This week, for the first time in many seasons, the Year 9-12 Margaret River boys had a full team of 11 boys.
They of course, still relied on the girls: Asha Altmann, Chloe Altmann, Tess Mann and Kiri Mann to fill out the bench in the game against Wests on Friday night at the Busselton Hockey Stadium.
From the first whistle Wests controlled the game with the ball in their forward line for the first 16 minutes of the game.
Margaret River defenders Archie Currell, Jack Bevan and goal keeper Conor Callow were solid repelling many Wests moves into the D.
Fynn Boylan, playing half back, positioned himself well and shut down Wests left wing effectively all game with his strong tackling and running game. And Zane McKee ran hard as the other half back.
Wests scored their first goal with 8 minutes to go in the first half through a piece of attacking play with a well-placed ball beating Callow.
Shortly afterwards Wests had a second when three Margaret River defenders chased a ball and left players unmarked in the D for an easy pass and goal.
At half time coach, Brynley Jenkins, asked the boys (and girls) to direct the ball down our left attacking side when we had the ball. And to look for the square ball when coming out of defence.
Unfortunately the team were not able to do as asked and again Wests controlled the ball for the majority of the half.
Each time Margaret River made a forward move Wests were able to turn the ball around before they could get to the D.
The second half was much like the first with most the game played in the centre and Wests forward line.
Margaret River defended strongly but eventually Wests were again successful this time through a penalty corner shot which was on target.
Wests final goal was scored after the full-time whistle again through a penalty corner play.
The umpire’s votes for best on ground went to keeper Callow for his many clearances; Blake Smith who showed leadership in the centre and strong tackling and Ben Van-Overdijk who ran a great game at inner.
New players Ari Lane, who only started playing at the start of this season, and Caleb Shugg are improving each week.
This week both the Year 9-12 Boys and Girls have a general bye due to the South West Junior Carnival in Bunbury over the long weekend.
A number of Margaret River players will be representing Busselton Hockey at the carnival while the men will be heading to Perth to defend their CSBP Country Week title. We wish them good luck.