On a beautiful evening in front of a large and passionate crowd at the Duracraft Stadium another chapter was written in the fast developing rivalry between the Melville and Fremantle hockey clubs. It was a game played through out at a furious pace, filled with skill, drama, excitement, controversy and hard-nosed hockey. Somehow it seemed appropriate that City sealed the win with the last play of the game.
In a season that is so close the points on offer were vital for the third placed port side and 9th placed Melville City.
Right from the start the game was played at a high tempo and a “take no prisoners” attitude. The umpires quickly stamped their authority on the match and a few cards were dished out to ensue competitive feelings did not overflow.
It was the Magpies that started the better with Tim Boteler penetrating the circle in the fourth minute to win his side a penalty corner. Duncan Pearce fired in a powerful drag flick just to the right of the Melville custodian, Tristan Clemons to give his side the first goal of the game.
To Melville’s credit they shook off this setback and increased their work rate and started to enjoy a greater and growing share of possession. This edge in possession did not initially lead to many genuine scoring threats as Fremantle’s defence led by the veteran Darryl McCormick held firm. Ten minutes into the half Russell Ford improvised in the “D” to have a back hand shot however it lacked power & was comfortably dealt with by the Fremantle ‘keeper Jono Ellis. Then just a minute later Ford robbed Mark Nicholls of possession, broke into the “D” but scrambling defenders managed to exert enough pressure so that his shot lacked venom & no score resulted.
These half chances served to give Melville confidence and they started to control the game with Matt Wills & John McKnight providing midfield drive ably supported by Jon Rutgers on the left.
For the Port side James McPherson & Phil Marshall battled hard to keep their side on even terms
With about fifteen minutes to go Melville were attacking and an attempted “tomahawk” shot was missed but the ball was only partially cleared by a desperate Fremantle defence. The ball was fed in again and the resultant goal mouth scramble led to a Melville City penalty corner.
In a variation from norm, the shot was a hit taken by Ben Meacock that scored and tied proceedings at one all in the 24th minute.
Melville continued to press and Russell Ford had a good reverse stick shot saved a few minutes later.
As half time approached the Magpies started to work their way back into the contest but overall it must be said that Melville City had the best of the half.
The second half started with some good attacks by Fremantle. Steve Durrell made a good attacking run with Paul Nicholls ending up with the ball & winning his side a penalty corner in the 37th minute but Melville were able to save.
Melville then developed their own attack down their left side to win a penalty corner. The shot resulted in an infringement by the Fremantle defence that led to penalty stroke being awarded after the umpires consulted. Russell Ford duly converted this in the 40th minute & his side were ahead 2-1.
Just moments later a Melville player was shown a yellow card. Fremantle pressed to try and take advantage of their numerical superiority but a quick high lobbed pass from deep in the Melville defence found a Ford lurking forward, high in attack. He drove toward goal and scored in 42nd minute to give Melville a two goal advantage.
Fremantle now really raised the stakes pressing hard with Pearce, Marshall and Jesse Dowsing being active in the midfield and continually driving the ball forward. Fremantle won corners that were saved, hit the side of net & had a shot go over the bar.
Finally a neat interchange of passes between Dowsing & Boteler down the right saw the latter penetrate the “D” along the back line. His pass to an unmarked Steven Durrell on the penalty spot saw the Melville ‘keeper slide into a tackle that resulted in a penalty stroke being awarded and Durrell leaving the field injured.
Duncan Pearce flicked powerfully to the right to bring his team back into the game and only down a goal with 11 minutes to play.
Fremantle continued to attack incessantly winning many corners but the City defence held firm then in what was to be the last action of the game the ball fell to Melville’s Peter McDonnell high in attack who took advantage of Fremantle’s over commitment forward and scored his team’s fourth goal.
In summary Melville were worthy winners but Fremantle must be ruing their complacency after scoring early in the game then their failure to capitalise on their chances late in the contest. The game was a fine and exciting spectacle that kept the large, vociferous crowd engaged and entertained.
Coaches Comments:-
Melville City
Peter Freer was pleased with an overall team effort and was particularly pleased with how his team recovered from an early set back. Peter thought there was an enjoyable “edge” to the game as the two clubs seemed to building up a genuine sporting rivalry.
Of his better players the Melville mentor was pleased with the way Russell Ford continued to present well, showed good skills and was a constant scoring threat. He felt that John McKnight had provided his team with a real midfield drive in conjunction with Ben Meacock’s delivery forward.
Whilst in defence his back four and in particular Jon Rutgers and Matt Willis performed strongly. Peter was of the opinion that at present his ‘keeper, Tristan Clemons, was playing as well as any in the AHG League.
Fremantle
A disappointed Phil Marshall bemoaned the fact his side got off to a good start but then lost control of the midfield for an extended and critical period. He said the lack of composure and skill errors at vital times cost the team. Phil praised the fighting qualities of his team that enabled them to force six penalty corners in the last 10 minutes that could have let them snatch a share of the points although it wasn’t to be.
Next Games
Fremantle have a must win game against Hale at the stadium on Friday night whilst Melville City faces the daunting prospect of taking on UWA away on Saturday.
Match Statistics
Melville City 4 Fremantle 2
Scorers
Ben Meacock 1 (PC 24m) Duncan Pearce 2 (PC 4m, PS 59m)
Russell Ford 2 (PS 40m, FG 42m)
Peter McDonnell 1 (FG 70m)
Premier Two & Premier Alliance
In the later game Melville City added to the Magpies evening of disappointment by ending Fremantle’s unbeaten start to the season on the back of a three goal to nil first half and a scoreless second half.
Earlier in the day the Men’s Premier Alliance (3′s) were soundly beaten 9-1 by Melville 3′s.
Report by Peter Boteler
