Round 1 of the Servies Super 9s hockey tournament kicked off last Friday night with the first game at 7pm between New England Mutual and Hunts Carpets.
New England Mutual began the game confidently, scoring the first goal, however Hunts Carpets hit back soon after in what was to become the story of the first half ,with both teams trading goal for goal. Hunts Carpets carried a 3-2 goal advantage into half-time.
In the final quarter, Hunts still carried a one goal advantage but, in the final quarter, the boys from Hunts answered their captain’s call and lifted to win a great game six goals to three. Their captain Andrew Byrne sighted the leadership battle between himself and New England Mutual’s James Abbo as a key to the victory. Ant Doolan had a great game in the middle, feeding Ben Hanlan who was hard to contain. Surprise recruit Alex Waters was sensational, slotting two vital goals for the Hunts team. Byrne also said that Ken Whitty had a great game in defence and the New England Mutual Tamworth recruit Issac Farmilo was next to impossible to close down as he ran riot through the forwards. Local star Jimmy O’Brien also had a fantastic game in the beaten New England Mutual side.
Game two saw Sportspower taking on the highly fancied team from Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre. The game was tightly contested, with never more than a goal separating the two sides. Sportspower seemed to be creating more opportunities in the circle but the Apprentices’ keeper young Will Brissett had a superb game in goals to deny most of Sportspower’s attempts at scoring. Sportspower ran out eventual winners 3-2.
Best on the ground for the Apprentices was Tamworth star Sam Lobsey, while Dean Waters was a standout on the night for the Sportspower team. This sets up an exciting challenge next week between the two victorious sides, with Hunts Carpets playing Sportspower at 8pm,with the winner to claim top of the table and the curtain raiser between the Apprentices and NEM will see both sides seeking redemption at 7pm.
