Shock draw for Park, Students in hockey game

ILLAWARRA MEN'S HOCKEY

University and Albion Park fought out a scoreless draw in their Illawarra men's first grade hockey clash at Croom Road on Sunday.

It was the second time this season the two sides have shared the points, but this result was in stark contrast from their round two goalfest at Uni where Park gave up a 4-0 lead for a 4-all draw.

Uni, going into the game without AHL star Simon Beaton, employed tight marking on the Park forwards with key striker Jason Kast in particular coming in for close attention.

While the goals didn't flow it certainly paid dividends for the Students, who were unlucky not to snatch victory as the minutes ticked away in the second half.

With goalkeeper Mitch Zantis beaten, a Uni attacker flicked the ball high toward the net only for Park defender Dean Nealon to sweep from the left and make a dramatic save on the line.

Steve Mayo, Rhys Gray, Tom Gillard and Nealon played strongly for Albion Park in what was a hard-fought match.

The draw didn't hurt Albion Park's standing on the ladder, the shared points meaning they remain seven points ahead of third-placed Uni.

It does, however, virtually extinguish any hope of catching competition leader Wests who racked up a big win over Bowral to extend their lead to five points.

University triumphed in second grade, recording a 4-3 win over Albion Park.

Craig Bramble, Jordan Raftery and Matt Elliott netted for Albion Park in a high-scoring affair.

In third grade, the powerful Fairy Meadow side beat Albion Park 3-1 to extend their competition lead, with Park's goal coming from the stick of in-form forward Josh Kellam.

Fourth grade produced a 2-all draw between Uni and Albion Park, with goals by Ryan Elliott and Mark Raftery ensuring Park at least claimed a share of the points, while fifth grade Green thumped Dapto Gold 5-1.

Keith Eastham (2), Chris Duncan, Tim Houston and Andy Day were the goal scorers.

Wolfram Thiele (2) and Aurey Pullen made the scoresheet in fifth grade White's 3-1 win over Fairy Meadow, giving that side something from the weekend after having lost to sister side Green 3-2 in their clash on Thursday night.

Green came from behind twice in that match thanks to goals by Andy Day (2) and Merrick Law, White's goals coming from Gary Pullen and John Jenkins.