Sharks stand tall to snap up second win

GEELONG broke through for its second win of the season in men’s Vic League 1 hockey on Saturday, coming from behind for a 2-1 result over Gippsland Bulls.

After a lengthy road trip to Drouin, the Sharks fell behind after just six minutes, with Gippsland’s Matthew Zurrer converting a penalty corner.

But Geelong had control for much of the game and eventually broke it open with a second-half brace from youngster Jayden Schram, the equaliser coming two minutes into the second half and the winner in the 62nd minute.

With skipper Mark Jackson unavailable, Jackson Moore ably stepped into the central defender role, and with an even contribution across the pitch kept Gippsland at bay.

“I thought we pretty much had most of the control,’’ coach Terry Moore said.

“We put a lot of pressure on them and had probably the better part of the play.

“The boys played really well, they had real desire in terrible conditions, but in the absence of captain Mark Jackson the boys stood up and really played for each other today. It was a really good effort right across the board and another good 70 minutes of hockey.”

The men’s reserves lost 6-3 with goals to Pat Matthews, Ryan Werner and Jacob Climpson.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s Premier League women were no match for a powerful Footscray in a 5-0 loss at Stead Park.

Trailing 4-0 at halftime, Geelong did apply the brakes in the second half in a strong performance.

“It was quite even through the midfield for most of the day, they were just a lot better in the forward half of the ground than we were,’’ coach Shane Walters said. “To come back in the second half and keep it to one was good.”

Walters praised the efforts of 15-year-old debutant Kahlua Smart who had plenty of work as a central defender.

Captain Emma Hatton and defender Gabrielle Sutton were also solid contributors.

After a tough run over the past five rounds, where Geelong has played the top four sides, the Sharks have a shot at a win next Saturday when they face winless Melbourne University.

The women’s reserves lost 7-0.