‘No passengers’ in tough drawn match

GEELONG produced its best hockey of the season yesterday and was unlucky not to take full points against finals-bound Southern United in women’s Premier League.

The Sharks drew 1-1, with a goal from Emmaline Moore at a short corner midway through the first half almost proving the winner before a desperate Southern United threw caution to the wind and earned a late penalty corner.

Having taking its goalkeeper from the field, the home side found the net from the penalty corner five minutes from time before rushing the keeper back on to salvage the point.

Geelong coach Shane Walters said everyone played well for the Sharks with ‘’no passengers’’.

“It was our most complete 70 minutes of hockey for the season, against a quality side,’’ Walters said.

Walters rated keeper Morgan Gould the standout for the match, while striker Eliza Whi- teley, Eliza Flanagan, Emma Hatton and Elise Webster were also solid.

Geelong next week faces its biggest test of the season when it hosts unbeaten top side Hawthorn at Stead Park at 2pm.

Amber Reilley was the sole scorer in the reserves’ 1-5 loss to Southern United.

Geelong’s men lost 5-1 to Old Xaverians in Vic League 1, but did throw up an early scare when Jason Bingham put one in the net after six minutes.

The finals aspirant responded with goals in the 14th and 18th minutes to lead 2-1 at halftime and put the games to bed to three more in the second half.

Geelong coach Terry Moore said the lack of a proper pre-season and a severe player shortage were taking a toll as the season progressed.

Three senior team members had to double up in the preceding reserves game after three players withdrew through injury after Saturday games. The men’s reserves lost 4-1, with Patrick Matthews scoring the goal.