Echuca-Moama Green goal scorer Courtney Thompson tussles with Natalie McDermott close to the net.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Echuca-Moama Green have secured the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association’s minor premiership — but it didn’t come without a real test of its credentials.
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In a top-of-the-table battle, Echuca-Moama Green battled SYC at Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex.
The stakes were clear for the girls in green — win, and secure the minor premiership; lose, and the elusive top spot is up for grabs with a round to play.
Fortunately, Echuca-Moama have a star striker in its outfit, and while SYC put up a gallant fight, it was a day that Courtney Thompson was untouchable.
The leading goalscorer in the league scored her fifth hat-trick or greater of the season, recording all three of Echuca-Moama’s goals in the match.
The gun goal scorer has 24 for the season, which is an incredible 17 more than the next best in the league.
Tayah Irwin and Hunnardeep Sandhu proved dangerous up front for SYC, netting a goal each, but ultimately the class of Thompson proved the difference in a gripping heavyweight face off.
Echuca-Moama Green's Sally Thompson attacks the ball in stride.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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SYC's Kim Starkey awaits her opponent's next move.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Echuca-Moama Green's Megan Farrell gets in on the action.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Echuca- Moama Green goal scorer Courtney Thompson tussles with Natalie Mcdermott close to the net.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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SYC's Kim Starkey clears defence.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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SYC's Charlotte Stevens controls the ball.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Echuca-Moama Green goalkeeper Erin Thompson dives to save an SYC shot.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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SYC's Tayah Irwin celebrates her goal with Charlotte Stevens.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In the other match for the round, the Strikers Hockey Club were gifted the points after Euroa chose to forfeit, placing them ahead of Echuca-Moama White in third, as the latter had the bye for the weekend.
In the A-grade men’s GVHA competition, the Strikers cruised by SYC six to nil.
After losing its initial encounter to the Scorchers 2-1, the Strikers have had three statement victories against the club with an average winning margin of five goals.
In B-grade men’s, SYC defeated the Strikers 3-2, while Mooroopna dispatched Echuca-Moama 4-1.
Mooroopna’s women’s outfit suffered a four-goal defeat in Women’s Vic League Two after being held scoreless against Knox in its final match of the season.
The loss places the team on the outskirts of the top four, and with the bye in the last round, its finals hopes are dashed.
