Werribee remains a touch and go proposition for the Hockey Victoria men’s Vic League 2 finals.
The Tigers had to be content with a 2-2 draw away to undefeated ladder leaders Gippsland Bulls at Bellbird Park on Saturday – a result that does plenty for the side’s self belief, but little by way of making an impression in the standings.
Tigers captain Jayden Street said a draw against an undefeated side was commendable – but three points would have been a whole lot better.
“So far, in the second half of the year we’re yet to drop a game, so we’re definitely coming home strong,” he said.
“We just hope we haven’t left our run too late.”
Should the Tigers sneak into the finals – they are one point outside the top five with three rounds to go – they believe they can provide a headache for any side they then face.
The Tigers met Gippsland at full strength, something they might not have to worry about should the two sides come face to face in the finals.
“Throughout the year, they’ve had two Polish imports playing for them,” Street said. “One of them scored two of their goals. They’re both going home now, so this was their last game for them. They’re going to be a little bit weaker next time we play them.”
Werribee has featured in Fair Go Sport rounds two weeks running. They are rounds in which clubs hold days to promote diversity in sport.
The Tigers hosted their own day two weekends ago and were part of Gippsland’s celebration on Saturday.
“We’ve been running our day for probably five years now,” Street said.
“Our club is big on diversity through sport.”
As part of Fair Go Sport days, a medal is awarded to the best and fairest player on the day. Haymish Wawatai got the nod on this occasion for his work at centre-half.
“He gave us a lot of drive moving up the field and was strong in his tackles,” Street said.
The other half, Matt Tivendale, was just as dominant. The pair did well to snuff out most of Gippsland’s attack.
Sam Huxtable and James Alfredini were Werribee’s goalscorers.
Werribee will face second-placed Mornington Peninsula in a huge game at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Sunday from 11.30am.
In women’s Vic League 2, Werribee had a 2-0 win over MHSOB at the SNHC.
Emma Tivendale scored both of the Tigers’ goals in the second half.
Werribee will travel to Bellbird Park on Saturday to face the Gippsland Bulls.
