University rookie Jake Hathway chased by
Labrador's Brent Livermore.

Joe Reardon prepares to take on University debutant Aidan Rintala.

Tigerstix midfielder Brent Livermore passes the ball away from Ethan Quan.

BRISBANE HOCKEY LEAGUE – Round 1


Bulimba 9 (Jaryd Cutler 2, Troy Elder 2, Mitchell Grant 2, Liam Brown 2, Justin Douglas) defeated Valley 4 (Tobias Figura 2, Alwyn Krusi, Kane Posselt) at Burringbar Park, Chermside.

A quartet of doubles to Bulimba rewarded the Bulls the ultimate revenge over Valley with a dominating five-goal victory in the rain-clad opening encounter. After watching the finals from the sidelines the past two years, the Bulls toppled the team that ended their playoffs dream last season. With the constant downpour, both sides struggled early, but a fearless charge-down from Bulls youngster Blake Wallis put Bulimba on the front foot and set up Jaryd Cutler to open his account in the 13th minute. Valley errors put momentum firmly in Bulimba’s favour when Athens Olympics gold medallist Troy Elder converted a penalty corner three minutes later.  After missed opportunities, Valley’s Alwyn Krusi finally penetrated the strong Bulimba defence before Cutler hit back with an inspirational goal. Bulimba’s confidence continued to heed results at both ends, with Elder scoring his second goal in his first Brisbane club match in three years, and Allan Dale teaming up with goalkeeper Steve Lambert to nullify strong Valley drives. Trailing 4-1 deficit heading into the break Valley seemed lost for answers when Bulimba found the net three times in the opening 10 minutes of the half.  Contests finally went Valley’s way and Tobias Figura and Kane Posselt scored off two consecutive corners in two minutes. However, Bulimba continued to add goals as Liam Brown netted a late double – Amy Price.


Labrador 6 (Joe Reardon 2, Grant Smith, Andrew Ward, Mark Harris, Corey Piggin) defeated University of Queensland 2 (Hamish Baron, Daniel Biase-McInally) at the Clem Jones Sports Centre, Carina.


A four-goal second half has helped Labrador to a first up win against University in damp and trying conditions at Carina.  With aerial passes proving effective on a waterlogged field, both teams had an even share of scoring chances in a tightly contested first half.  Former Australian representative Grant Smith opened the scoring for Labrador, before University’s Dilbag Singh put a shot wide during a one-on-one contest with debutant goalkeeper Andrew Butterini. Soon after, ex-New Zealand international Hamish Baron equalised for University with a trademark tomahawk shot after teammate Daniel Biase-McInally had fielded a clever overhead pass.  Labrador took a 2-1 lead into halftime after Andrew Ward rocketed a shot past University goalkeeper David Watts and into the top corner of the net, after Joe Reardon sliced his way through the students’ defence in the shooting circle.  The tight first half contest wasn’t duplicated after the break, with three goals in 10 minutes after halftime helping the Gold Coast side firmly stamp their dominance on the match.  Reardon scored twice before Mark Harris also hit the target, flicking the ball over Watts following a penalty corner play to give Labrador a commanding 5-1 lead with 25 minutes left to play.  The Tigerstix extended their lead through Corey Piggin, before Biase-McInally scored a consolation goal for University late in the contest – Lee Oliver.


Redcliffe Leagues versus QUT and Commercial versus United postponed due to heavy rain.  Easts versus Pine Rivers St Andrews abandoned at halftime due to rain, with Easts leading 2-1.

Luke Reddiex of Pine Rivers St Andrews tackles Zaan Togo of Easts.

Saints striker Ryan Gibbs sees off a challenge from Matthew Pembroke.

Pine Rivers St Andrews' Craig Richards chased by young Tiger Scott Boyde.

Zaan Togo and Cameron Richards stretch for the ball in the wet.

Compiled by Lee Oliver.

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