The race to the finals picks up

Showing Sutho-style speed in the Sutho U13A Geckos’ win over Glebe at Bankstown. Picture: Rory Staples

It was a pretty quiet weekend at home with lots of Sutho teams scattered all over the place. Some of the carrier pigeons dispatched with match reports must have got lost, too, because there’s quite a few missing. Possibly solar storms.

But thank you to the teams who who got pen to paper, or braved the wilds of the internet to send their reports.

Sutherland Mazda’s Biggest Ever Car Sale this weekend

Our club sponsor, Sutherland Mazda, is excited to present its Biggest Ever Car Sale from next Friday, August 17 to Sunday, August 19.

Match reports

Men

Sutho 1st grade 2 Ryde 1

As expected the match was played at a fast and furious pace between second (Sutho) and third on the table.

It was another  demonstration as to the TOTAL commitment Kieran Govers brings to the team.  The goal he scored to bring us to a 1-1 position in the game was sheer tenacity and drive. It was one of the gutsiest goals I have seen.  If you missed it, and Harry Roberts’ goal, just click here: https://www.hudl.com/video/2/272570/5b6f6172b023b008b8c882ea

This is taking nothing away from the rest of the team, who all played hard and fast hockey to finally wear down a determined Ryde and get the winning goal to complete the victory.

This was another demonstration of the combination growing in the strikers, Benny and Harry Roberts. Benny put a great cross ball off the ground which young Harry neatly caught and touched into the goal from close quarters.

We were also down four players again: Brady Anderson, Shayne Smith, Alex Shaw and Cameron Buesnel, all injured.  Once again, Harry Roberts and Zac Nyrhinen played really well as young replacements and are showing their potential of future 1st graders.

This weekend we play St George at Kyeemagh at 3.30 pm.

B & F : Nathan Ackroyd 1, Scott Govers 2, Kieran Govers 3. Goals:  Kieran Govers 1, Harry Roberts 1.

Sutho 2nd grade 2 Ryde 1

The game was played at a pretty frenetic pace.

Ryde were desperate to keep their finals chances alive and made many raids into Sutho territory but good defence by the Sutho backs repeatedly shut them out.

Gavin scored the first goal – the only score in the first half. We had many promising chances but just could not seem to get the ball into the net.

The second half was similar to the first in that we had numerous chances to score but could only manage one goal by Jimmy.

The final score was a 2 – 1 victory.  Michael got the 3 points, Damo two and Peter one.

The team is finding good form coming into the finals. When they are patient and throw the ball around they always look dangerous.

Sutho 3rd grade  1 Ryde 3

And so the season ends. With 2 byes to end the year, due to an abnormality in the draw, we are done and dusted in early August – this feels like soccer!

On a hot evening at Ryde we took on the 3^rd placed Panthers, with nothing to play for but pride. We competed very fiercely  in the early tussles, and mid way through the 1^st half took the lead from a thunderous Nick Rose hit on a corner. We then averted a goal with a desperate dive by Brad to save a shot on the line before the Ryde striker blasted high at the goal, much to Brad’s relief as he lay sprawled across the goal line. Initially it was ruled a goal, but on inspection of the net and where the ball ended up, was ruled to have hit the side netting. However, Sutho’s lead remained short lived, with Ryde pouncing a few minutes later to even things up.

Half time was fairly positive, and so was the start to the second half. Ryde started to dominate the possession, and had Sutho under the pump with corner after corner, but the Sutho defence repelled them, with Jay making 2 further goal line saves, including a full body dive across the goal which had his mother wincing! However, in between these raids Sutho had their chances, with a couple of corners, one of which was saved on the post off Mac’s shot.

With 7 minutes to go Ryde made a intercept from our defence and some quick passing and good skills had them score on the counter. However Sutho pushed hard for an equaliser, and Blake went within a whisker as he hit the outside of the post. With 5 seconds to go a cross into the circle was missed at the back, and Ryde scored, to make it 3-1.

Well done to Oliver Turner on his debut in 3rds, and big thanks to Matt Staples who had a great game in the middle. It was also great see Jimmy Northwood back after an extended break, and his positive energy and competitiveness / combativeness were noticeable, especially against a Ryde team that were focused on the niggle as much as the hockey.

This match and the result were reflective of our season as a whole. Super competitive, but just couldn’t win the big moments. A missed goal here and the soft concede there was the difference in our season. We finished 9^th out of 10, with only 3 wins and 5 draws, with -16 F&A, which doesn’t sound impressive, but we pushed every team we played, including a 2-1 loss late in the game against undefeated minor premiers UTS. With 27 goals for (1.5 per game), and 43 against (2.4), that’s an average score of a 2-1 loss. Ryde sit 3^rd with only 8 wins and -1 F&A, and 6^th placed UNSW currently only have 5 wins and -6 F&A, showing how close we were!

Well done on an enjoyable year, with plenty of banter, nicknames and funny moments, and hopefully everyone is back next season to build on what we have learnt in 2018.

Ideally the boys can get to training to keep the intensity high for the lower grades finals preparations, and be there in numbers to cheer our teams on in the finals – lets show the great club spirit Sutho are known for.

Points: 3 Jay Kelly, 2 Blake Hernandez, 1 Nick Rose. Goal: Nick Rose.

Sutho 4th grade 4 Ryde 2

The best game of our season!

I can’t quite remember what happened in the first 10 minutes but we spent the remaining 60 putting four goals on a team of frustrated and tiring Ryde players.

Our first goal was the result of well structured and executed play around the keeper. We were down 2-1 at this point but only for a moment…

Our short corner battery was busy looking pretty as Brady scored his second goal of the game, burying a short push from CT before Ryde had a chance to work out who to run at. Ryde worked hard into half time but the score remained even; we all needed a breather!

The second half opened hard and fast, as quick substitutions kept us running at full pace.

Elliot almost won us the tie-breaker with his lob over the keeper but was denied by the crossbar.

What seemed like an age later we were still locked at 2 goals each when one of our midfielders managed to get lost up in Ryde’s circle. The guy was so focused trying to avoid looking out of place that he still can’t remember how he scored our third goal!

Now in the lead but not satisfied, we capitalised on our momentum by sending Jonno in to ice the cake with a diving back-stick shot that was too good for the keeper. Poised to deflect a Ryde resurgence that never came the game ended quietly with the score at 4-2.

Special mention to Brad and Jay for running the bench; we couldn’t have maintained the intensity without you. Piles earns mention along side Mason and Jay for organising a cracker of a training session on Thursday and credit to the team for carrying this over into the game.

Best & fairest points went to Mark Bonnici 3, Brady Machen 2 and David Richardson 1. Goals: Brady Machen 2, Mark Bonnici 1, Jonathan Rose 1.

Sutho 5th Grade 2 Monterey 1

This was a big game for us, Monterey being the first team in the competition to defeat us after our amazing start to the season.

It was a challenging game, but exactly what we needed to get ready for the finals series in only two weeks. This game was so important to us that even Ty showed up early!

We started the match strongly, scoring very quickly and cementing why we’re currently top of the table. The end of the first half we had a lapse of intensity, but turned it around again after half time and began really controlling the midfield again.

In defence Dan kept us in the game on multiple occasions, making some amazing saves – including brilliant stick saves – that left us all in awe. Our entire defence line worked hard to ensure we shut down their more skilful players and distribute the ball wide and early.

Our strikers had lots of work to do, being found regularly by our backs and midfield to attack the circle in numbers. A bit more patience and practice will see our execution go through the roof and really allow us to pile on the goals in the coming weeks.

The biggest highlight of the match was that NOBODY got cards, go team!

Points: 3 Dan, 2 Piles, 1 Mitch Rowling. Goals: 1 Lachie Rowling, 1 Matt Rowling.

Sutho 6th grade 0 Ryde 2

This week saw us come up against the undefeated leaders Ryde.Having sewed up 3rd spot already this game was a case of play hard and learn for the big games coming up.

We started very strongly, but had no luck putting the ball in the net even though we had a few chances which we didn’t take and would come back to haunt us.

They converted a short corner about 20 mins into the half and then unfortunately received another corner right on half time which took an unlucky deflection into the top netting.

The game stayed at a 2-0 loss but we will take a lot of confidence out of this loss as it showed us a few weaknesses in our game we can improve on and also gave us a few ideas on how we can surprise them come September.

With a lot of young guys in there first season of Grade hockey they have the opportunity to work hard over the next few weeks and really can improve themselves enough to win this competition if they really want it.

Best and fairest: 1 Luke Melcham, 2 Lachlan Drinkwater, 3 Liam Grey.

Women

Sutho 3rd grade Wildcats 2 St George Randwick 0

It was an early start to hockey this week with an 8.30 hit off. Wildcats were all on time and for the second week running even had the bonus of two subs.

We expected a tough game against the 3^rd placed St George team , as we had recorded a draw and a win the last times we had played.

A very young looking St George team lined up and the game started at a quick pace with St George dominating play and maintaining good possession. Wildcats defence was kept busy all through the first half.  Jules had some work to do in goals, but Wildcats managed to keep them scoreless.

Wildcats scored against the run of play with Gemma picking up a cross ball and netting a high ball. Half time score 1 nil.

The talk at half time reminded Wildcats to stick to our game and keep calm.

In the second half we took back the majority of profession and the forwards were passing better and keeping the ball in our attacking half. We had lots more opportunity.

We were finally rewarded with a second goal from a short corner hit well by Kathleen and pushed in by Lisa to win 2 nil on the whistle. The effort was high from everyone.

One more round to go and Wildcats can’t lose our 2nd place on the table.

Best and fairest: 3 Elise Cummins.  2 Lois  Scott. 1 Kirsty Margetson. Goals: 1 Gemma Rawlings. 1 Lisa Cummins.

Juniors

U17 Metro

Sutho had a forfeit from Gordon North Sydney on Friday. Nevertheless, our opposition turned up with a composite team, and we had a good practice match.

U17 Sutho Blue Tongues 7 UNSW Mobys 2

After a six week game due to holidays and byes, the Blue Tongues were keen to get back into the action with their game out at Daceyville last Friday night. Some, however, apparently did not get the memo, as we went into the game missing: one coach, one manager, two defenders, one goalkeeper, and one back up goalkeeper – not an ideal set up. Nevertheless, the ten remaining players took the field, attempted to remember how to hold their sticks, and set off for what was sure to be a great night.

The game started out evenly, with both teams maintaining extended periods of possession and attacking potential. Sutho’s patient attack and solid defence were rewarded after five minutes of play, where a cross from the left saw a deflection past the keeper and into the net. Sutho’s momentum continued after this, being awarded several corners for their efforts and managing to score another two goals, leaving the score 3-0 at half time.

Sutho’s dominance carried on into the second half, pressuring the Uni defence with persistent attacks. A mis-trap by one of their fullbacks saw Ben take full advantage, managing to get the ball and volley it into the back of the goal.  This made UNSW even more determined, and a turnover in the midfield saw their centre-half make a mad sprint up the side, into the circle and a clean tomahawk to bottom corner. However, this concession did not stop the Blue Tongues momentum, managing to score another two goals within the next ten minutes of the half.

With eight minutes to go, the UNSW midfielder again took off down the sideline. Not wanting a repeat of the last goal, Jack comes striding in – making a ‘questionable’ tackle on the 25, resulting in a mandatory two minute rest for Jack, and a short corner defence for everyone else, which unfortunately managed to trickle over the line after being initially saved by Interim-Goalkeeper-Extraordinaire Lachie. The half continued with both teams evenly keeping each other at bay.

With 10 seconds to go, it was looking like the game was all wrapped up … well at least up until Kye decided that we might have one last crack at a goal. Taking a quick sideline ball, he managed to drag two uni players before making a tomahawk pass into the circle from the 25. The ball sailed past the Uni defenders and onto the waiting stick of our very own Ben, where it ricocheted off, between the legs of the keeper, and into the goal – just as the buzzer sounded.

After the six week break, we were slightly worried as to what we would find in our first game back. I am glad to say, our worries were unfounded, and the Blue Tongues came together and played one of the best team games I’ve seen them play all season. Well done everyone on a well deserved 7-2 win.

Points: 3  Ben, 2  Lachie P, 1  Isaac.

U15A Geckos 10 v Glebe O

After 2 wins against Glebe, who were winless so far, we were expecting a comfortable victory and so were concentrating on executing our key focus areas. Whether it was this expectation of victory or just the relaxed place the team is in at present, the change room was full of chatterboxes, and the warmup was very underwhelming, which always creates nerves in a coach.

However, this was quickly allayed as we slipped into gear and played largely to our game plan. Goals came regularly, and pleasingly were largely from excellent passing movements that saw taps in at the back post. The 6-0 half time score reflected our dominance, and included a hat trick to Adrian . The only issues were the loose marking at the back early, and the directness through the middle which won’t work against the stronger teams in the next few weeks.

The second half saw Glebe come out tougher in the first 10-15 minutes, defending doggedly without really threatening. It wasn’t until later in the half that saw us reach 8 goals and drop-off, which is always “fun” for coach and manager. We played a few people in different lines, with both Shontae and Elliot having a run at striker. We reached 10 goals with a couple of minutes to go, so played with 7 for the last few minutes. It was great to see everyone running very hard with reduced numbers, showing again our focus on fitness is paying dividends.

Highlights were our length of the field goal from a defensive corner, a goal from Oliver that caused much consternation as it “blasted a hole” through the net, and our strong running on the baseline, passing in the circle and finishing, which was at its best for the season.

Everyone played well, but standout efforts by Adrian with his 4 goals, Chloe at AM and striker, and Macca with his incisive work on the right.

Points: 3 Adrian, 2 Chloe, 1  Zach M. Goals: 4 Adrian, 2 Raina, 1 each to Chloe, Liam, Oliver and Zac C.

Sutho Under 13A Sutherland Geckos 1 Glebe Redbacks 1

Pictures thanks to Rory Staples

A top of the table clash resulted in a quality game of hockey and a befitting sharing of the points.

Both teams started the game well (which was a pleasant turnaround for the Geckos who are usually asleep until the 10 minute mark), however neither team could find the back of the net. The first half saw each team create good goal scoring opportunities, but two quality goal keepers (including grace for the Geckos) made repeated saves to ensure a 0-0 scoreline at half time.  The midfield were forced to work hard to control the ball and it was a tireless effort by Sohan and Jett in particular throughout the game. It was also pleasing to see the strikers ensuring a higher percentage of results when we made our way into Glebe’s circle. The best save of the game was by the Glebe goalie when Matty bustled his way into the circle and flicked the ball over the goalie towards the top left corner of the goal – however just as the crowd thought it was in the net, the goalie deflected the ball outside the post with their stick. The lead-up work and finish deserved a goal, but due credit to the Glebe goalie.

The quality of hockey in the second half remained high and the Geckos were rewarded with an early goal following  some intelligent teamwork in the circle. Jett worked the ball into the Glebe’s circle and passed to Lachlan who was standing near the spot, but was quickly surrounded by a defender and the keeper. Lachlan heard Tomas’s call to his right, passed the ball, and as the defender and goalie were drawn to Tomas, Tomas passed the ball back to Lachlan who slotted the ball into the goal. A very well-worked goal.

Both teams were controlling the ball well and continued their attacking raids at either end of the pitch (some tighter marking may have helped, but it was great hockey for the crowd!).  It was unfortunate that Glebe scored a late goal to even the scores at 1-1, however it was a fair result – both teams playing finals quality hockey in round 11.

Best & Fairest: Grace Matthews 2 pts; Sohan Mavji 2 pts; Jett Austin 2 pts.

Sutho U13B Thorny Devils 2 Moorebank Red 0

Pictures thanks to Matt Morris

‘The Rise Continues’ into round 11 with a consistent improvement week on week, culminating in a convincing win over Moorebank Red (The leaders of the comp going into this round).  Solid performances all over the ground today from our team with all players stepping up to play ‘the press’ to drive Moorebank into their own quarter.

The level of attack and striking opportunities would have been more fairly represented by a 5-0 win, but we’ll take the 2-0 as evidence of our possession in the game.  Jack was in fine form today knocking in the two goals, and getting the crowd Oohing and Aahing with the way he negotiates the airborne ball.  The goals, and attack on the D were only possible with the solid work in the middle by Mackenzie, carving up the Moorebank defence, with some excellent feeding balls to the strikers.

Bailey set the bar today as far as composure under pressure with textbook examples of clean traps and passes that were certainly part of today’s success.  Owen ‘The Engineer’ continued his strong form, and Kai played a strong game as his game improves. Mylo filled Nick’s shoes/boots/kickers well today, saving several strong shots on goal to keep the opposition tally at zero.  Nick impressed in the field, unshackled by the goalie pads to show he can ‘cut it’ anywhere on the field.

Four more rounds in this exciting season, and without jinxing our remaining games, it is great to see how the team has developed throughout the season to this point, and if we keep on our current trajectory, maintaining our level of effort and teamwork – anything is possible!

Go Sutho!!

Best and fairest: 3 pts Nicholas Cullen, 3 pts  Bailey Peters, 1 pt Owen Laycock, 1 pt Joshua Penrose. Scorer: Jack Treharne 2.

Sutho Under 13B Blue Tongues 1 Moorebank Blue 3

Although we lost today, the team played really well. We had no subs in the first half so the team had to “run it out” for the full 30 minutes. We did our best to pass wide and not pass the ball straight up the middle. Zara Matthews put on the goally gear for the second week in a row and saved what felt like 100 goals. Lachlan Duhne scored a great goal towards the ends of the match and the whole team and spectators celebrated. Myles Hanrahan and Mayah Tait played very solid defensive games and Max Lewis was gutsy for the whole game.

Best and fairest: 3 Myles Hanrahan, 2 Mayah Tait, 1 Max Lewis. Scorer: Lachlan Duhne 1.

Sutho U11A Geckos 4 Glebe Red 1

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday and the Geckos played Glebe at home. As the only team the Geckos have had a draw with, we were in for a good game.

The first half looked like we were again heading for another draw. Josh scored the 1-0 with a great hit from the top of the circle.

Kai scored the 2-0 with great determination. But we let them get one back. At half time we regrouped.

In the second half we gave Glebe some chances to come back, which fortunately they didn’t convert. The Geckos kept attacking and Rhys had two beautiful shot at goal to make it 4-1.

Great game Geckos!

Best and fairest: 3  Rhys, 1.5 each Olive and Jack.

Sutho U11B Sutho Blue Tongues  3 Moorebank Blue 0

A great win for our team this week. This was easily our best game of the season so far.

The main reason we played so well was our improved passing, understanding our positioning and our communication on the field.

All of our players had a great game and continue to improve each week.

Best and fairest: 3 Georgia, 2 Abby, 1 Jude. Goals scored by Skye 2 and Isabel 1.

Sutho Under 11B Bearded Dragons 5 Sydney Uni Cubs 2

It was a bright, but windy late morning at Moorebank as the Bearded Dragons lined up against the Sydney Uni Cubs and their strong midfield.

The strategy was set: go around them, release the ball early from the contest to the flanks and then back into the D where the strikers would be waiting at the posts for their opportunity to score.

The Bearded Dragons executed the strategy well, and were soon on the scoreboard with Eliana converting at the post.  This was followed quickly with a goal to Rohan and when Kaylee scored with some neat stick skills on the breakaway, the team went into the half-time break with a handy lead.

Meanwhile the wind was getting stronger, the sprinklers on the adjacent field gave the spectators a cool shower, and the coaches positional instructions could be heard across nearby suburbs.

The second half started with some minor breakdowns in our defensive strategy and a few missed tackles, leaving the Cubs one-on-one with our goalkeeper Dominic who consistently rushed the strikers, and made some great saves and clearances.

The Cubs continued to mount a comeback with a goal, but some quick counter attack from the Bearded Dragons left the opposition seeking fresh legs, and both Thomas and Lachlan scored with some brilliant strikes to finish the contest and leave the team undefeated.

Best and fairest: 3pts Dominic Lenzo, 2pts Jack Margetson, 1 pt Rohan Blumire. Scorers:  Eliana, Rohan, Kaylee, Thomas, Lachlan.