University's Hamish Baron beats Valley's Lee Rendell.

Valley's Chris Ahern pass the ball away from University striker Timbi Poon.

Valley goalkeeper David Watts closes down a scoring chance for Timbi Poon.

New University signing Mitchell Smith keeps pace with former clubmate Chris Ahern.

BRISBANE HOCKEY LEAGUE – Round 11


United 3 (Adam McClelland 2, Jacob Jennison) defeated Bulimba 2 (Liam Brown 2) at Burringbar Park, Chermside.

A brace of goals from Liam Brown was not enough to get Bulimba over the line against United, with the joint venture side scoring their first ever win against the Bulls.  In a game that was more noticeable for the sterling defensive efforts of players than its free flowing attack, it took only six minutes for Brown to score the first of his two goals, after United failed to clear the ball from a penalty corner. It took 20 minutes for the defences to be breached again, when Jacob Jennison scored his seventh goal for the year for United from a back stick shot.  The second half continued in much the same manner as the first with good attacking play stifled by  excellent defence. However, it took only three minutes in the second period for the deadlock to be broken by an Adam McClelland drag flick.  Brown then capitalised on some confusion in the United defence with a wonderful backstick shot to level the scores with 14 minutes left to play. United regained the lead within a minute after another McClelland drag flick found its way into the back of the net. Bulimba battled to gain an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be.  The Bulls' loss means they have failed to win games back to back since Round 10 last year - Jim Moloney.


Easts 3 (Dylan Wotherspoon, Michael Bates, Jake Farrell) drew with Pine Rivers St Andrews 3 (Ryan Gibbs, Ryan Kilpatrick, Luke Reddiex) at the Clem Jones Sports Centre, Carina.

Pine Rivers St Andrews have produced a stirring comeback to ensure Easts remain winless in the second half of the season, with a fast-paced, see-sawing battle ending in a draw.  Boasting the competition’s best attacking record, Easts looked to overwhelm the Saints’ defence from the outset, but led by goalkeeper Nathan Panetta, the visitors’ backs weathered the early onslaught.  The Tigers continued to push forward in search of a goal, and Saints made them pay, countering from deep defence for a diving Ryan Gibbs to score.  However, a defensive lapse by Saints allowed an unmarked Dylan Wotherspoon to tie the game.  Easts then dodged a bullet before half time, with Saint Craig Smith unable to guide Gibbs’ pass into an open goal, despite a full-length dive. For the Tigers it was Jacob Whetton and Michael Bates initiating their attack, and two quick goals left the Saints reeling.  First, Queensland Blades rookie Jake Farrell roofed an almost unstoppable drag flick, before Bates beat a handful of defenders to goal.  Seemingly beaten, Saints surged, courtesy of a classy tomahawk shot to Luke Reddiex and a perfectly executed penalty corner to Ryan Kilpatrick.  The Saints are the first side to leave the Tigers’ den with points since its opening in April - Nicholas Bolton.


Valley 2 (Andrew McGuckin, Callan Short) defeated University of Queensland 1 (Jacob Burns) at Burringbar Park, Chermside.

Valley edged out University to maintain their dominance over the students, who they have now defeated in 10 of their last 12 meetings.  In a competitive match at Burringbar Park, spectators were kept enthralled until the final buzzer.  The first 10 minutes of the game saw heated exchanges as both sides pushed for an advantage. Andrew McGucken was able to work his way through University’s defence, slamming the ball in to the bottom left corner of the net in the 11th minute.  The intensity of the match continued as the ball flew from one end of the field to the other.  University’s Daniel Biase-McInally kept Valley on their back foot with numerous steals and promising attacks.  The top University scorer and one of the competition's best, Jacob Burns, kept up his good form with a successful penalty corner at the halfway of the first period.  The goal was the Queensland Blades striker's eighth goal from his past five games. Valley's Callan Short was superb in defence as the anchor of his team who was instrumental in setting up the attacks of the Diehards.  The Cairns product then broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, sinking the ball in the net after a penalty corner.   Valley are now on nine points, sitting just below University, who have 10 points - Andrew Beard.


Commercial 8 (Blair Brown 3, Chris Beale 3, Tom Brough, Dean Rawding) defeated QUT 0 at the State Hockey Centre, Colmslie.

Four goals in each half, including three each to Blair Brown and Chris Beale, helped unbeaten Commercial topple winless QUT in an entertaining game not typical of clashes between teams at opposite ends of the ladder. Commercial set up their win in the opening 15 minutes with two goals to Brown and one to Beale. On the stroke of halftime Beale converted the fourth of the Cobras' nine first half penalty corners.  Four minutes after halftime he registered his hat-trick when he beat QUT fullback Tommy Mills to a rebound from the pads of Ibis goalkeeper Blair Burden, before sending his shot into the corner of the net. Where previous QUT teams may have put 11 players behind the ball to save the scoreline from escalating, Ibis forwards Chris Gilmore, Rob Kruger and Michael Beaumont took the fight to Cobras defenders Matt Lagerroth and Adam Barry as the match developed into a series of exciting breakaway attacks. An injury to Commercial striker Cale Cramer compounded the loss of defender Leighton Stock earlier in the match, but further goals to Brown and Tom Brough was a perfect tonic. Commercial completed their win when substitute Dean Rawding scored with one of his touches of the ball in his first-grade debut - Lee Oliver.


Redcliffe Leagues 5 (David Halliday 2, Alex Swann, Shane Kenny, Nick Budd) defeated Labrador 1 (Sam Barker) at Keith Hunt Park, Labrador.

Redcliffe Leagues remain unbeaten at Labrador’s home ground after winning their fourth consecutive match at the Gold Coast.  Alex Swann opened Redcliffe Leagues' account in the third minute, weaving into the circle and then finishing neatly. Labrador had a good chance to respond with a penalty corner ten minutes later but failed to capitalise. Shane Kenny scored next, bulldozing into the goal area to put Redcliffe Leagues 2-0 up just before half-time. David Halliday continued the Peninsula team's scoring run when he slotted in his first goal seven minutes into the second stanza. The game turned ugly for the visitors when spearhead Swann was sent off, and Kenny suffered the same penalty soon after when he illegally halted Brent Livermore’s breakaway run. Labrador wasted the subsequent penalty corner and were made to pay when Nick Budd slotted his ninth goal of the season to make it 4-0 with eight minutes left. Redcliffe Leagues goalkeeper Daniel Pink couldn’t see out the final minutes to keep a clean sheet, however, when Sam Barker trickled in a goal. It was Redcliffe Leagues that had the last laugh, when Halliday slammed in his second goal in the final minute.  His side has now won eight of nine matches against the Tigerstix - Michael Spring.


POINTS: Commercial 33, Redcliffe Leagues 28, Easts 22, Pine Rivers St Andrews 17, Bulimba 16, Labrador 15, United 12, University of Queensland 10, Valley 9, QUT 0.


LEADING GOAL SCORERS:

16  -  Adam McClelland (United)
15  -  Blair Brown (Commercial)
      -  Jacob Webber (Easts)
13  -  Michael Bates (Easts)
12  -  Jacob Burns (University of Queensland)
      -  David Halliday (Redcliffe Leagues)
11  -  Jacob Whetton (Easts)
10  -  Chris Beale (Commercial)
      -  Mark Harris (Labrador)
  9  -  Nick Budd (Redcliffe Leagues)
      -  Cale Cramer (Commercial)
      -  Ryan Kilpatrick (Pine Rivers St Andrews)
  8  -  Joe Reardon (Labrador)
  7  -  Jacob Jennison (United)
  6  -  Daniel Beale (Commercial)
      -  Shane Kenny (Redcliffe Leagues)
      -  James McAlpine (Redcliffe Leagues)
      -  Ian Schulz (Redcliffe Leagues)
      -  Craig Smith (Pine Rivers St Andrews)


BRISBANE HOCKEY LEAGUE TRIVIA:

36.  What is the highest position United has finished in their three seasons in the Division 1 competition?  Seventh (2008).

37.  Which player from QUT played in the Australian Hockey League in 2002?  Tommy Mills.

38.  Which five players are the only multiple winners of the BHA Medal for player of the year?  Peter Shaw (Easts - 1980, 1988), Peter Batty (Bulimba - 1984, 1986), Bruce Robertson (Commercial - 1989, 1993), Kent Harle (Redcliffe - 2000, 2002), George Clutton (Easts - 2004, 2005).

39.  Who was the highest goal scorer in the Division 1 competition for the 2007 season?  Jason Hale (Bulimba) - 20 goals.

40.  What is the junior club of Easts player Simon Mills?  Logan.

 

Michael Stokes of Pine Rivers St Andrews puts pressure on Robert Bell of Easts.

Saints midfielder Craig Smith takes the ball from Tigers fullback Matthew Pembroke.

Easts goalkeeper Casey Lee sees Ryan Gibbs' shot sail just wide of the net.

Easts' Dylan Wotherspoon gives chase on fellow goal scorer Luke Reddiex.

Compiled by Lee Oliver.