Gloucester's junior Panthers in the Manning Valley hockey competition

Gloucester’s first mixed juniors team to represent the Panthers in the Manning Valley hockey competition are showing they have what it takes to play the other teams. 

We’re overwhelmed with the show of support and the welcoming atmosphere displayed by all of the clubs in the competition; some even offering players when we were short a goalie.

The junior Panthers are displaying skill in both attack and defence and, although it is early days, the team is quickly adapting to the different playing format on the turf learning how best to maintain position and work together.

Round one (Saturday, April 7) saw the juniors take on the Taree Tigers with an impressive win, 6-0; Justin Battams taking out the Play of the Day for his efforts.

On Saturday (April 14), the Panthers went head to head against Taree West meeting some stiffer competition, but continuing the winning streak, taking the game 2-0.

Elise Coombes joined the teams lineup to go in goals and between her and the Fry sisters, Amy and Darcy, they did an impressive job keeping the ball away from the goal.

The attacking line of Toreen Denyer, Ryan Beggs, Jonas DeAngelis, Justin Battams and spearheaded by Dean Germon, kept constant pressure on Taree West with a goal to Justin and Dean respectively.

Although the teams passing game was a bit sloppy in the first half, they came together in the second half for a cleaner game, working together.

Keeping offence and defence together was a hard working lineup in the halves consisting of Nathan Woods, Elyssa Keen, Jackson Moore and coordinated by centre half, Kyden DeAngelis.

Missing from the lineup on Saturday was Max Todd and Nick Maslen.

Despite all working very hard, Play of the Day went to half back, Nathan Woods for constant brilliant tackles and some great steals, running the ball into openings and consistent great passes.

This week there is a break for holidays to return on Saturday, April 28 for their next match.