing to create opportunities on goal – culminating in a 9 – 0 win. The players responsible for putting the finishing touches on this hard work included James Knee, Jonathan Wentworth, David Jensen, Riley Maddock (3) and James Munro (3). With James showing Riley that power is not everything when it comes to scoring.

As with the previous match, this outcome was, without doubt, the result of a sensational team performance in which each and every player made a significant contribution:

• Todd Cope was a rock down back continually making good defensive position and laying excellent tackles
• Playing at centre half, Zac Davis used the ball creatively to set up many quality plays
• David Howson’s speed and hard running caused havoc up forward
• Elliot Kitchingham’s consistent tackling and team orientated play made him a player upon whom his team mates were able to rely
• Pat Rawlins’ determination and skills forced a number of key turnovers – at least one of which directly resulted in a goal
• Stuart Rayner’s controlled aggression enabled him to dominate the right side of the field
• Andre Shea – on debut in goal with the Shield team – performed admirably pulling off a number of excellent saves. Well done Andre.
• Nick Spencer’s speed and constructive talk contributed significantly to the team’s focus
• Having suffered from illness all week, Nick Steffens’ work ethic throughout the night was not only a gutsy effort, but a source of inspiration to his team.

Both teams took the pitch and away they went. Well, not straight away, someone had forgotten their mouthguard in their bag, and after going through 3 bags to finally work out what was his, the game started!  The first half was an action packed game with both teams creating chances to score.  On the reduced size pitch, it didn’t take long for one team to be moving into attack and troubling the defence.  Between the hockey brilliance on the pitch, there was the occassional laughter as kid’s turned to their parents to wave and make sure they were watching them.  Those players alloted wing positions had their concentration limits tested as lines on the ground had more appeal at times than the white ball rolling across it.

Half-time struck and the score was 1-0 in favour of Waverley Blue.  Half time to me rings lollies and sports gels to try and get some sugar back into the body to replace some lost energy.  Instead I was sent out on the pitch with a gourmet platter of watermelon and oranges, another memory of my junior days.  The kids were hilarious, scoffing piece after piece of fruit into their mouths and whilst holding 2 others in each hand.  To be honest I’m not sure how some kids were able to run in the second half after eating the amount they did!

Full bellies and a pep talk from the coach saw the kids take pitch, the whistle blow and off they went!  It wasn’t long till the action again started.  Terrorising full pitch runs from fullbacks saw a fast and furious game play out.  The scores were levelled up by Waverley White and the match looked destined for a draw!  However a brilliant goal from the top of the circle saw the Waverley Blue goal scorer run up to his parents and yell something funny out! (I didn’t quite hear what he said but no doubt it was something like “Dad you owe me 5 bucks for that goal!”).

Thinking that was the ball game as we were in the final minute or 2 of the match, the team down a goal Waverley white team broke into attack along the right sideline. A beautiful cross found a snoozing centre- forward all alone in the attacking circle. As they wound up their stick to smash in the equaliser, the umpire broke the hearts of the crowd as he sounded the full time whistle.  End result saw the Waverley Blue team win by about 2 seconds!

All in all a cracking game of hockey.  Thanks to the Under 9s for inviting me down to be part of the big intra club match was great to watch.  Brought back some great memories for me and reminded me that hockey isn’t always about winning, just getting out there, having fun and most of all eating as much food as you can in the 5 minute half time break!

The focus and application brought into this game were rewarded early in the first half when, having secured a turnover through defensive pressure, an excellent lob put the hard running David Howson into space. David used this opportunity to secure a short corner for his team via a Greensborough foot. Outstanding execution skills – a quick and accurate push from Jonathan Wentworth and a clean trap by David Jensen – that set up a James Munro drag flick which found the back of the net.

Later in the first half, the Waverley team asserted its ascendancy when a precise through ball found Riley Maddock in wonderful position at the top of the circle. Riley, the master of the tomahawk, decided to demonstrate his versatility by slotting home a powerful fore-stick shot.

While Waverley dominated much of the first half, the term was not without its heart stopping moments however. For instance, with literally seconds remaining on the clock, Greensborough secured a short corner that would almost certainly have resulted in a goal had it not have been for the goalkeeping brilliance of Ben Wilkinson.

Greensborough returned to the field after the half time break determined to fight its way back into the game. As a result, the boys had to dig deep to find the reserves they needed to execute their game plan during this half. By the final whistle, a scoreless second half had been played out and a 2 – 0 win had been secured.

This was a fine team effort, one which depended on a contribution from every player – thus it would be inappropriate to single out individuals.

The Team: Todd Cope, Zac Davis, David Howson, David Jensen (Captain), Elliot Kitchingham, James Knee, Riley Maddock, James Munro, Patrick Rawlins, Nicholas Spencer, Nicholas Stephens, Jonathan Wentworth and Ben Wilkinson.

Thank you to Zac Hawes for his cameo as the game coach in the absence of Stephen James.

The team would also like to send its best wishes to Callum Smilie who did not play this week, and will miss the remainder of season, due to a knee injury. Callum, thank you for your efforts during the first half of the season – we will miss your hard running and great team play.

Please contact Corinne via email corinne.lyon@optusnet.com.au with expressions of interest.

Are you looking for more speed, quickness, power and agility? Are you an athlete looking to move to the next level and up your game? If your answer is a resounding ‘YES!!’ you should register for the next Rapid Speed Academy – Speed Clinic!!

If you are a young athlete wanting to be:

• FASTER to the ball on the pitch
• QUICKER across the pitch
• Able to TURN and ACCELERATE away, leaving your opponents behind
• A more EFFECTIVE hockey player

Register for the 6 hour Rapid Speed Academy Speed and Agility Clinic. You will learn how to instantly become more explosive, get a quicker first step AND increase your overall athleticism.

This opportunity is now available for all U11, U13, U15 & U17 Waverley Junior Hockey Club members.

Come on down to the Waverley Hockey Club House (Ashwood Reserve) on the following days to register for the next Rapid Speed Academy Speed & Agility Clinic:

You can also register online – Please Click Here (User Name: WHC ; Password: Clinic1)

CLINIC DETAILS:

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Despite their disparate positions on the ladder, the contest was very even for much of the first half of the match: While the Hawthorn team showed great desperation and put together some fine passages, the Waverley boys continued to play scratchy hockey and failed to reproduce the cohesive structured ball movement that was the hallmark of their game during the early part of the season. Features of this half included:

• A sensational deflection by Jonathan Wentworth from an placement the circle by James Knee
• A powerfully struck baseline hit into the goal by Callum Smilie
• A wonderfully hit goal by David Jensen

The second half of the game saw an improved performance, with the team passing with much greater precision and trapping cleanly. This increase in skill level, along with greater patience in the build-ups, led to numerous forays into the circle. As a result of this, sensational goals were scored:

• Two from Riley Maddock via an extraordinary tomahawk and an adept flick over a diving goalkeeper
• One by David Jensen whose deft deflection finished off a skilful run through the circle by a teammate

A number of non-goal scoring feats also warrant mention. As usual, Ben Wilkinson performed admirably in goal. David Howson worked tirelessly throughout game. Nick Steffens made a number of significant contributions up forward – relishing his opportunity to play a forward role after a season of absorbing pressure down back.

The team would also like to formally welcome (albeit a game late) Patrick Rawlins to the squad. Well done Patrick, you made a great contribution.

While the team played with greater cohesion in this match to run out 6 -0 winners, there is still room for significant improvement. Certainly, making the most of short corner opportunities will by high on the agenda at training over the coming weeks.

Team: Todd Cope, Zac Davis, David Howson, David Jensen (Captain), Elliot Kitchingham, James Knee, Riley Maddock, James Munro, Patrick Rawlins, Callum Smillie, Nicholas Spencer, Nicholas Spencer, Jonathan Wentworth and Ben Wilkinson.

Appearing to be intimidated by the ferocity of the Essendon tackles and defensive pressure, the Waverley boys were made to pay dearly for repeatedly turning the ball over in the midfield and for the lack of defensive intensity that enabled Essendon players to carry the ball to repeatedly enter their circle to shoot on goal or secure penalty corners.

The standout player for Waverley was clearly Ben Wilkinson. Certainly, without Ben’s stoic efforts the result would have been substantially worse. Mention also needs to be made of the efficient stick work of Callum Smillie that lead to Waverley’s only score.

Much can be learnt from this performance and all remain confident that the boys will regroup and emerge a better team as a result of this experience.

From the opening whistle Waverley focused on putting pressure on the ball, forcing a number of vital turnovers. The opening goal was illustrative of this, with the ball being moved quickly down the ground to Waverley speedster James Knee who, with consummate skill, glided through the circle and flicked the ball home for the first of two goals for the night. Soon after, the ‘tomahawk king’ Riley Maddock slotted home a magnificent shot into the roof of the net from just inside the circle. Riley’s second great tomahawk for the night was the culmination of a wonderful transition play that saw the ball moved brilliantly from an opposition short corner to the Waverley circle in the blink of an eye.

While Waverley dominated possession for much of the game, mid-way through the second half momentum appeared to shift. With two of its top running players on the bench with injuries, Doncaster was able to score two goals. The concern held by many, that the Waverley boys would ‘run out of legs’, proved to be unfounded when the group lifted to once again assume control of the match. This was achieved via an accurate and quick penalty corner push out from Jonathan Wentworth that enabled Waverley to score from a drag flick. Then the game was put beyond doubt with a magical goal from David Jensen.

It would be remiss not to mention the great work in defence of the likes of Zac Davis, the hard work of Nick Steffens and the goal keeping brilliance of Ben Wilkinson.

The scoring was opened with a brilliant team goal that saw the ball transferred quickly down the ground to David Jensen who held on to it until he had drawn the goalkeeper and a defender to him, then with precision he neatly passed to Riley Maddock who clinically slotted the goal home. The next two goals came from goal scoring machine, James Knee. The second of these will certainly be hard to top for goal of the season: an unstoppable forestick drive from near the edge of the circle that flew into the roof of the net. The final goal was the result an excellent short corner strategy that saw a powerful tomahawk find the back of the net.

Once again, teamwork and discipline were the hallmark of this performance and thus it is probably unfair to highlight individual performances. Having said this, Todd Cope was outstanding in defence. Special mention should also be made of David Howson’s solid contribution in his first game of the season with the Under 17 A team.

You can view the article here.

There will be 2 Uniform collection nights at clubrooms on:

• Tuesday 13th April 5.30pm to 7pm
• Thursday 15th April 6.30pm to 8pm

Payments can be made by credit card/eftpos or cash.

U17 Boys Practice Match vs Southern United
7:30pm Friday 9th April (6:45pm warmup) at Waverley HC

All players in the U15 and U17 squads are expected to attend.

Download the flyer for all the trial dates.

We are now currently fully subscribed to our U15 Boy’s teams so we are unable accept anymore registrations in this age group.

We have only 2 or 3 places left in U11 Mixed, U13 Boy’s & U15 Girl’s teams, so anyone who wishes to play in these age groups should register straight away or will be in jeopardy of missing out.

Also with the high number of boys who have registered for U13 teams, we are currently unable to fulfill any requests for U13 girls to play in mixed teams as well. If we were to do this it would have to be at the expense of keeping an U13 boy from playing this year.