MARGARET River had a magnificent win in hockey on Friday as the Men’s A2 team smashed the previously undefeated Capel 10-1.
David Reid was on fire, scoring three goals in the first 10 minutes. Wesley Battese dominated midfield with exceptional ability to read the play and distribute the ball effectively. Midway through first half, Margaret River hit another purple patch with three goals in three minutes; Reid from a penalty corner, Grant Evans with a great field goal and then Battese with a copybook reverse stick hit into the goals.
Capel scored a field goal back with five minutes left in the half, but all this did was fire Margaret River up again and they ended the half with two more goals with yet another field goal from Reid, followed one minute later when Tim Jones converted an excellent pass from Battese. With a huge 8-1 lead at half-time, the call was to be strong on the ball and keep the momentum going but be aware of the need to defend.
Capel regrouped and although they put Margaret River under pressure, the defence held strongly through solid play from Evan Hayter, Michael Evans, Brynley Jenkins and Luke Altmann, with some inspirational goalkeeping from Owen Groves who, having never played in goals before, saved every shot directed at him just like a pro. Likewise, youngsters Vincent Reid and Troy Coffey gave drive out of defence to keep Margaret River in control.
Jenkins scored from a well-converted penalty corner midway through the half and Reid added his sixth goal for the match towards the end to finish off an emphatic victory.
Best players were Wesley Battese, Tim Jones and David Reid.
Next game will be another tester as the team faces Wests at 6pm on Saturday.