Copy
View this email in your browser
In this weeks wrap:
What's on at Southern?
Summer & Indoor Hockey
Details for the summer indoor hockey season are now available.

As well as indoor hockey for the indoor season, summer hockey will be available outdoor for our under 8s and 10s. Family hockey will also be back. Details to come.

Indoor Hockey
Register your interest in playing indoor.

Indoor Hockey Details Here - Register your interest


Five Fun Fridays.

Details of the FFF = Five Fun Fridays for all the U8 participants and U10 Quarter field playing superstars in our junior section will be available soon.

There are Five Fun Fridays 11 October, 18 October, 8 November, 15 November, 22 November.
The FFF will run on Friday afternoons between 5 and 6 pm at Farm Road.
The sessions are game based and will be heaps of fun. We hope to welcome MANY OF YOU to continue your hockey journey in term 4. Costs for this program are only $ 40
Registrations for this program will open soon.
400 Game Milestone
Ash Jones plays her 400th game for Southern United this coming weekend at Greensborough. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, joining Michael Campbell and Julian Pratt who are over the 400 milestone. We hope to see another 400 in the Southern uniform.
 
Spicy Night
A huge thanks to the incredible social committee who made Saturday night such a success.  Who knew that the drab club rooms could look so amazing.
Thanks to all those who attended. A shout out to the premier league players who created such great advertising videos for the night.
Finals
With one more week of finals, some final positions are set in stone.
Seniors
  • Women's premier League - fourth - away final - Saturday 31 Aug
  • Men's premier league - first or second - home final - Saturday 31 Aug
  • Women's premier league reserves - 5th or 6th - home final - Sunday 1 Sep
  • Men's premier league reserves -  Between 1st and 5th - Sunday 1 Sep
  • Women's pennant B - 1st or 2nd
  • Men's Pennant C - 3rd or 4th
  • Women's pennant D - 2nd
  • Women's pennant F - 3rd or 2nd
  • Men's pennant A - 5th or 4th

Masters
  • Women's 35 A - 2nd
  • Women's 35 B - 4th to 2nd
  • Men's 45 A - 4th
  • Men's 45 B - 4th or 5th
Juniors
  • Under 16 Mixed Shield - 1st to 3rd
  • Under 16 Mixed pennant - 1st or 2nd
  • Under 16 Mixed South - 4th to 6th
  • Under 14 Girls Pennant - 2nd or 3rd
Under 12 School Sport Australia Championships
Good luck to Charlotte Carruthers who is part of the Under 12 School Sport Victoria team competiting at the Aus Championships this week. Charlie Williams is part of the umpiring team in Bendigo
Premier League
Men's Premier League -  Win

The MPL team ground out a win against neighbours Mentone to secure a home game in round 1 of finals and improve their record to 16-1-1.

Injuries and overseas commitments meant Will Carruthers played his third game for the year and Nick Fitzgerald made his debut at that level after a month of impressive performances in the PLR side. Both held their own and will surely go onto play a large number of games in the top side over the next few years.

Mentone, needing a win to stave off relegation, scored first after a long ball from Kiwi Import Jordan Ward found a striker up high who crashed the ball into the circle where an unmarked man turned the ball in.

Southern had the majority of the ball and created more than enough chances to put the game away in the first half but a lack of attention to detail combined with some desperate defending and high quality goal keeping meant the game remained close. Nathan Ephraums scored the home teams only goal of the half after some good interplay with the electric Carlin Walker saw Ephraums enter the circle on the left edge and smash a tomahawk past the outstretched goalkeeper.

The Second half was similar to the first with Southern dominating the game but finding it hard to beat they Mentone defense.   The share weight of possession and scoring opportunities eventually paid dividends with goals to Carlin Walker and Craig Marais in the 4th quarter sealing the win.

Craig Marais won the Best on Ground Jacket for his efforts in the midfield and up front. Josh Ephraums had a another strong game in the midfield, it is exciting to see him hitting top form going into September.

The highlight of the match was having all the juniors at the game join the huddle for the team song.

The men have done brilliantly all year and to secure a home final with a game to go is great reward. Any support for the game on August 31 would be greatly appreciated.

Report by Jesse Workman

Men's Premier League Reserves - Win

After an impressive win against a top 4 Camberwell team a different challenge was ahead of the lads this week in the form of a bottom 2 side Mentone. Complacency was a focus point pregame to ensure we played with our level of intent and purpose and to our game plan with the aim being able to dictate the game rather than being reactionary.

The lads, to their credit, played very well. The score line of 5-0 flattered Mentone as not unlike the PL game before hand, we had many more chances that we were unable to convert. Our short corners were also poor throughout the day with no conversions from 9 corners. A few areas to work on as we head into the final game of the home and away fixture and finals.

The game started as we expected with our press and counterpress causing Mentone all sorts of problems. The major difference this week compared to Camberwell was we did not need to press as often due to dominating possession. Our game style had to adjust slightly, deploying a little more patience and game awareness and too not crowd our attacking third or leave ourselves defensively vulnerable by creeping when we didn't need too.

Once we had adjusted the chances started to come. Goals to Mini, Ben, Ted and a double to the elder Eddington brother secured a great win in good fashion. Hammo was solid in the defensive circle coming out and playing more of a sweeper keeper role this week and top Finlayson was at the pinnacle of his game with his positioning, calmness and leadership a highlight, keeping the boys focused throughout. Right half Nick 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald intercepted everything that came near him and enjoyed another solid outing.

We move onto Greensborough in what will be an epic battle on Saturday evening. Top spot is still in our sights and we just need to keep winning and keep playing our brand of hockey with only 3 points separating first to fifth in the reserves grade. We currently sit third one point behind Greensborough and TEMs who are first and second respectively. Huge final weekend coming up!

Report by Shannon Davey

Women's Premier League - Loss
The local derby result was not going to affect much with 4th position on the ladder set. A great effort by the ladies, but not enough to gain the 3 points.
Women's Premier League Reserves - Win
A great win by the reserves against the higher placed Mentone. Now in the running for a home final as 5th or 6th on the ladder.
Men & Women's Pennant
Men's Pennant A - Win

The SA footy teams have the Showdown, and over in the West they slug out the Derby. In Queensland it’s the Q-Clash, while Sydneysiders enjoy the Battle of The Bridge.
Although not officially coined yet, the annual Southern v Mentone clash could well be dubbed the Battle of the Edgy (RIP).
And were it so, and that fine establishment still standing, the Southern boys would still be frothing on in the front bar and spinning the wheel after downing their cross-town rivals 5-2 in Keysborough on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a final-four finish.
There was no love lost in this encounter, although it seemed a bit like a “traffic light” party in the first half, with the umpire clearly keen for a bit of companionship such was the vigour with which he was flashing his green and yellow cards (most of which were aimed towards the Southern players i.e. Cam “Diesel” Paice). 
It followed a fast-start from the Panthers, who bolted to an early lead after a neatly-executed penalty corner was flicked near-side from a short push-out. Dom Eddy levelled the scores five minutes later and edged Buddha’s bandits in front with his second from a fast break.
Cam Paice, well-rested from his sideline sojourn, found an extra gear midway through the term and smashed home Southern’s third goal with a quality finish.
On top and in front, the Southern players felt the speed wobbles and soon handed control back to a surging Mentone, who pulled back a goal from a PC hit and earned another corner after the half time whistle, which narrowly drifted wide.
With the Premier League boys in support at the half-time huddle, Buddha channelled his inner Ric Charlesworth and inspired the boys with some uplifting oratory.
What he said I can’t really recall, but the response was immediate with a string of attacks inside Mentone’s defensive circle leading to a PC goal, which had enough dip and bounce to arouse Nathan Lyon and Tim Paine collectively (nice one, Garrrrry!!)
The match was sealed 10 minutes later when Craig Hardham, with the glee of a bloke tucking into his first Marko’s schnitzel, pounced on a defensive intercept and slammed home the final goal of the game.
The win sets up a tense final day of competition with Southern needing a win at Doncaster and fourth-placed MCC to lose its clash with Hawthorn, who sits in third.
Either way, with both games on a Sunday, one might be best-wise to book a table at the Rothy in the evening and leave a few hours of sick leave in the kit bag (except Buddha, or course, who works for Helen…and does a mighty fine job, I might add).
 
 

Report by Mark Tesoriero

Men's Pennant C - Win

There is an old saying "It doesn’t matter what it looks like, its the result that counts”.  That was very true for Pennant C on Sunday.   Starting the day in 4th place 4 points ahead of TEM  (5th) a win or a draw would secure a finals birth.

In very windy conditions Southern won the toss and chose to go downwind in the first half.  A dominant display in the midfield was unfortunately not fully capitalised on and we went into half time with a 1-0 lead.  A scoreline that could have been much more in our favour, but for some outstanding saves by the TEM keeper.

A scrappy and disjointed second half saw TEM draw level through a controversial goal, with confusion if it was actually touched by a TEM player in the circle.  As TEM continued to press with their season on the line opportunities opened up for both sides.  Rylan Pease made a series of outstanding consecutive saves that kept us in the game and finally Ed Winch put the game away with a late winner.

Surprising Camberwell lost their match earlier in the weekend to 6th place MCC and the 3 points from our win put us up into third.  A win in the final game v MUHC will secure Pennant C a home final.

 

Report by Jono Boyd

Men's Pennant D - Draw

The "interesting" year for pennant D continued. A draw against Monas

Men's Pennant E - Draw

The last few rounds of the PE season has settled into a fairly predictable pattern of honourable losses against the finals contenders. Frustrating as we've played some good hockey, but still find ourselves in the relegation zone. Off to Dandenong this week to take on the clear top of the table team (15 wins, 1 draw and a goal difference of 83). Team message was clear: play our game, as we've done over the past few weeks and don't worry about the scoreboard. After 10 minutes, we were up 2-0 and had controlled the game, but Dandenong have some quality players and they worked back into the game and led 3-2 at the break. Another couple of quick ones after the break and we were up against it at 5-2 down. Familiar pattern of competitive play, but unable to finish the job against the top teams. Not much was said in the group, but clearly there was determination to stay in the contest. We edged closer with a couple of goals, but they kicked again, leading 7-4 with about 10 minutes to go. Game over? Not yet; we put in 2 more and the crowd came to life. With a minute or two to go our 7th hit the back board and we were all square, which is how it stayed. Even received compliments from the Dandenong crowd!! Is that a first?

Great effort by the entire team. Impossible to pick the votes. We're still in the relegation zone, but have great memory to take out of the season.

Report by Michael Campbell

Women's Pennant B - Win

Wow, I did not expect that!

Mentone were sitting 5th pushing to get into the 4. However, this was denied at the hands of a once again very determined and composed Southern team.

The first 15 minutes we had found the back of the net 5 times and went on to wrack up 6 for the half.

Over the last few weeks I have been asking that they maintain their intensity for 2 halves and yesterday I hoped for at least 3 goals in the 2nd half and this was delivered.

Mentone were clearly rattled and frustration flared as they had no answer for Southern's relentless attack.

Once again it was pleasing to see that the goals were spread around: Lea 4, Alisia 3, Nicole 2. With others also having some strong shots.

Emily was back on deck yesterday and played well following a hamstring that had kept her out for 2 weeks but we are yet to see the return of Sammie and Jo both nursing injuries. We all have our fingers crossed for their sufficient recovery for the finals.

Although we are in finals, as we all know anything can happen and nothing is a given. We will not be getting ahead of ourselves and the work rate must get even stronger if we are to be there on grand final day.

Report by Deb Stockdale

Women's Pennant D - Win

Womens Pennant D played Hawthorn at H2 on Saturday in a match that could cement our 2nd position the ladder. The team started really strongly and controlled most of the play in our attacking half but Hawthorns defence was very quick & in your face so didn't give our girls any time on the ball. Hawthorn managed a couple of breakaways but were stopped before they could do any damage & the ball stayed mostly in our attack for the remainder of the half. After watching so many shots go wide or get stopped by the keeper Maddy managed to score in a scramble in front of goal at the 25 minute mark. Five minutes later we earned a penalty stroke after it hit a defenders foot on the line, but a good save from the keeper meant we went into half time 1 nil up. We lost a key defender at half time with a back injury they had managed to carry through the first half but with a shuffle of players we were able to keep the pressure on the Hawthorn defense for most of the 2nd half. Despite rarely letting the ball out of our attacking half we weren't able to add to the score & the game finished in a 1 nil win to our girls. A good solid win that means we finish 2nd on the ladder no matter the result in the final game.

Report by Lex Johnson

Women's Pennant F - Win

Well, that was a result 9-1 over Waverley, and in incredible 8 goals scored by Jett Edwards. A win by TEM over MUHC has shown MUHC is not invincible and sets up for a great final series.
Men & Women's Metro
Women's Metro A - Loss
.
Men's Metro A - Loss
.
Men's Metro B - Loss
.
Juniors
Under 18s - Loss

After Southern beating Powerhouse in round 2, despite their significant stronger team list, Powerhouse were determined to turn the result this time, and yes they get the better of our team.
Under 16 Mixed Shield  - Win

On Friday night the U16 Mixed Shield team ventured to the State Netball and Hockey Centre for its return clash with Altona. With the top three on the table extremely congested, it was important for Southern to bring their A Game, and do all they could to possibly push for minor premiers.

From the outset, Southern were ‘on’, they were having no problems keeping the play to their advantage, at half time Southern had found the net 7 times! The second half started much like the first……..with goals. At the 25 minute mark Ed (Fitzy) scored a very nice goal, not 2 minutes later his brother Nick (Fitzy) scored also, following a history in the club of the Ephraums, Marais and Lawton siblings among others doing the same.

Final score was a 13 – 0 win to Southern with goals to Finn 4… Dom 4… Davin 2… Ed 1… Nick 1… Will 1

Great work by the defenders to keep the card clean, I think Jacques was bored with only one touch.
A final, probing interview with the coach, Josh Ephraums, gave all in attendance a sneak peak into the mind of The Master, The Puppeteer, The Driver of The Bus. He was happy with the team’s performance on the night. Everybody stuck to the plan, and he was pleased with the outcome.

When I then pushed Josh with a harder line of questioning, he instantly became more vague and less sharing.
The crowd wanted to know if he felt he had the “Best Dressed Coach Award” all wrapped up for this year. He refused to accept or deny, but when Julie Lawton raised the positive aspect of his shoes, even Josh had to admit his shoes will probably secure him the award for 2019.

Report by Manny Papadopoulos (edited by Louis Carstens)

Under 16 Mixed Pennant - Win

A tighter game at Knox than one would like but a win is a win.

 

Under 16 Mixed Black - Loss

A loss to Waverly (7-2) on Friday night.  First half was a tight affair with Waverly taking a 2-0 lead before Brent O’Mara tightened things up with a goal.  Some great efforts by Danny Birkett in goal also kept the game well and truly within our grasp.  Unfortunately, four on the bench for Waverley and none on our bench took its toll in the second half.  The whole team ran the game out but Waverly overran us scoring five.  A number of close misses, other than a second goal to Brent, left the team with a score line that didn’t reflect some great efforts.  This leaves us outside the Four and unable to make finals but there’ll be fire in the belly to give Dandenong a run for their money in the final round.

Report by Ric Birkett

Under 16 Mixed Red  - Draw
The red team showed their prowess and strength by finishing with a draw against Camberwell on Friday night. Sadly Brumbies also toppled a top team, moving the red team to fifth on the ladder.
Under 14 Mixed Shield - Loss
An early goal put the boys in front at the start of the game. A sudden onslaught from Geelong changed the balance to 5-1 down at half. For those that only saw the second half, all would say the game was even, and the score for the second half showed that, 1-0 for the second half finished the game 6-1 down. Star of the week was Finn Vorrath, and for previous week Hayden Mitchell.
Under 14 Mixed South - Loss

Unfortunately the boys were unsuccessful at home on Friday night. A gallant effort by all but going down 4-0. Ashley Peric provided some glimpses of midfield brilliance and won this week’s Star Award.

Report by Nando de Luca

Under 14 Girls Shield - Draw

Our Friday night trek to Footscray started with a bang, going up 2-0 at half time to a team much higher on the ladder than us. Matilda Reid was on fire slotting the two goals in quick succession as a flustered Footscray tried to regain their composure. The second half brought with it the Footscray of old, giving Indra Stubbs a workout in goals yet only conceding two to result in a 2-2 draw. Southern’s strong defensive work held Footscray to a much lower score than their form would have predicted as shown in Kaila Gartly’s quality clearances, earning her the star of the week award. All in all another fantastic late season  performance by the girls. The three of us are so proud of their efforts and look forward to TEM at home next week.

-Georgia, Charley and Bridie
 
Under 14 Girls Pennant - Win
The under 14 pennant girls played a great team game especially in the second half . The defense did their first switch around the back initiated by Jess Elvins who gets star of the week along with India-Rose Ioannou who played well up in attack .
We won 2-0 vs Casey

Report by Phoebe Willcock
Under 12 Girls Shield - Loss
The Southern girls have had an amazing season with nearly every game finishing close. This time 1-0 down to KBH.
Under 12 Girls Pennant - Loss
Fighting hard, but the girls did not have the power to overcome Mentone.
Under 12 Boys Shield - Loss
U12 boys shield down 4 nil to Brunswick. Brunswick scored 4 goals in torrential rain in the first half before the boys steadied and held them for the second half.
Report by Sally Connor
Under 12 District - Loss
 
Under 10 Boys Half Field - Win
A win for the boys against Waverley 3-0!
Great Teamwork as always.
Star of the day - Sam McNess .
Under 10 Girls Half Field - Win
A nice win for the 10 girls over Waverley with three goals to Sophie Brown.
Under 10 Quarter field and Under 8s
What a great year it has been. Under 10 quarter field and Under 8s finish the season this coming weekend. Keep an eye out for details of the Five Fun Fridays coming in term 4.
Upcoming Fixtures
Round 6 juniors has not yet been finalised. As soon as these are finalised your age co-ordinators and team managers will send out a teamapp.
Team Results
Please support our sponsors
Twitter
Facebook
Suhc.com.au
Instagram
Email
Copyright © 2019 Southern United Hockey Club, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp