ALTONA went into the Saturday’s Hockey Victoria women’s state league1 clash against Camberwell at Matlock Reserve full of confidence and tagged as favourites.
They had beaten Camberwell in a previous match and early domination suggested favouritism was warranted.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.
A goal on the counter attack against the play allowed Camberwell to take an early lead, but Altona equalised when co-captain Steph Sarantis slipped past the keeper after a great ball from Phoebe Rothfield.
Camberwell took a 2-1 lead into half-time, with another counter-attacking field goal.
Midfielders and centre halves Bronte Kerley, Emma Aitken and Danielle Schubach dominated for Altona, but missed opportunities up front left them susceptible on the counter.
In the second half, Altona pushed forward but were unable to convert, while Camberwell counter-attacked leaving the Altona defence vulnerable.
Two quick goals 15 minutes into the second half seemed to put the game beyond Altona’s reach.
But Schubach intercepted the ball, beat four Camberwell defenders
and passed to Kate Gilis who slammed the ball home from the top of the
circle.
Suddenly Altona had a sniff.
The team threw several players forward, but several unsuccessful penalty corners and field goal attempts left Altona short in a 4-2 loss.
Altona coach Marc Richardson said his side hadn’t worked hard at both ends.
“We missed our opportunities early and were smashed today on the counter-attack,” he said.
“We have to learn that if we work hard forward, than we need to work twice as hard back to cover for the quick counter-attack.”
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Footscray got its first point under coach Travis Brooks in the men’s state league 1.
The young and developing Bulldogs played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Mentone.
Women’s state league 1
Altona 2 lt Camberwell 4,
Footscray 2 lt Mentone 4
Men’s state league 1
Footscray 4 drew Mentone 4,
Camberwell 4 Altona 0
