With back-to-back games Friday (May 18 and Saturday (May 19), Gloucester junior Panthers hockey side continued to show impressive form. Friday was the first game under lights in the Manning Valley competition, which they took to with relish. In one of their more impressive games, the Panthers showed fabulous teamwork over the Taree Tigers. The first goal came off a short corner to Gloucester as Max Todd polished off a text book goal shot. This was quickly followed by a second goal to forward, Justin Battams. Jonas DeAngelis showed his developing understanding of the game by finding himself perfectly set up to deflect a pass from the centre into the goal. With further goals to Max Todd and Justin Battams, the Panthers had a commanding lead over the Tigers. This score line was maintained, along with an exceptional performance by the halves and backs who worked together to keep the play anywhere but near our goals; going so far as to cause the goalkeeper to request a book to read to occupy her time. Final score, 5-0.
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Saturday morning, the Panthers backed it up again this time against the Taree West Raiders. This game lacked the same level of communication the juniors had displayed the night before but still showed the teamwork needed to keep control of the game. Taree West had some strength in centre but with Elyssa Keen and Kyden DeAngelis on the task they couldn’t make enough ground in Gloucester territory. Dean Germon was first to strike in goal followed by Jonas DeAngelis. In the second, Justin Battams found open ground in front of him and was able to capitalise with a solid whack into goal. Taree West broke through several times in the second as they built on their passing game but with some impressive saves from Elise Coombes, the team remained scoreless. A final goal to Jackson Moore from a break up the right side sealed the match at 4-0. Next week’s match sees them again come up against Chatham Wolves. Last round they only just went down to the team but they are determined to rectify the loss.
