Women on a mission

ALBION Park Womens Hockey Club division one team secured its thirty ninth division one premiership with a resounding five goal to nil defeat of Gerringong.

The Dianne Gorman coached Park came out of the blocks like a team on a mission and did not let up for the whole game. Gerringong tried hard to stay in the match and some very good goal keeping from Jacinta Wells kept the score to five. Parks first goal came via a Maree Beresford penalty corner shot that was deflected into the Gerringong net. Kristie Tomlin netted for the Park with a nifty reverse flick after some great control and lead up work by Casey Eastham. Lyndal Ogilvie in the Park goal was then called upon to make a super quick reflex save and repel the Gerrringong attack.

Airlie Ogilvie then turned the tide to attack and finished a great team movement with another goal. Emma Cobbin sealed the match with a penalty corner conversion on full time. Madeline Holstein as the sweeper for Albion Park continually repelled the attack and turned the play to attack. Park co-captains Renae Lautier and Tracy Howle added the control, leadership and maturity that thwarted the Gerringong team. The defensive midfield of Trina Lackenby, Kellie Bramble and Naomi Welch continually broke down the attacking raids and trapped the long ball of Gerringong.

Gerringong had a number of penalty corners but was unable to convert. Hayley OSullivan, Mandy Ford and Kristy Stone put in the effort for Gerringong and in a dominant Park performance all players were outstanding.

Parks Australian Hockeyroo player Casey Eastham may have played her last game for Albion Park for a while as Casey has been invited to join the Australian Institute of Sport for Hockey in Perth for 2007.

Rail clinched the Division Two premiership from Albion Park in a controversial two goals to one win. The Park scored first with a fine goal to Kate Goodwin and the Rail replied in the first half. Jane Cobbin then netted an outstanding goal for Albion Park from a mid height Rail deflection and with both teams returning to the centre line the goal was disallowed. The second half saw a dire struggle between the teams but Rail scored with only three minutes of the match remaining. Naomi Welch made many raids from her midfield position and continually put the Rail under pressure. Co-captain coaches Leanne Hayes and Kylie Hayes were solid in the Park defence and Sue Gregson continually defended and attacked. APWHC life member Sue Gregson says this will be her last match but hopefully we can change her mind. Sue has had an outstanding career with Albion Park and representing with NSW. Sues commitment to win and fair play is legendary and her give all attitude should be an inspiration to all players.

At the completion of the Grand finals the South Coast Womens Hockey Association Players of the Year were announced. Albion Parks Casey Eastham won the Senior Player of the year after an outstanding representative year with South Coast, NSW U/18, U/21 Open and Australian Open and U/21.

Danni Gregson from Albion Park gained the junior player of the year after both representing South Coast and NSW U/18 and U/21. Danni unfortunately incurred a serious injury in July at the Australian Championship and has since undergone knee reconstruction which meant she missed the grand final but will be back for 2007.

Maree Lackenby H-02 42565446 B- 02 42561844