There is a lot to like about the new-look Werribee hockey side, yet it was a familiar face who stole the show in a 5-1 win over St Bernard’s in the Hockey Victoria men’s Vic League 2 season opener at Presidents Park on Saturday.
Three debutants made an impact for the Tigers on a new surface.
Among all the shiny new things, established forward Sam Huxtable turned it on with a hat-trick, much to the delight of Tigers captain Jayden Street.
“He got one from a penalty corner and the other two were in open play,” Street said. “One he scored in typical Sam fashion where he probably took on four or five.”
Each of the Werribee first-gamers made their mark.
Matthew Engellener was dangerous in attack, finding the back of the net on one occasion, only for it to be ruled out by the umpire, while Michael Villani was solid in the backline.
Jamie Beamish shone in the midfield.
“He’s only 14 or 15 years old,” Street said. “That’s what excites us going forward – players like that being able to step up and do their role in the squad.
“He’s small and skilful and just wants to have a crack.
“He could’ve been overwhelmed by the situation, being his first game in the top team.
“But he wasn’t – he went in hard for the ball, created a couple of turnovers and worked a couple of short corners that we scored off.
“He created a couple of opportunities that resulted in goals.”
Werribee played for premiership points for the first time on its newly re-surfaced ground.
It was a long overdue upgrade for the Tigers.
“With the new field as well, it’s all positives going forward,” Street said.
“You’re meant to update them every 10 years and that one had been down for 17 years or so.
“It was due for an upgrade … everyone’s facilities are moving to a hybrid or a water field … ours was still the sand-based, so we were a bit behind the times.
“The council has been good in supporting us, and the club would’ve been funding as much as it can.”
The Tigers will hit the road on Saturday for a clash with the Greater Dandenong Warriors.
In women’s Vic League 2, Werribee opened the season with a 1-0 loss to MHSOB.
Sharmala Thuraisingam scored MHSOB’s winner in the first half.
