WERRIBEE will be riding shotgun in the Hockey Victoria men’s state league 3 finals.
The Tigers clinched an all-important top-two position with a hard fought 2-1 win over WestVic in the penultimate round in Ballarat on Saturday.
“It locks us in the top-two and we’ll get a double chance,” Tigers captain Ross Cowlishaw told the Weekly.
“Two cracks at going through to the grand final.”
Having sealed the second ranking in the finals, the Tigers can head into this Saturday’s last round meeting against Greater Dandenong Warriors a little more relaxed.
They have forecast line-up changes to get valuable minutes
into players who have been used sparingly, and will experiment with different moves.
“There’s no pressure this week,” Cowlishaw said.
“We’ll have a chance to rest a few sore bodies and try a few different tactics.”
Sam Huxtable is one effervescent youngster who will not want a rest.
The striker will be eager to keep the momentum rolling after firing in the game’s decisive double over WestVic.
Cowlishaw said the Tigers needed Huxtable peaking at the right time.
“He’s young and talented,
he’s really quick and has got the best stick skills at the club.”
WestVic threw caution into the wind late in the game.
They used the Olympic Games tactic of pulling the goalie to have an extra player in the field.
It worked, with the hosts forcing Tigers goalkeeper Aaron Durajski into a number of high-quality saves.
“He’s only a small fella but he’s like lightning when the ball comes his way,” Cowlishaw said.
“He attacks the ball and reads it well.”
Werribee played out a 2-2 draw with Melbourne University in the women’s state league 3.
Cath Gladman and Taylah Gentzen scored for a Tigers outfit that is destined for a mid-table finish.
HOCKEY VICTORIA
Men’s: WestVic 1 lt Werribee 2
Women’s: Werribee 2 Melbourne University 2
