Round 5:- Minor Competition

MEN
Mullumbimby 5 Alstonville 2
Coraki 5 Ballina 2
East Lismore 4 Redbacks 2
Casuarina 1 United 1
Labrador 4 Kingscliff 0
Waratahs 3 Mudgeeraba 1
Burleigh 2 Capri 1
Northern Star Bye

More Teams Fall By the Way

J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League round five whittled a few more teams from Finals speculation. Nothing separates Burleigh and Coraki with Waratahs close behind with a match in hand in one pool. While Northern Star still sit clear in their pool with Mullumbimby in the best position of the chasers.

Even with captain Adrian McGrath a non-starter with injury Coraki signalled their clear focus with a smashing 5-2 win over Ballina. Scoring machine Jason Conte (10 min FG, 38 min FG, 58 min FG) was in brilliant form in front of the goals with Ben Moss (15 min FG, 43 min FG) close behind as the pair scored all Coraki's goals.

With serious injuries to front-liners Scott Gallagher and Matt Moss early in the first half Coraki were left short of experience. However David Bodley and Trent Brown stepped into the breach to bolster the outstanding performance. But it was Moss' superhuman performance at both ends of the field with his truly sublime defence and counter attack that set the night alight.

David Flanagan (6 min FG) and Brett Crawford (34 min PC) converted limited chances in the first half to leave the match tied at half time. But Ballina failed to counter the Coraki blitz in the second half leaving them floundering. Crawford and Jake Baldry were effective at times in the midfield with Mitchell Harley dangerous in attack.

A fit Mullumbimby side enjoyed their trip to Hepburn Park with a comprehensive 5-2 win over an understrength Alstonville. Without Chris Woolner and jack-in-the-box Joe Beohm the Redsoilers lacked their trademark competitive drive. And only for some awesome defence from 'keeper Todd Seymour allowed Alstonville to stay competitive. Lachlan (48min PC) and brother Alex McKendrick (17 min PC) scored Alstonville's goals with Lachlan the teams' most constructive player.

Mitch Nowlan's defence and counter attack underpinned the Mullum performance allowing his team to soak up the early Alstonville pressure. While in attack Brendan Iwanuscha (42 min FG, 63 min FG) had a field day in attack scoring two goals with Chris Nowlan (23min FG), Simon Johnston (32 min PC) and Daniel Cook (40min PC) scoring the other goals.

After being forced to absorb plenty of Redbacks pressure East Lismore finally had some joy on the road accounting for Redbacks 4-2. Redbacks put in an outstanding first half seizing a 2-0 at halftime lead with Luke McMahon their standout player.

However East's bounced back the only way they could with four goals. Jason Rodda (39 min FG), Matt Currie (51 min PC), Steve De Boer(53 min FG) and Jay Wotherspoon (69 min FG) scored for East's. While for Redbacks Pat Shoobridge (9min FG) and Luke McMahon (23 min FG) scored their goals.

Casuarina and United played out a dour 1-1 draw. And the highlight of the outcome was United's first points in this year's JHWPHL. Cameron Spargo (17min PC) scored for Casuarina. While Andrew Barnes (47 min FG) scored for United

Labrador finished off what they started the previous week winning their match against Kingscliff 4-1. This week bringing a full side and maintaining pressure Labrador showed that they are not without talent and commitment. However Kingscliff, while playing well in patches, disappointed all too often. Kingscliff's lack of a quality striker undermines the value of what good work the team constructs.

Darren Fowler (18min, 22min) again converted a couple of goals while Damien Price (45 min) and Heath Ferguson (68min) picked up the other goals.

A fitter Waratahs side made the most of their chances accounting for Mudgeeraba 3-1 in Sunday action. Needing to maintain contact with the leading sides this match was one that could have caused all sorts of problems for the gun side. But as always their drive, commitment and excellent counterattacking ability underpinned their win.

Dwayne and Michael Newell stood out for Waratahs in a match winning performance. The Newell's proved to be more than a handful as Mudgee failed to handle their speed and control allowing the strikers way too much room in attack. While Mudgee have considerable talent, this match was another that got away from them.

Tim Willis (two) and James Walker scored for Waratahs. While for Mudgee Steve Hammond converted one of their few chances.

Burleigh overturned early season form accounting for Capri 2-1 in the pivotal local derby. With points at a premium this match held the fate of both teams. But a game ending knee injury to Capri keeper Peter Hollis and a fitter Burleigh side proved to be a couple of key turning points.

Both teams gave their all with much of the match played between the twenty fives. And in a contest befitting the pivotal match play reached an extraordinary early intensity with both teams missing opportunities to seize control.

Burleigh's defensive line was at the core of their win denying the determined Capri attack. And at the core of this defence were Simon Joyce, Matt Hart, Nathan Bayliss, Nick Hoffman and 'keeper Clint Colefax.

While in attack Burleigh's Matt Freeman proved to be a handful with Matt Mynott and Lance Cotterill scoring the goals.

While for Capri Luke McCowan not only scored their goal, he also stood head and shoulders above the crowd in attack.

Pointscore
Pool 1: Burleigh 13 (+7), Coraki 13(+7), Waratahs 12(+8)*, Capri 6(+6)*, Casuarina 4(-5), Mudgeeraba 3(-6), Ballina 3(-6), United 1(-9) (*Match in hand).

Pool 2: Northern Star 12 (+12)#, Mullumbimby 9(+8)#, East Lismore 9(+6), Labrador 6(+2)#, Alstonville 4(-7), Kingscliff 3(-6)#, Redbacks 1(-9)#. (#Denotes Bye)

FNC COMPETITION -deferred match
A Grade
Ballina 6 Northern Star 2

The deferred first round competition match between Ballina and Northern Star was finally completed. With the match a replay of the 2007 Grand Final Ballina extracted a measure of revenge with a handy 6-2 result.

After some early angst settled with a time out for one of the players, the match settled into a worthy and intense competition with both teams eager to convert their chances.

Mitch Harley (16 min PC) opened Ballina's scorecard before Thomas Vantaggiato (28min FG) evened the score for a 1-1 halftime result.

Goals to Tony Meldrum (52 mi FG) and Sam Davis (57 min PC) allowed Ballina to seize control from which they were never headed. And goals to Harley (61 min FG) and Davis (65 min FG, 67min FG) put the contest beyond reach.

Ryan McGuiness (63 min FG) allowed Star to claw one goal back but it proved too little too late.

Best for Ballina included Brett Crawford, Jeff Davis and Jake Baldry. While for Star James Harmon, Brad Hassett and 'keeper Aaron Head were their best .

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WOMEN

Ballina 1 Northern Star 0
East Lismore 3 Kingscliff 2
Casuarina 3 Alstonville 1
United 3 Griffith 2
Mudgeeraba 3 Waratahs 2
Glee Bye
Mullumbimby Bye
Labrador Bye

East Lismore and Mudgeeraba Seize First Points

Women's round five J. H. Williams Premier Hockey League action saw East Lismore and Mudgeeraba finally break their JHWPHL duck with wins. Mudgee's stunning win has now created a whole lot of problems for Waratahs. While a similar win by United has now put the sword to Griffith's 2008 chances. And these wins highlight the ability of any team to win on the day such is the depth of talent across the competition.

In Hepburn Park action Saturday Ballina did enough to overcome the solid Northern Star defence in a tightly contested match.

Tina Welch's (16min PC) first half penalty corner conversion proved to be the difference between Ballina and Northern Star in an entertaining and stirring match. But as hard as both teams tried to convert other chances the defence held firm on the day.

Leanne Albertini again shone for Star with a comprehensive performance in defence and counter attack. And captain Tracey Makings lifted Star's midfield with some incisive and enterprising play to trouble Ballina's settled organisation.

But as hard as Star tried to extract any advantage Amanda Moss, Emily Hunter and Sally Baldry proved superior to the task. And it was the control of Ballina's midfield that allowed them to soak up the pressure that Star created. One bright point for Ballina was the return of injured captain Alison Porter. Whilst not back to full fitness, Porter's calming effect paid dividends for the Seasiders.

East Lismore's solid 3-2 win over Kingscliff has been their season highlight after putting in some recent stirring though unproductive performances. Genesia Chamberlain, Maxine Kelly and Janelle Pitman scored East's goals.

While for Kingscliff Gabby Nance and Sam Stanford scored their goals.

Casuarina made the most of their limited chances to outlast Alstonville in a close 3-1 win.

With a number of their key players missing for a wedding Casuarina had to work overtime to overcome the determined Alstonville team. And Alstonville also missed a few of the front line players. But what made their day worse was the serious shoulder injury to playmaker Nikki Woolner.

Sarah Lidbetter continued to build on her growing reputation stiffening the Alstonville defence. And fill in goalkeeper Donna Bruggy and Kassie Baxter also gave fine performances under pressure.

Kim Tuckwell (two) and Katrina Springfield scored for Casuarina. While Carli Baxter scored Alstonville's goal.

Mudgeeraba made the most of their available resources to stun Waratahs 3-2. Utilising the skills and drive of Lisa Hughes and others Mudgee shifted into another gear to overpower and outmanoeuvre the competent Waratah side.

Renee Allen, Lisa Hughes and Sharna Mathers scored for Mudgee. While for Waratahs Ebony Philip scored both of their goals. Philip and youngster Stacey King stood out for Waratahs.

United finally obtained a degree of revenge at the Labrador complex with an exciting 3-2 win over Griffith. After giving away some ten goals against Labrador on their previous trip, United this time showed more determination and hunger.

With outside influences playing havoc with team morale Griffith at times had the game in their control. However a lack of connection at key periods in the game allowed United to stamp their dominance on the match.

Carliha Brown, Sam Wyborn and Bridie Egan scored for United. With Brown, Wyborn and Sarah Brisby United's best players. While for Griffith Kelly Ince and Steph Hagen scored their goals and Hagen and Tracey Johnson were their best players.

Pointscore
Pool 1: Glee 7(+6)##, Mullumbimby 7(+5)##, Waratahs 6(+2)##, Mudgeeraba 3(-2)##, East Lismore 3(-3)#, Kingscliff 3(-5)#.

Pool 2: Casuarina 10(+11)#, Labrador 8(+12)#, Ballina 7(-3), Griffith 5(-2),
Northern Star 3(-1)#, United 6(-10)#, Alstonville 1(-7). (# Bye)

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Jim Challenor - BHMS (Ex Sci)

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