Hockey action switch to Nhill
Wimmera Hockey Association players will converge on Nhill’s Davis Park this weekend after completing the first two games at Dimboola’s artificial pitches.
The most interest will be in an open match between undefeated Nhill Rangers and last year’s runners-up Warrack Hoops, in what will be the Rangers’ toughest challenge to date this season.
The Hoops played well in round one to narrowly go down to Yanac Tigers and registered a strong win over Dimboola Burras last week.
They are showing some of the form that has seen them play in 10 of the past 14 grand finals.
But the Rangers will be playing on their home ground and have the incentive to continue their unbeaten run with a victory. The result of this game will highlight how much the Rangers have improved over recent seasons.
In the women’s division, a top-ofthe-table clash will see Yanac take on Dimboola Roos for the first time since they met in the 2018 grand final, when Yanac prevailed.
With both teams showing impressive early-season form, this will be another epic game of hockey.
The closest game in under-16 competition will be between Kaniva Raiders and Horsham Bombers, with the opportunity to consolidate a position in the top four the prize for the winner.
Results – Open: Warrack Hoops 5 (Goals C. Bardell, B. Williamson, J. Williamson, K. Mills, P. Slater; best, M. Williamson, C. Bardell, P. Slater) d Dimboola Burras 1 (C. Baldock; T. Dent, J. Williams, T. Jorgensen), Nhill Rangers 0 (T. James, B. Miller, G. Janetzki) drew with Kaniva Cobras 0 (D. Shalders, A. Wallis, C. Beattie), Yanac Tigers 2 (N. Alexander, T. Alexander; T. Alexander, S. Farmers, N. Alexander) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (P. Mackereth, S. Trigg, D. Pumpa). Ladder: Yanac Tigers 8 points, 3 goal difference, 400 percent; Nhill Rangers 6, 1, 0; Warrack Hoops 4, 3, 200; Dimboola Burras 4, 3, 150; Kaniva Cobras 2, -7, 13; Horsham Hurricanes 0, -3, 0. Women: Dimboola Roos 4 (A. King 4; J. Klinge, B. Mcmaster, A. King) d Warrack Women 0 (T. Bull, R. Mcnamara, A. Genn, E. Slater), Yanac Women 5 (S. Alexander 2, M. Farmers, E. Alexander, S. Shurdington; E. Alexander, M. Farmers, S. Hedt) d Horsham Jets 0 (R. Creek, L. Schilling, R. Batchelor), Kaniva Women 2 (C. Shurdington, H. White; O. Williams, J. Wallis, S. Williams) d Nhill Thunderbirds 1 (M. Lovera; E. Murden, R. Clark, B. Cuming). Ladder: Yanac Women 8, 9; Dimboola Roos 8, 6; Nhill Thunderbirds 4, 0; Kaniva Women 4, -1; Horsham Jets 0, -6; Warrack Women 0, -8. Under-16: Kaniva Raiders 3 (M. Goodwin 3; M. Goodwin, S. Braisby, J. Dixon, I. Williams) d Nhill Leopards 0 (K. Rowe, D. Clark, K. Clark, T. Mcbride), Warrack Revengers 2 (B. Williamson 2; B. Williamson, H. Johns, T. Englebrecht) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (T. Krelle, T. Bamford, C. Baker), Yanac Warriors 7 (J. Croot 2, H. Pedie, M. Farmers, R. Croot, N. Colbert, C. Zanker; M. Farmers, J. Croot, A. Farmers, R. Croot) d Horsham Bombers 0 (B. Brooks, K. Dodson, S. Foot, L. Simmons). Ladder: Yanac Warriors 8, 17, 0.0; Kaniva Raiders 8, 5, 0.0; Horsham Bombers 4, -6, 25.0; Warrack Revengers 4, -8, 20.0; Nhill Leopards 0, -4, 20.0; Dimboola Kangaroos, 0, -4, 0.0.