Labrador clean sheet one worth celebrating

A SUPREME performance as the last man in defence from Aaron Weiss helped Labrador christen their new artificial turf in the best possible way at the weekend.

The Tigerstix celebrated a return to their new Labrador Families Field at Hunt Park – venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games hockey – with a 2-0 win over Brisbane Hockey League leaders Eastern Suburbs.

And a key to the win was goalkeeper Weiss, who ensured it was only the second time in 101 games, dating back to 2012, that Easts hadn’t scored a goal in a game.

It was also the first defeat of the season for Easts who are now only three points ahead of Labrador on standings.

HE WAS GREAT, IT WAS PROBABLY HIS BEST GAME SINCE HE HAS BEEN WITH US ... JOE REARDON

It was little wonder that the Tigerstix celebrated hard postmatch, especially because Easts beat Labrador 4-3 in the final round of the 2016 season, before the field was ripped up, then again by 4-3 in a knockout semi-final.

Easts also thrashed Labrador 9-1 in the opening round this year – so there was plenty for the Tigerstix to celebrate this time around.

Weiss was quick to point out that he was not a part of that inglorious opening day after being left out of the side.

A product of the Burleigh club, Weiss is into his third season with Labrador and has continued to take his game to higher levels.

“He was great, it was probably his best game since he has been with us,” Labrador cocaptain Joe Reardon said.

“He is definitely a big improver.”

Weiss, 21, said he has come “a long way” since switching from Burleigh.

Goals to Corey Piggin (20 minutes) and Adam Imer in the 40th minute clinched the precious premiership points.

Labrador are idle this weekend when the Memorial Cup final is played between Easts and University of Queensland.