Twilight Competition Round 3 Delivers Thrills, Team Spirit, And Standout Performances

Round 3 of the Twilight Competition was packed with energy, skill, and a fantastic social buzz that kept spirits high on and off the field.

The Emus took on a double header this week, showing everyone how to balance fierce competition with fun and camaraderie.

Their first match was against the Kookaburras, who came out strong and kept the Emus on the back foot early.

The Kookaburras Juniors—Jude Sibanda, Joshua Sibanda, Aiden Gunderson, and Nothabo Sibanda—were relentless in attack, winning key battles and earning penalty corners that kept the pressure on.

Joshua, Jude, and Aiden each found the back of the goal, giving the Kookaburras a solid lead.

The Emus, however, weren’t without their moments of brilliance. Their younger players pushed forward with determination, supported by the steady guidance of Cooper Saines and Greg Bannister.

Haine Braddon managed to break through and score for the Emus, but the final whistle blew with the Kookaburras taking a 5–1 win.

The second game of the evening saw the Possums face off against the Koalas in a match that began with both teams fielding only six players each. The reduced numbers made for a fast-paced and evenly matched contest, especially under the heat.

The Possums struck early, with Edwina Planten scoring the opening goal, followed by a second from Brendan Sheppard in the second quarter, giving them a 2–0 lead at halftime.

Newcomers Annie Star and Natasha Reynolds made their debut for the Possums and quickly found their rhythm, positioning themselves well and contributing to the team’s early momentum. But the Koalas weren’t done yet. With a full team on the field in the second half, they began to turn the tide.

Kylan Williamson-Bellingham broke through the tiring Possums defence to score in the third quarter, and Juninia Mahika followed up with another goal shortly after, leveling the score at 2–2.

The final quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams digging deep. Ultimately, it was Mitchell Bellingham who sealed the deal for the Koalas, slotting in the winning goal and securing a hard-fought 3–2 victory.

The final game of the night saw the Emus return to the field, this time against the Wombats. Despite already having played a full match, the Emus gave it their all, making the most of every opportunity. Cooper Saines continued his strong form, while Hailey Saines added to the scoreboard with a determined effort.

But the Wombats were hungry for a win and brought sharp skills and quick movement to the game.

Janice Dunk, William Byrnes, Zeke Douglas, and Faith Freeman each found the back of the board, pushing the Wombats ahead.

Their coordinated attack and solid teamwork earned them a decisive 6–2 victory.

It was a night of impressive performances, spirited play, and plenty of reasons to look forward to the next round. IMAGE: Joshua Sibanda from the Kookaburras.

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• Hockey