MSL1 vs Hawthorn [Rd 11]

With a tight State League 1 Competition seeing 3 points separate the top 7 teams, Waverley ventured out to Hawthorn hockey club hoping to snatch a win and catapult them back into the top 4.  Without the guidance of coach Zac Hawes, as well as players Lewis Matthews and Stephen Jarvis due to Victorian U21 representation, the Panthers took to the pitch confident that they could get the job done despite these disruptions.

The game was free flowing from the start with both teams able to move the ball swiftly through their mid-fields into attack. Both teams however, were met by rock solid defences, allowing limited circle penetration.  Although earning 3 penalty corners in the first half the Panthers were unable to convert these golden opportunities, seeing the scores locked at 0-0 at half time.

Although failing to score, Waverley was playing a positive style of hockey just letting themselves down with bad decision making at the wrong times.  Regrouping at the break and a small adjustment to the structure the team took the pitch confident that they could add some scoreboard pressure and take the game away from Hawthorn.

The second half was a similar story to the first, both sides freely flowing through their respective mid-fields only to be met by a solid opposition defence.  Two bad decisions in deep defence cost the Panthers 2 goals and with 10 minutes remaining in the match, they found themselves hitting panic stations.  Desperate to hopefully scrape through with a draw, Waverley upped the anti.  Good defensive pressure provided fast counter attack opportunities and numerous penalty corner scoring opportunities.  Aaron Swindells pegged one back with a fantastic diving effort seeing the ball lofted over the keeper into the back of net.  With 7 minutes to go on the clock the Panthers weren’t done.

Mounting attack after attack and whilst the Hawthorn defence stood strong, Waverley was provided with numerous chances to snag a draw.  As the case has been all season, Waverley was unable to put away penalty corners as reward for their efforts.  Hawthorn ran out winners 2-1, a disappointing result for the Panthers, missing a crucial opportunity to stay in touch with the competition leaders.