SYC's Ryan Mackenzie and Mooroopna's Jordon Frauenfelder do battle as they chase the points.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
SYC Yellow claimed a crucial early-season victory against Mooroopna to continue its unbeaten run in Goulburn Valley Hockey Association.
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The Shepparton side came into the round three clash following victories in previous weeks against GVGS and EMHC to issue a signal of intent to rivals of its potential title aspirations.
After scoring 15 times across those opening two fixtures, they came into the clash at Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex in a confident mood as they looked to extend their purple patch.
Relentless in their work in the final third, they proved a constant scourge for Mooroopna, eventually emerging from the battle with a 3-0 win which will reverberate around the grounds.
Speaking following a third victory in as many outings, SYC Yellow captain Ryan Mackenzie was pleased with the efforts of his team after another comprehensive result.
“The team has certainly come together over the last few weeks and we seem to be working cohesively as a solid unit,” Mackenzie said.
“We’re thoroughly enjoying our hockey at the moment.”
Singling out a player of the match in the clash, the skipper earmarked Dante Tait as his pick after a strong attacking performance.
“He was ever-reliable up in the forward line, he was always controlling the ball and making an impact up there,” he said.
“Our veterans in Michael Nielsen and Luke Jorgensen have always held down the backline too, and it certainly makes it easier for the rest of the team, knowing they’re always going to have our backs down there.”
Remarking upon the atmosphere in the locker room after such a bright start to the campaign, the SYC stalwart reported that morale is high.
“Everyone’s got extremely high morale at the moment to be playing hockey and coming out with dominant wins, there’s been quite a buzz in the locker room,” Mackenzie said.
“We’re very much looking forward to the tail end of the year and hopefully being among the final contenders.”
Next up, the high-flying outfit will come up against intra-club side SYC Blue in what promises to be a standout game in round four.
“It promises to be a hotly-contested one, especially when we all know each other,” Mackenzie said.
“We train together so it’s going to be an extremely tight game, but we’re looking to make certain that our team comes out on top with the bragging rights.”
In a closing address, the SYC mainstay also revealed how much his side was enjoying the league format currently.
“We’re thoroughly enjoying the new ladder, the open men’s competition has more diversity in terms of skill level and teams – it’s certainly got everyone’s mood up, enjoying the change.
“Everyone’s very much just happy campers.”
Elsewhere, EMHC fell to a 7-3 loss at home against the Shepp Strikers Red, while the Strikers Blue boys grabbed a 6-1 victory on the road versus GVGS.
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, EMHC defeated the Strikers 2-1, as Mooroopna claimed an emphatic 7-0 win up against SYC.
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