Round six action of the 2024 East Gippsland Hockey Association season last Saturday saw Orbost head to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex facility to take on its opponents Maffra.
Once again the Green and Gold’s cohort of young teams gave their absolute all in a tough series of away fixtures.
Orbost’s under 10s and under 12s teams combined this week to take on their hosts in a full-field encounter, achieving a scoreless draw in an absorbing contest.
In a team full of developing talent, Lara Kenny was recognised by the club as being one of the Green and Gold’s players of the week for her efforts and endeavour.
The under 14s side was able to take an early lead thanks to a sharply-taken Mia Martin goal before they were eventually defeated 4-1 in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggested.
Emerging talents Jack Scott and Keira Irvine both contributed strong all-round performances and were deservedly recognised as being among the club’s best players of the day.
Orbost’s under 16s and under 18s sides respectively faced off against tough Maffra outfits that play its home surface very well, but both fought hard throughout in defence and made the most of their limited opportunities to stream into attack.
Aster Anderson was recognised for her drive and determination in both fixtures with a club player award, while her younger brother Jasper continued to show his goal-scoring prowess with the Green and Gold’s only score in the under 18s loss.
Final score: U16s – Orbost 0 lt Maffra 6.
Final score: U18 – Orbost 1 lt Maffra 7.
great grit and teamwork against a strong opponent with their many junior and first year players gaining in confidence at both ends of the ground as the contest progressed.
On this occasion it was Orbost who was able to rally to score the final goal (from the stick of Bree Kenny) in a contest that had already been decided.
Final score: Orbost 1 lt Maffra 6.
Orbost Hockey Club will next be back in action this Saturday when it hosts Nagle at its Recreation Reserve home.
IMAGE: Orbost’s Geoffrey Florance looks to manoeuvre his way past multiple Maffra opponents during the combined under 10s and 12s fixture at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex last weekend.
