Notes for 30 May 2008

WEEK 3:- Minor Competition
MEN
Saturday
Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
4.20 p.m. Ballina v Burleigh

Barry Smith Field, Murwillumbah
1:00 p.m. Waratahs v United
3:50 p.m. Mullumbimby v East Lismore

Sunday
Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
12:50 p.m. Northern Star v Alstonville
Bye Kingscliff

Hunt Park, Labrador
1:00 p.m. Mudgeeraba v Coraki
2:30 p.m. Capri v Casuarina
4:00 p.m. Labrador v Redbacks

Burleigh to Stretch Ballina

In this weekend's J.H.Williams Premier Hockey League action Burleigh have seized a share of the competition lead. With many changes to last year's team, Burleigh have shown a solid approach to the competition. And it is Burleigh's winning form on the road that will have Ballina focused.

Brett Crawford's team is brimming with talent with the addition of Daniel Riley and Jeff Davis in the last couple of weeks. Potentially Ballina are in their best position for some time and Mitchell Harley is one member who is benefiting from the changes.

Sunday's match pits competition front runners Northern Star against Alstonville. Thomas Vantaggiato and James Harmon have Star humming along nicely. And the availability of NSW U18 Player Matt Harmon adds extra firepower to an already strong team.

While for Alstonville Chris Woolner has settled into the FNC competition giving the Redsoilers some amazing zing. Joe Beohm continually frustrates every attack, while Steve Law and Lachlan McKendrick are beginning to challenge any team for midfield balance.

East Lismore are on the road to meet Mullumbimby at Murwillumbah. Raymond Rodda and coach Chris Clark will have East's on notice as they search for the solution to their current form slump. Interestingly their biggest troubles occur when they have all of their stars on the field.

Mullum on the other hand are in a similar position. Brent Nowlan has proved to be a boon for Mullum since joining brothers Chris and Mitch. And like East's, Mullum have a great midfield and defence. However both teams are not as strong and consistent when it comes to converting their attacking chances.

Waratahs should have the best of the local derby against United. Tim Willis continues to benefit from the great work of James Walker. And without consistent access to strikers Dwayne and Mick Newell Waratahs are only going to get stronger.

Chris Stuart on the other hand continues to work on the United approach. But it appears that frustration is getting the better of the team of late. But there is no doubting the heart of abilities of the Vipers players, but this week may be just another one that will get away.

On the road Mudgeeraba host Coraki Sunday. This is Coraki's biggest challenge to their unbeaten run to date. Ben Moss has been in outstanding form with Adrian McGrath and Trent Brown great organises. With the availability of David Brown giving the side an extra attacking depth allowing Coraki to convert on a regular basis.

Notwithstanding Mudgee sprung back to life last week belting Ballina at home. With a simple and consistent approach Mudgee coach Paul 'Jacko' Gasmire has finally seen the pay off with his approach. With their confidence sky high this will be one of the best matches in JHWPHL competition this week.

Capri will be keen to leave their loss against Coraki behind them when they host Casuarina at home Sunday. Unlucky to lose against Coraki, Capri should be too strong for Casuarina this week with their consistent and strong midfield their strength.

In the last match this round Redbacks meet Labrador at home. Jake Farrell and Dylan Wotherspoon have been outstanding in the midfield giving Redbacks an fresh and lively approach. Labrador will enjoy the home advantage. But a lack of depth has been hampering their ability to press oppositions. With a predominantly development team, the Labrador youngsters keep plugging away making their opposition earn every point.

Kingscliff have the bye.

Pointscore
Pool 1: Burleigh 4(+3), Coraki 4(+2), Waratahs 3(+3), Mudgeeraba 3(+2), Casuarina 3(+0),Ballina 3(-2), Capri 0(-2), United 0(-6).
Pool 2: Northern Star 6, Mullumbimby 3(+2), East Lismore 3(0), Kingscliff 3(0), Redbacks 1(0), Alstonville 1(-2), Labrador 0(-2).

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WOMEN - WEEK 3:-Minor Competition
Saturday
Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
1:30 p.m. Ballina v Labrador
Deffered Glee v Mudgeeraba
Barry Smith Field, Murwillumbah
5:15 p.m. Waratah's v East Lismore
6:40 p.m. Casuarina v Griffith
Sunday
Hepburn Park, Goonellabah
2.15 p.m. Northern Star v Alstonville
Bye United
Bye Kingscliff
Bye Mullumbimby

Labrador To Struggle on Road

In this week's J. H. Williams Premier hockey league Women's action current leaders Labrador meet Ballina at 1.30pm. With the women's competition so finely poised this match will have a large bearing on the makeup of the competition.

Ballina last week bounced back into the winner's circle with Amanda Moss outstanding. But a bit of an unsung hero is captain Alison Porter who does an amazing job in defence time and again.

Labrador are at sixes-and-sevens this week with a number of the talented juniors participating in representative duties putting pressure on the club's depth. Competition administrators have broke with tradition allowing the club the opportunity to play the match earlier in the day to assist the players.

If ever Ballina are to steal a march, today's (Saturday) match is their best chance.

With Gold Coast clubs affected with representative duties Glee have been left in the lurch with their game today postponed. A possible June date has been mentioned.

In Sunday's action Northern Star and Alstonville match up. Both team's have talent to burn with Star's outstanding defence their strength. In their last out match up against Labrador Star totally frustrated the competition leaders. 'Keeper Erin Mackenzie, Danielle Seiffert and Leanne Albertini were amazing in not giving up a goal. And this is something that few sides will emulate.

Alstonville on the other hand have still to seize their spot. Nikki Woolner is a tower of strength continues to blossom with Marli Hope, Kristy Hanley and Jenna Lidbetter starting to show signs of busting out of the mould.

East Lismore are on the road and meet Tweed powerhouse Waratahs at home today (Saturday). East's have made a more positive start at home, but have still to find their feet in the JH Williams Premier Hockey League. Nonetheless Sophie Rodda, Broke Colby and Kate Baird continue to set the standard for East's mainly from the midfield. While evergreen veteran Janelle Pitman slices through opposition defences.

This match will be Waratahs second in the main competition. And coach David Reading is very pleased with the sides current form and position.

In the only other match Casuarina host Griffith. While Casuarina have struggled to consistently put their best team in the paddock, they have warmed to the JHWPHL with last week's 6-1 win over United a highlight.

Griffith have won one and lost one will have their resolve tested at Murwillumbah today (Saturday).

Pointscore
Pool 1: Mullumbimby 4(+2), Waratahs 3(+2), Kingscliff 3(-2), Glee 1(0), Mudgeeraba 0(-1), East Lismore 0(-2),

Pool 2: Labrador 4(+2), Casuarina 3(+5), Ballina 3(0), United 3(-1), Griffith 3(-1), Northern Star 1(0), Alstonville 0(-5).

Jim Challenor - BHMS (Ex Sci)