Thunda had the bye this weekend before the clash of the round next Sunday when they will take Storm at 3.30pm, this should be a cracker of a game as all club v’s club games usually go down to the wire. So come on over to the Turf at Coffs for some top Sunday Afternoon Hockey.

OCEANS battled with stable mates Taylors on Saturday night. Without subs, the Oceans had to work hard to lure the fish. In the past Oceans have played a great defensive game, but the last few games they have turned it around into a more attacking game, it is only a matter of time before we see goals on our tally. Newcomer Claire Chapman played a nice game, returning to the sport after many years break, with some great tackles and passes. Unfortunately Oceans tide must have been wrong as the Taylors were unhooked with a 3 nil win.

CYCLONES FAILED? OR DID THEY TRIUMPH?

Who can you trust when your star players are at vets (or like Troy Gordon spending his game time on crutches)? The ‘young guns’ is who! Against opponents steamed up following a five plus win in their first game, Kieran Marshall spent his lunch hour guiding the youngest team in the comp to a draw in a game where width, depth, penetration and flexibility counted.

Ben-Jan Van Hoffen, Hayden Koudela and new super sub John Gaites did more that hold field possession, through active and mobile defensive work they messed with their opponent’s heads, throwing Starfish’s game plan into disarray. Mid-fielders Luke Thorn and James Joyce-Preston made sure that nothing came easy for the Starfish, blocking and counter-attacking for the full hour.

Rob Wickham, backing up from a game the previous night, controlled the centre half position like a pro, while his right and left partners Isaac Condron and Ryan Jut showed talent and commitment tackling and attacking with skill.

And who better to call on in defence the three amigos: that extraordinary old fella Gary Marshall, the ever reliable Chris Sharkey (who were never outplayed) and the unbeaten Captn’ Dale Neaves (in goal) whose wise words directed the defence. When a forward fouls up the crowd go ‘aww’ but nothing else happens; if a back does the same the team is suddenly one goal down! Ya gotta love it!

Breaking News: The Hockey Coffs Coast over 50’s Mens Masters team have come away with a silver medal from the state championships losing 1-0 to Illawarra in the final, with Urunga Thunda player, David Rake selected in the NSW O/50s Number 1 team to compete at the National Championships in Hobart in October this year. Congratulations to all team members on a great result for local hockey.

Women: Stingrays took on Southside and came away with a 3 nil win. Oceans took on club mates Taylors in a very entertaining game with play going from end to end with the score of 3 nil to Taylors no true indication of the closeness of the game, best for Oceans were Petina Williams, Claire Chapman and Kimberly Naylor. Next Saturday Oceans take on Legendz @ 2.15

TAYLORS: Taylors played Oceans and notched up our first win for the season; 3-0 Sally Toms, was first to score off a cross by yours truly-welcome back Sally. In the second half, we got off to a quick start and Jenny Parker showed that she’s still got it with a beautiful strike on goal. Norah Watt was rewarded for her determined running with our third and the game was in the bag. Although a lop-sided score, it was not all our way and defence was kept busy. We were glad to have Hannah Condran doing a great job running the corners and bustling the opposition.

BLUEFINS: Bluefins (Div 3) had a very physical match when they played Orara on Sunday. Vicki Ford at centre forward won the ball to put us on the attack and daughter Hannah finished it off with a goal. Orara mounted some attacking raids of their own but Racquel Preston and Alison Condran added the strength of experience to our youthful defence and frustrated Orara’s raids. With plenty of great passing by everyone on the team, Bluefins continued the pressure into the second half and the game was sealed when Shannon Mclaughlin (floating down) finished off an attack with a goal. A great result fitting a fabulous effort by all!

JUNIOR HOCKEY: It was great to see junior hockey finally started and our new little Minkey players glowing with pride as they walked around with their new stick bags kits.

Under 9’s also got under way and our Seahorses and Sharks played each other first. Both teams put their hearts into it and their bodies on the line. Sharks won 1-0 with a goal to Phoenix Smith.

Under 11s were on at 8:30 and started a bit short due to doubt caused by the rain. However, the weather did the right thing and games were played. Schnappers had a good win against Norths Cubs, despite playing short. Lockie Auld led the way with 3 goals but there was plenty of promising play by others. Claudia Kelsall was dominant down the right (it’s the Spokes genes) and Phoenix Smith was rock solid at full back. Jemillah hughes was inches from scoring and Laura Pickstone and Josh Perry put in a great effort. Logan Atkinson in goals only had one worry- his mouthguard was in his pad and pinching him.

Our other 11s Mermaids, played short against Southside and only went down 1-0 , putting in a great effort.

Dolphins, our Under 13s had a baptism of fire when they met the strongest team in the comp. With 9 players who had never played full field before, Dolphins showed their inexperience but they also showed lots of promise and will be on a quick learning curve. Stewart Joyce Preston did a great job in goals to keep the score down.

Urunga met Urunga in Under 15/16s in a game that resulted in a draw. Don’t know details but heard it was a great game.