Panthers en route to SL1 finals

Waverley Hockey Clubs top men’s side took one step closer this weekend towards playing a significant role in Victoria’s most elite competition, State League 1 (SL1).

With the Australian Hockey League (AHL) this year being played intermittently throughout the regular SL1 season, many games have been moved around to accommodate sides that have a number of players representing their state. As a result of this, a number of the clubs in the SL1 top 4 have already played all 18 rounds of the regular season, with ladder points and goal difference already decided. Prior to the commencement of round 17 saw Waverley sitting 4th on the SL1 ladder, although only 2 points separated 1st to 4th.

Coming up against a solid opponent, in MCC, this was a must win game for the club. Waverley were missing two of their stars from the midfield and forward line due to AHL commitments, however, the players that replaced them in the side this weekend took their opportunities and played a significant role on the day. The venue for Saturday’s encounter was played at Victoria’s premium hockey facility, the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville.

Waverley started the game well, controlling the play early. Firm ball movement around the back and hard running up front saw the Panthers get early an pay off through a short corner. From this, the Panthers were able to put their first goal on the board through Tim Thompson, whom put the ball in the top of the net. Not long after this, Waverley made it 2-0 through their highest goal scorer of the season, Aaron ‘sparrow’ Swindells, which brings his tally to 12.

At this point, the momentum began to change a little with MCC having multiple attacking plays. Eventually this resulted in a short corner, which was converted, making the score 2-1. As Waverley slowly regained ascendancy late in the first half, the panther’s key short corner weapon, Steve Jarvis, stepped up to the plate and delivered what was required. At the half time break, the score line stood at Waverley 3, MCC1.

After a stirring half time talk from coach Zac Hawes, the Panthers took to the pitch with renewed desire and vigor. With multiple attacking plays early in the second half, Waverley went without reward for some time. With 15 minutes remaining in the game, however, Luke Anthony was able to run around behind the MCC defence and along the base line and give a perfectly weighted cross to Nick Dallimore who put away the opportunity to make it 4-1. With Waverley firmly in the drivers seat, 5 minutes later saw Nick Dallimore again with possession of the ball inside the attacking circle, but this time he returned the favour and passed to Luke Anthony on the post to seal the game at 5-1.

This result means that Waverley are only one game away from finishing in the top 4 and playing a significant role in the SL1 finals in 2010. The top 4 sides are so close on points, however, that a win in round 18 will mean Waverley finishes 1st but a loss puts them 5th and out of the finals. This massive game will see the Panthers take on Essendon at Essendon on Saturday at 3.30 pm.