Met 2 North

Round 17 saw the Met 2 North panthers take on its toughest opponent in 2nd place Doncaster. This game would decide who won the minor premiership and be promoted to Met 1 in 2011.

On a warm day the game started well with a back and forward tussle between the midfields producing some good hockey. David HOWSON started the game well and didn’t stop all game. He was well supported by Rudy LAMEJIN and Ben HOCKING in making some good runs but also supporting the defence as well.

The panthers had the most of the possession to start with but Doncaster defended well to repel our attacks, they then turned this into attack by gaining a free hit on the top and the centre half slipping a pass to the right for a good shot to go past Dion STERGIOU’S pads for Doncaster to go 1 up.

I have no idea how it happened but Benny HOCKING scored a goal to put us even at 1-1.

The game continued but neither team was able to gain any ascendency. Some minor discipline issues started to come out and captain Daniel DOBBINS bore the brunt of the umpire by spending some time on the bench before half time.

The 2nd half started well and again the play was free flowing. Waverley was able to obtain a short corner. Greg STRYDOM stepped up to the mark and put a direct shot through the keepers pads to put us up 2-1. Doncaster were able to hit back quickly and level the game 2-2. Doncaster again scored to put the game at 3-2.

Waverley gained another short corner and I called a variation, but Rudy reminded me that he hadn’t had a flick yet, so I said go for it. He was able to put the ball to the keepers right and into the net for 3-3.

Some more disciplinary issues sprung up with Ben HOCKING and Rohan JOSHNA spending time on the bench. The game stayed that way to the end with a draw a fitting result.

A massive thanks to Ian HOCKING for coming to umpire in a big and important game.

All that is required this week is a draw against 4th placed Maccabi to obtain the minor premiership. Here’s hoping.