Spring Twilight Hockey Competition Heats Up in Opening Round

Sunday marked the launch of the Spring Twilight Hockey Competition, and the action was as hot as the weather.

With five teams taking to the field this season, the competition welcomed back seasoned players and celebrated a growing contingent of enthusiastic juniors. The atmosphere was electric, with new faces adding fresh energy to the familiar camaraderie.

The opening match saw the Kookaburras face off against the Possums in a spirited contest. Both teams took their time to settle into rhythm, feeling out their opposition in the early minutes. The Possums gained an early edge as the Kookaburras began the game short-handed, creating several scoring opportunities—but they were unable to convert.

Once the Kookaburras fielded a full side, momentum shifted. Jude Sibanda, Nothabo Sibanda, and Aiden Gunderson each found the back of the goal, breaking through the Possums’ defence with precision and pace. The Possums responded with moments of brilliance—Ally Read slotted a confident goal, and Michael Walsh capitalised on a sharp pass from Brendan Sheppard—but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. The Kookaburras claimed the win with a final score of 4–2, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.

The second game featured the Wombats and the Emus, and brought a wonderful family-friendly vibe to the field. With junior players teaming up alongside their parents, the match was a celebration of community spirit and shared passion. It was an end-to-end contest, with both sides creating plenty of chances in front of goal.

Jose Webber and Janice Dunk were instrumental in driving the ball forward for the Wombats, while Faith Freeman delivered a standout performance—scoring three goals with consistency and composure. Lucy Dunk also added to the scoreboard, helping the Wombats secure a strong lead.

The Emus responded with pace and determination. Izack Meharg broke through the Wombats’ defence to score, and Greg Bannister converted another opportunity with skill. Despite their efforts, the Emus couldn’t close the gap, and the Wombats emerged victorious with a final score of 4–2.

The final game of the afternoon saw the Kookaburras return to the field for their second match of the day, this time against the Koalas. Despite the double header, the Kookaburras showed no signs of slowing down. The match was marked by fierce battles and impressive turnovers, as both teams worked hard to outmanoeuvre each other.

Kylan Williamson-Bellingham positioned himself well and scored for the Koalas, while his father, Mitchell Bellingham, anchored the defence with strength and poise. Juninia Mahika and Melwyn Makana kept the pressure on, forcing the Kookaburras to defend tightly. Mahika added a goal for his team, and debut player Tahlia McKay also found the back of the board. But the Kookaburras remained a constant threat, showcasing their depth and skill. Hannington Sibanda, Joshua Sibanda, Nothabo Sibanda, and Aiden Gunderson combined to score six goals, sealing a second win for the day with a final score of 6–3.

As the sun set on a thrilling opening round, it was clear that the Spring Twilight Hockey Competition is off to a flying start. With fierce matchups, family-friendly fun, and standout performances across the board, the season promises to deliver plenty more excitement in the weeks ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, there’s no better time to get involved and enjoy the spirit of twilight hockey.

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• Hockey