Installing Werribee teenager Chloe Pickersgill into the captaincy role for the Hockey Victoria women’s Vic League 2 side was not without risks.
But Pickersgill has re-paid the faith of coach Les McAlinden and dispelled any queries.
Pickersgill produced a performance befitting a leader in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Gippsland Bulls at President’s Park.
“It was a win that was led by the captain,” McAlinden told Star Weekly.
“She just had it in her head that we weren’t going to lose. She was so dominant and determined from the start of the game until the end. She made sure everyone was getting a touch of the ball and led the team beautifully.”
It was a mixture of young and old who played their parts in defeating of the Bulls.
Jenna Howley and Lisa Ross used all of their experience, while youngsters Casey Tunstall, Emma Tivendale and Claudia Beamish played beyond their years.
Tunstall had a day out with two goals. The young striker’s willingness to learn is starting to pay off.
“She’s still young and learning, but all the hard work and effort she’s put in is coming into place,” McAlinden said. “She’s been playing well.”
Werribee’s season is back on track after consecutive wins. The Tigers are one spot outside the top four, but still five points behind fourth-placed Melton.
In men’s Vic League 2, Werribee had a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Knox at The Knox School. Sax Huxtable fired in a double for the Tigers, while Ross Cowlishaw scored the other.
The Tigers have tumbled to seventh and further off the finals pace.
