THE senior hockey season began with a great start from all four teams of the Wangaratta Dragons last Saturday. The division three Lady Dragons were on fire for their first up, playing at Wangaratta. On field they played as a new team but powered the field as if they have been playing together for years. Lucy Dwyer and Amelia Bongers scored the two goals defeating Falcons Black. The goals were scored as a team with the forwards getting the ball to the strikers, while defenders did an amazing job in the back not allowing the Falcons score a goal. With expectations high after such an amazing season last year, the division three Dragon men took to the field with something to prove and played with great intensity against a strong Norths team from Albury. With some new players in the team and juniors coming from the under 16s, the new-look men's team did not disappoint. With outstanding midfield play from Ollie Chambers and some rock-solid defence from Michael McMurrie, the div three men made a stand on their home ground and sent Norths back to Albury defeated 4-1. Sunday saw an early start for the newly formed Dragons’ division two men's team which took to the field in Albury. The men were excited to start their season and came out strong, and with goals from Andrew Groves and Isaac Cameron, they went into the half-time break up by a goal. Although even with valiant saves from goalie Alex James and some strong midfield plays between Alex Ellem and Charles Webster, the men could not hold back the relentless Norths attacks and conceded the defeat. The first women’s round of division two hockey saw the Lady Dragons up against reigning premiers Norths in Albury. With four new faces in the team, it didn’t take long to settle into the game. There was plenty of great attacking and teamwork across the field, in particular from Isla Ruhe-Crofts and Maria Feldmann, and it wasn’t long before Emma Gall scored the first goal of the season. The first half was a well-balanced game between the two teams, which saw Wangaratta lead 2-1. The second half saw the game open up with Wangaratta scoring another three quick goals to Norths’ one goal. With 30 seconds remaining in the game Wangaratta managed to sneak one last goal in, making the final score 6-2. The club has seen an increase in membership at both the senior and junior level, with a number of people on Saturday playing for the first time or returning to hockey. It’s not too late to try hockey out – men’s training is 6.00pm on Tuesday and Thursday, juniors from 4.30pm and women’s from 6.00 pm at the synthetic pitch at Cathedral College.
