15-DEC-2003
Division A - Sonics Win !!
Sonics Vs. Druids - Grand Final
By Gemma Fornal
The Sonics have become the current NSW Broomball Mixed A Grade champions after beating the Druids at Penrith Ice Palace on Monday night.
Broomball is a variation of ice hockey, with players wearing special shoes to actually run on the ice, and using a ball instead of a puck. Teams are mixed with three males and two females or each team on the ice at a time.
The Sonics came out strong with captain Tim Brown taking the ball along the boards before crossing it to Luke Simmonds in the centre. Simmonds missed the goal and the Druids regained possession.
A few more exchanges saw the Druids' captain Saxon Hooper take a shot from the defensive third, only to be blocked by the Sonics' Kerry Baxter.
With 11 minutes left in the first half, a pass from the Druids' Belinda MacDavitt was intercepted by Brown who passed to Baxter in front of goals. Baxter failed to score.
Hooper's solo run came to an end when the Sonics' goalkeeper saved his shot. Seconds later the Sonics' Scott Murray had a similar run but could not score from the wide angle.
With six minutes left in the half, Simmonds was sent off for two minutes for a high stick infringement.
The Sonics won the face-off but soon lost possession. A speedy attack by the Druids' Bryan Macklin could not convert into a score.
The Druids' Tracey Ivin snatched the ball in defence and took it over the halfway line but constant pressure by the Sonics forced the Druids back into defensive mode.
Under pressure, the Druids' James Kristof mis-hit a clearance and the ball went to Brown who was waiting in the centre. Brown's strong but difficult backhand shot blasted past the Druids' goalkeeper and straight into the back of the net.
After a few more exchanges of possession, the ball stayed in the Sonics' territory for the remainder of the first half.
Macklin won the ball at the initial face-off of the second half and passed to Hooper whose long shot didn't look threatening.
With 17 minutes to go, a Sonics infringement led to another face-off that the Druids won. However Brown stole the ball, taking it for a run along the boards.
He struck it from about 15 metres out and the ball rocketed straight into the goal.
Seconds later Brown took another shot, only to be denied by Hooper.
The pace picked up as the Druids became desperate to score but repeated shots by Hooper could not break through the Sonics' impressive defensive line.
With 14 and a half minutes to go, Baxter passed the ball to Simmonds who scored again for the Sonics.
Desperate defence by Macklin saw him steal the ball from Simmonds and have his own shot at the Sonics' goal. The ball was cleared but the Druids soon regained possession after the Sonics' Pauline Perren dropped her stick and was forced to kick the ball away.
Hooper scambled to the ball in front of goals and pushed it past the Sonics' keeper to finally get the Druids on the scoreboard with only 12 and a half minutes to go.
The Sonics tried to slow the game down, holding the ball in the defensive third.
Kristof then found himself with the ball right in front of the Sonics' goal but his shot only found the keeper.
The Druids continued to bombard the Sonics' goal but the Sonics had stacked their defence. None of the Druids could get a clear shot whilst in the congested goal area.
Perren was sent off for an illegal check with only three minutes to go and it looked like the Druids would try to make a comeback.
Ivin took a strong shot that was intercepted by Simmonds who looked like scoring a runaway goal until the Druids' goalkeeper ran from the goal crease to block the shot.
The Druids' Aaron Wigg intercepted a Sonics clearance but his shot was wide of the goal.
With less than a minute left, the Sonics successfully slowed down the play and finished the game 3-1 winners.
At the post-game presentation, Hooper congratulated the Sonics on their success, noting that this was;
"Tim Brown's first ever Grand Final win, which is good for him because he's probably played the most games out of all of us. "We all played hard but the Sonics put the goals away and that's what counted." Scott Murray couldn't be happier with the result of his first game back since being injured early in the season; "The game was fast-paced and action-packed, the goals were good but the Druids couldn't capitalise on early opportunities. "Well done, Sonics - I couldn't have asked for a better game to make my comeback."

Sonics 3 (Tim Brown 2, Luke Simmonds 1) def Druids 1 (Saxon Hooper 1)

Tim Brown (left) accepts the A Division Shield for Sonics from Saxon Hooper

18-DEC-2003
Division C - Team IceBucket Prevail
Team IceBucket Vs. 69ers - Grand Final
All through the season, there have been 3 teams that were a class above the rest. Unfortunately, several members of the Robots had travel ambitions, causing their team to drop out of the finals race. So it was down to the 69ers and Team IceBucket. Last Time these two teams met, 69ers came away with a 2-0 victory in a brilliant defensive display, would they do the same?? The game started out a little "to and fro" with both teams defending each other off the scoreboard. As the half wore on, the two attacks started to lift their games to try and take the lead. It was Team IceBucket who eventually did this, with Liam Golding on the post converting the first opportunity of the match. Then it was 69ers who looked threatening, but they put two shots wide. The counter attack came swift, and this time it was Bryan Macklin on the post giving Team IceBucket a 2-0 lead and keeping their 100% chance conversion rate. While this stat couldn't be maintained, they still had enough to lead into half time. In the second half, it was very much a mirror image of the style of game. Still 69ers couldn't convert from a couple more chances. When Bryan Macklin (on the post again) failed to cleanly trap the ball, it looked like another opportunity wasted, but the 69ers keeper helped him out by losing his footing, and was forced to watch the ball trickle in for a 3-0 IceBucket lead. Less than a quarter of the match remaining, could 69ers fight back?? Their spirits were uplifted when Jay Schmidt finally was able to convert. But it was too little too late for the 69ers, only creating one more opportunity and once again not putting it away. So Team IceBucket winning 3-1 and become this seasons C-Grade Champions!!

18-DEC-2003
Division D - Hunters in a Thriller
Titans Vs. Hunters - Grand Final
Titans in their first season had improved dramatically since their first game several months ago. Hunters underwent a complete makeover mid-season and then had to fight hard to get themselves off the bottom of the ladder. With their new team, they were always expected to do much better than they ever performed. Last week they did show signs of the team they should be, but it couldn't be maintained throughout the game. So the final began, and it was all Hunters. Titans never had the ball for any length of time, and despite putting up a massive fight, their defense couldn't cope with all the pressure. Karl Pryor was first to score, hitting hard, and getting a nice deflection. Then Andrew Leahy, pulled off one of his rare but always effective power drives, and setting an example for James Dymond to do the same. So Hunters went into half-time with a convincing 3-0 lead. Titans were struggling to come up with answers, and the frustration started to creep in. The second half started, and the penalties started to flow. 6 minutes of penalties in the first 8 minutes of the second half for the Titans, and lots of yelling at each other was unlikely to be the recipe for a comeback. While this was happening, Hunters discretely had slipped back into a dissorganised rabble, that was quickly becoming their signature. Ten minutes remained, and Greg Dezman took it into his own hands to show the rest of his team that they were not out of the contest, slamming a goal and recieving a generous cheer from the onlookers. Not too long later, Carl Mella found Greg open again. Greg putting away his second this time to a near deafening cheer. Titans very much back in the game, and had momentum on their side. Meanwhile, Hunters getting tense, resulting in a penalty against Gemma Fornal. The one player advantage was just the opening Titans needed. Mark Rulewski setting up the man of the moment, Greg Dezman, for his hat-trick. There are not words to describe just how loud the crowd was at this point, but Ice-Rink management made comment that the floor was shaking in the office!!! With the scores level and, luckily for the Hunters, not long remaining on the clock, overtime was imminent. The break put a dint in the Titans momentum, and it also gave Hunters the chance to refocus. The 5 minute overtime can only be described as a dog fight. Up one end Alice Fornal and Natasha Diaz-Sanchez were amazing, showing utmost desperation, putting their bodies on the line as Hunters threw the kitchen sink at them. The other end had Bec Cashel repeatedly slowing the Titans attack and causing them to fumble. With about 30 seconds left in the period, James Dymond sent a ball around behind the Titans goal, onto the stick of Andrew Leahy, who required minmal effort to put it in. This was enough to snatch back the victory over a very exciting Titans team. So the last game of the season was definately up their with the best, and it saw Hunters become the D Grade Champions winning 4-3 in OT.

01-DEC-2003
Division A - Week 24 - More Finals
Sonics Vs. 1st Druids - Qualifying Final
Tracy Ivin's 100th A division game, the first player to do so at Penrith and a chance for either Druids or Sonics to progress straight into the A division final. A very fast game with Druids missing early chances. In the end Druids ran out of legs and Sonics got over the top of them with a goal in each half to Luke Simmonds. Sonics home 2-0. Sonics into their second straight A division Grand Final, Druids to take on the winner of Slytherin and Sky Devils.
Slytherin Vs. Sky Devils - Semi Final 2
A major loss to Slytherin as Dane Hansen was on one leg with a torn leg muscle. Still Slyterin made all the running with Sky Devils camping in defence. Con Sourlangos, Angela Nasr and Cliff Pace setting up a Sky Devil fortress at the back. An outlet pass saw Shannon Jorda get a break away and score putting Sky Devils up 1-0. Then hanging on grimly they held out the determined Slytherin team. 1-0 Sky Devils. Sky Devils to take on Druids for the a spot in the final vs Sonics. Slytherin again finish 4th.
01-DEC-2003
Division B - Week 24 - More Finals
Monkey Magic Vs. 1st Can Openers - Qualifying Final
These teams were the combatants in last seasons C grade grand final which Can Openers won by a single goal. Again another tight game. Aron Calfas got Can Openers underway. Can Openers held sway for some time until a hard cross by Bryan Macklin was roofed by James Kristof. This one was going to overtime. 5 minutes of 4 on 4 still couldnt decide a winner, so into sudden death OT. A high pressure game both teams getting tired.. but still playing their hearts out. Eventually it was Ryan Findlayson who got the winner for Can Openers putting them into their first B division grand final. 2-1 Can Openers.
Western Scorpions Vs. Ice Fury - Semi Final 2
Ice Fury looking to rebound after a heavy defeat last week up against Western Scorpions who just got past Golden Falcons. An even start to the game with ice Fury going close a few times. However 10 minutes in Western Scorpions scored. The status quo continued until with 3 minutes left in the half Jay Schmidt exploded scoreing 3 goals. All of the sudden the game was over. 4-0 half time to Scorpions. Two further goals for Scorpions saw them romp into the preliminary final vs Monkey Magic. 3 goals Jay Schmidt, 2 goals Steve Larter and 1 to Tim Edwards in the 6-0 Scorpion win.

20-NOV-2003
Division C - Week 17
Raptors Vs. Polar Bears
Raptors played the first 15 minutes of this game a player down, but still were able to maintain possesion and build up pressure on the Polar Bears defense. But Polar Bears needed to get full points out of this game to stay off the bottom of the table, and fought hard to keep the Raptors out. Meanwhile, at the other end, they were making a few breakaway chances, but the Raptors were also showing a lot of heart with their scrambling defence. The second half came around, still with no goals on the board, but now Raptors had a full side. Raptors created many chances, but were denied repeatedly by Polar Bears keeper Luke Petelczyc. Very late in the second half, Raptors were able to put the ball into the goals, but only with a soccer shot off the foot. So overtime it was, and both teams chose to play a slow possesive game, but neither could create real chances, and a fitting 0-0 draw was the result. Unfortunately with 69ers forfeiting to Hunters, it means that Poar Bears finish on the bottom. This round saw the conclusion of the regular season and it is time for finals. The competition will spilt with teams in 1st to 4th playing for the C division title and teams 5th to 8th playing for the D division shield.
The Unforgiven Vs. Raptors
This game was the decider for 5th and 6th spots. The Unforgiven looking to recover from a 6-1 defeat last week, were again not so flash this week. Titans able to use their breakaways well to put pressure on The Unforgiven. The Unforgiven did play more of a controlling game from their defensive zone, but were disorganised in attack, and thus were unable to trouble the scorers. Goals to Chris and Greg Dezman, and a goal to Carl Mella saw the Titans to a 3-0 victory. A strong showing also by James Taylor with 2 assists.

24-NOV-2003
Division A - Week 23 - Finals Begin
2nd Sonics Vs. 3rd Sky Devils - Semi Final 1
The winner of this game would go on to meet Druids next week for first chance of a finals position. The loser would have to play the winner of the elimination final. Tough assignments either way. Typical A grade game, highly paced, good offence meeting good defence, meeting good keeping. Sonics looked likely early but Sky Devils repelled them every time. Eventually it was a Tim Brown rocket from the blue line that got Sonics on the board. Not to be out done, Sky Devil Con Sourlangos shot a cracker (with two hands) from out wide to even things up at half time. No further score in the second, however with 24 seconds on the clock and Sonics on a break away Shannon Jorda made a desparate tackle and brought down Luke Simmonds. Sally Yabsley just got far enough back to ensure it wasnt a penalty shot. But it meant Sky Devils were going into the 5 minute OT period a player down for a minute and a half. More drama to follow as Con Sourlangos high sticked leaving just Angela Nasr and Sally Yabsley to hold out the awesome Sonics attacking combination of Luke Simmonds, Kerry Baxter and Tim Brown. Amazingly they did hold out for the entire 4 on 2 when Shannon Jorda rejoined. Shortly after his appearence though Kerry Baxter got the ball to Tim who slid one in for a 2-1 lead to Sonics. Back to 4 on 4 but that was the end of the scoring Sonics going through 2-1. Sonics vs Druids in the Qualifying final next week. Sky Devils to take on the winner of Slytherin and Mighty Ducks in Semi Final 2.
4th Slytherin Vs. 5th Mighty Ducks - Elimination Final
Elimination finals are tough.. a loss and you are out. As a result both teams started cautiously, Slytherin with possession moving it around but not able to cross the half way line as Mighty Ducks pinned them in. Was always going to be a tough ask for last seasons champs Mighty Ducks, losing Harry Sotiropoulos and other star player John Magnisalis struggling with illness. Regardless of this John got off a big shot which forced the keeper to make a diving save in the opening minutes. Slytherin got the scoring going in the first half with a goal to Stephen Timmins. 1 nil Slytherin at half time. The second half opened up a bit as Mighty Ducks started to counter and could have evened it up several times. However it was a nice ball through to Dane Hansen on the post getting Slytherin's second. Then Jo Mitchell put the game beyond doubt taking the ball to the right of the goals, moving past players to the centre and striking a nice shot to the keepers left. A 3 nil win to Slytherin who earn the right to play Sky Devils next week in Semi Final 2.
24-NOV-2003
Division B - Week 23 - Finals Begin
2nd Monkey Magic Vs. 3rd Ice Fury - Semi Final 1
Ice Fury havent played for 4 weeks, victim of a dodgy draw that saw them get 3 of their 4 byes in a row. However they did enough to finish in third place and earn a spot in the first semi and the important double chance. The first half was an even affair Ice Fury grimly defending and looking to score on the counter. It was Bryan Macklin to score first for Magic with 3.45 to go in the first. 1 nil Monkey Magic up at the break. The second half started well for Ice Fury with Tim Roffey of the Magic being sent for an ugly high dangerous baseball type shot. However the Furious ones couldnt convert while they had the man advantage. Once Tim returned it got ugly for Ice Fury and the Magic went rampant. Daniel Wong in the 5th minute, Bryan Macklin in the 7th then another two by James in the 17th and 20th minutes of the second half. A 4 goal second half giving Monkeys a 5-0 win and a qualify final vs their arch foe Can Openers next week. Ice Fury with the second chance play the winner of Western Scorpions and Golden Falcons next week.

Highlights - 1st Half
15:46 Craig Loughlin-Smith sent off clipping - 2 minutes
8:22 Icing Monkey Magic
6:09 Kosta clears the ball with something akin to a pull shot to a ball on off stump
4:35 Ice Fury Offside
3:45 Goal 1 - Bryan Macklin
0:32 Ball out by Ice Fury
2nd Half
19:10 High Stick Tim Roffey - 2 minutes
15:36 Goal 2: Daniel Wong on the turn
13:00 Goal 3: Bryan Macklin scores shot facing away from goal through his legs from Wong pass.
6:03 Out by Ice Fury
3:15 Goal 4: James Kristof's first shot is blocked, but hammers the rebound in.
0:50 Goal 5: James Kristof and Daniel Wong with typical 1-2 series of passes before James slots it into the unguarded net.

GAME STATISTICS
Monkey Magic
Shots Taken 21
Goals 5
Face Off Wins 2
Icings 2
Ball Out 1
Offsides 0

Ice Fury
Shots Taken 3
Goals 0
Face Off Wins 6
Icings 0
Ball Out 2
Offsides 1

4th Western Scorpions Vs. 5th Golden Falcons - Elimination Final
Golden Falcons had been on a slide dropping from 1st to looking like missing the finals altogether. However a win last vs Ice Wizards and some useful results (Can Openers defeating Guinness) saw them scrape into the 5 on series goal differnce vs Phoenix. Western Scorpions would have finished third if they had completed their last duty correctly, found themselves in 4th instead and having to play in the cut throat elimination final. Was a very even game with Falcons blooding new players in a final and Scorpions short stalwarts Jay Schmidt and Steve Larter (on a cruise together.. hmm). In the end difference came down to young Tim Edwards who scored both Scorpion goals and came close many other times. The 2-0 win a first finals win for Scorpions who were previously 0 from 3 in B division finals. Western Scorpions now take on Ice Fury in another cut throat semi final next week. Golden Falcons are gone for 2003 (apart from a few scratch matches) but hopefully we will see them back next year.

Highlights - 1st Half
11:06 Tim Edwards shot crashes into the crossbar and bounces straight down then out.
2:40 Goals 1: Linda Bell takes it over the red-line then before the defence get to her she passes inside for Tim Edwards to run onto and go on to score.
2nd Half
16:10 Another big shot from Tim Edwards, this one saved.
15:04 Sally Yabsley off for two after clipping Leanne Slater.
10:16 Good shot from Sally Yabsley parried away by Kevin Howarth.
8:00 Sloppy clearence lands at Tim Edwards feet who has plenty of time to belt into the net.

GAME STATISTICS
Western Scorpions
Shots Taken 6
Goals 2

Golden Falcons
Shots Taken 8
Goals 0

20-NOV-2003
Division C - Week 17
Titans Vs. Hunters
This game very important in the battle for the wooden spoon. Hunters starting favourites after their victory over the Robots last week. Hunters started strong, having a lot of attacking possesion, which resulted in a lot of near misses by Rebecca "The Rocket" Cashel. Eventually it was Gemma Fornal who converted from out wide, get a bit of assitance from the Titans defense. This was the only goal of the first half. The second half found the Titans getting some numbers together for their breakaways. They levelled the scores when Greg Dezman finished a Carl Mella setup. The struggle continued, with the Hunters power hitters unable to break the Titans defense. It was getting late in the game when Titans made another breakaway with numbers, this time Carl Mella finished the Greg Dezman setup to give Titans the lead. With all the goals of the match happening at the same end, it meant that Hunters couldn't come back, but with the loss, they do firm as favourites for the wooden spoon. 2-1 Titans!!
The Unforgiven Vs. Raptors
Unforgiven needing a victory to have a chance of stealing fourth spot from the Raptors, but the Raptors have had very tidy results on all of their recent matches. Raptors seeming to have scrambling defense down to a fine art, were able to frustrate the Unforgiven attack in the first half. Meanwhile, in the opposite court, Raptors were able to make a couple of breakthroughs Kevin Chen making the post his temporary home for the night, and opening the scoring. Shortly followed by Davin Harvey blasting one in from short range. 2-0 Raptors at half time. Raptors defense faded a little at the start of the second, and Mitch Tuza capitalized for The Unforgiven, making the keeper look ordinary. However, this only sparked the Raptors attack into overdrive. A goal each to Simon Martin, Kevin Chen, and Davin Harvey, blew The Unforgiven out of the game. In the dying seconds of the match, Simon and Ryan had a little conference on who was going to blast the ball from halfway, eventually Simon gave in to Ryan, and Ryan fired it in to the goal mouth, where Kevin Chen was on the post, and knocked it in for his hat-trick and a 6-1 victory to the Raptors.
Team IceBucket Vs. Robots
This was the match for the minor premiership, and it did not dissappoint. A lot of end to end stuff, and if I were to mention all the good moments, it would take several pages. Instead I will mention the two goal keepers, Roy Dasco for Robots, and Mark Rulewski for Team IceBucket. Combined they were somehow able to keep the 0-0 scoreline up to the halftime break. The action continued in the second. It had to be impossible for this great attacking game to go the distance without a change in the scoreline. One coming when Liam Golding had a shot that ricocheted off some defense and then sat in the open goal crease leaving Bryan Macklin only to breathe on it to put it in. The goal came for Team IceBucket, so it was only fair that the goal came for Robots aswell... and it did, Mark Dasco force the ball in from a goal line scrap. 1-1 and overtime was a fitting outcome. Both teams had chances early in the extra period, but couldn't convert. A late send off for Team IceBucket, left Robots with a definate chance for the last minute, but couldn't take advantage. A suitable 1-1 draw, and this means Team IceBucket finish in first. Had Robots completed all their duties then they would have finished first, having beat Team IceBucket earlier in the season!!!!

17-NOV-2003
Division A - Week 22 - Round Games Complete
Druids Vs. Sonics
First vs Second with the winner claiming the minor premiership, so plenty to play for. Kerry Baxter got Sonics off to a perfect start, getting to a lose ball in front of the net, she got a good punch on it for a Sonics 1-0 lead. Druids levelled up just before half time through a bit of luck to Saxon Hooper (I'll admit it !! I was looking to pass but it somehow ended up in the net.. take what you can get !!) 1 all at half time in a very fast paced game. More of the same in the second half, a single goal to Druids proving the difference. From around halfway Saxon passed the ball into James Kristof who drew the defence, he then gave a nice pass to Bryan Macklin up near the goals. Bryan drew the keeper and more defence before sliding it back to James who had run through to recieve and chop it into the net. 2-1 lead to Druids.. plenty of time left for Sonics though. With a couple to go Druids got the ball and did a fantastic job of keeping possession to deny the Sonics any opportunity.. Until with 10 seconds to go Saxon decided to miss time a pass and hit it straight to Luke Simmonds in front of the net. Fortunately for Druids the keeper saved Luke's shot and Druids hung on for a 2-1 win. The win gives Druids the Minor Premiership and the week off next week. Sonics finished in second and need to await the outcome of the Ninjas vs Sky Devils game to see who they play next week in the 1st Semi Final.
Ninjas Vs. Sky Devils
Lots to play for in this game as a win for Sky Devils would put them into third and gain them a double chance, a win for Ninjas would see them avoid the wooden spoon, aswell as gain third spot for Slytherin. Sky Devils played with good composure, maintaining possession and getting away good shots, good cover and good keeping denying them. Ninjas played their usual counter attack style again being denied by good defence and keeping. John Skiadas got scoring underway for Sky Devils when he got the ball, beat a player and hammered it home. 1 nil Sky Devils at halftime. Lots of attack by both teams amounted to no goals. Con Sourlangos having several stinging shots saved. Sky Devils holding on for a one nil win and securing third spot. They now play Sonics next week in Semi Final 1, the winner of that game play Druids the following week in the Qualifying Final. Mighty Ducks drop to 5th and Slyherin to 4th. They square off next week in the Elimination Final, the loser out, the winner to play the loser of the Sonics vs Sky Devils game. Finals are always well worth watching, so get friends, family, whoever down to watch, a bit of support goes a long way.
17-NOV-2003 - Round Games Complete
Division B - Week 22
Can Openers Vs. Guinness
Minor Premiers Can Openers vs currently 5th placed Guinness. Guinness needed the win to make the finals with Golden Falcons and Phoenix snapping at their heels. Can Openers started on top, Guinness seeming a bit flat early on. Can Openers capitalised with goals to Aron Calfas and Ryan Findlayson for a 2-0 lead at half time. With it all to do Guinness lifted a cog and Beth Hines was on hand to get a loose pass from the Can Openers keeper and make the difference one with ten minutes to go. However Can Openers held on to win 2 goals to 1 and the Minor Premiership. Guinness now had a nervous wait, needing Ice Wizards to beat Golden Falcons and Western Scorpions to beat Phoenix to make the finals.
Ice Wizards Vs. Golden Falcons
Golden Falcons have been sliding down the table of late and now that Guinnes had lost needed a win to make the finals. They got away to a good start 1 nil with a goal to Kerry Baxter after just 1 minute and 19 seconds. Luke Simmonds scored next for Ice Wizards making it 1 all with 12 minutes left in the half. Mark Slater then scored for Golden Falcons making the half time score 2-1. Not good for Phoenix or Guinness. After nine minutes of the second half, goals to Mark Slater and Peter Anderson made the score 4-1 Golden Falcons. However Ice Wizards lifted their work rate and Luke Simmonds added another 2 (completing the hat trick) making the score 4-3 with two minutes to go giving Guinnes and Phoenix players some hope. The equaliser never came and Golden Falcons edged out Phoenix and Guinness for fifth spot.
Phoenix Vs. Western Scorpions
Western Scorpions currently in 4th needed a draw or OT loss to over take Ice Fury in third spot. With Phoenix now unable to make the finals the job should have been easy. However Phoenix in good form making a run for the finals decided if they werent going to be in them they could at least influence it. With 6.30 on the clock Ben Robson put one away after getting a pass from Linda Bell. The 1 goal enough to deny Western Scorpions third spot and the double chance. So next week Monkey Magic take on Ice Fury in Semi Final 1 and Western Scorpions play Golden Falcons in the Elimination Final. Again.. BRING THE CROWDS !!! Make an occassion of it !!

13-NOV-2003
Division C - Week 16
Titans Vs. 69ers
Another good defensive game from 69ers, the keeper only having to make one real save. Titans defense was up to scratch also, 69ers trying a lot of long range shots, most of which were off line. This all lead to a very mid court game which was 0-0 at half time. More of the same in the second, but 69ers with a bit of luck were able to get on the scoreboard: Steve Larter with a long range shot, missed just wide, but the ball rebounded off the boards around the goals and to the waiting Jay Schmidt who put it away. Titans almost themselves back level, but the 69ers keeper scrambled back into position just in time to make the save. 1-0 69ers.
Team IceBucket Vs. Raptors
Last time these teams met, Team IceBucket won 6-2. Raptors were keen to improve on this, coming off the back of an OT result against Robots. IceBucket came out guns blazing, making several breakaway chances, but were unable to convert. Bryan Macklin once again broke the defensive line of the Raptors, but this time had a flying Liam Golding charging into support, a well timed two on one pass gave Liam an easy shot for the IceBuckets to take the lead. This was followed by more pressure by IceBuckets, eventually converted when Liam Golding centered a ball into a crowded goal front, after a couple of deflections it landed nicely for Gabriel Rulewski, who had an open net to shoot at, and did so. Team IceBucket were on a roll, but didn't have it all their own way. Kevin Chen working hard for the Raptors, won a scrap for the ball, and found himself in a one on one with the keeper, and converted. So it was 2-1 at halftime, and still anyones game. While Team IceBucket probably had more possession in the second half, the actual tally of shots was probably very even. Still neither team could convert in this half, and so the full time score was 2-1 Team IceBucket.
Hunters Vs. Robots
Robots with a couple of key players down, lead to the best opportunity for the last placed Hunters to get one over them. This is exactly what they tried to achieve, a lot of energy and enthusiasm by the Hunters caused a turn over for Glen Butler-Flemming to put a scorcher away. Robots then got shocked into action, but couldn't change the scoreline before the half time hooter. The Robots were again caught off guard in the second half when Andrew Leahy caused a turnover and broke away to give Hunters a 2-0 lead. Again Robots jumped into gear clawing back a goal through Paul Hancock. But the lead for Hunters was again two when Josh Drinkall put Andrew Leahy into some space, who took his time to muster up a bullet. But the scoring was not over, Andrew Leahy in an event filled game for him was penalised for grabbing Mark Dasco's stick (Save it for private occassions boys). With the man advantage, Robots took full toll, Danny Santamaria putting one away. 5 minutes left, and only one goal the difference. Hunters got helped in their attempt to hold out when Mark Dasco for sent for clipping, and then another 2 for throwing his stick while leving the ice (Don't throw your sticks!!!!!!!). So Robots spent most of the remainder a man down, and this was enough to enable Hunters to hold on. 3-2 Hunters.

10-NOV-2003
Division A - Week 21
Mighty Ducks Vs. Ninjas
Ever improving Ninjas up against a Harryless Mighty Ducks who needed a win to secure a finals spot. Ninjas started strongly getting away some good shots. However it was Mighty Ducks who got the scoreing underway when John Magnisalis shot the ball in for the always goal crease present Kosta Sourlas to redirect for a Mighty Ducks half time lead 1 nil. Mighty Ducks started the second half strongly stringing together passes, Terry Giovas to Kosta through to John who had got behind the defence and finished nicely for a two goal lead. This stung Ninjas into action with Sarah Harvey laying off to Peter yabsley for the score with about 8 minutes to go. Mighty Ducks knew the had a game on their hands but didnt panic, protecting their one goal lead with some good defence by Lina Nasr and Shannon Vost. Controlled possession saw the Ducks hold on for a 2-1 win. Stand out performance by Ben Eagleston in defence for Ninjas.
Polar Bears Vs. Sky Devils
The last game for Polar Bears and a win vs Sky Devils could give them an unlikely finals spot. As the season winds down the intensity winds up. This game was right off the scale. Con Sourlangos started things off taking the ball over half way, he slowed looking to lay it off, however when the defence propped he put the foot on the gas and spead through creating a one on one with the keeper, which he finished nicely. 1 nil Sky Devils. Goals to Shannon Jorda and John Skiadas for Sky Devils and one to Sam Boer left the game at 3-1 Sky Devils and an all to predictable outcome was looking likely for Polar Bears. However the Bears dug deep, Alf Leahy and Brock Lessels providing good energy helping gain Bear possession. Firstly Mark Kim crossed a ball for Luke Petelczyc to dive through and roof his first A grade goal in his 25 game career and next Ceez Kim made a nice steal and lay off for Sam Boer to get his second of the night sending this one into overtime. Overtime was hectic with both teams racing end to end looking for the bonus point with long bombs. In the end it was an amazing shot by Shannon Jorda from just inside the half. Well struck it was high and wide, swinging in late and sneaking just under the crossbar before slamming into the back of the net. A 4-3 OT result for Sky Devils. The loss ends Polar Bears finals chances but they finished the season improving all the way. Sky Devils are in 5th place on 33 points with a game vs Ninjas next week. Slytherin's win vs Druids puts them on 37 points in third and Mighty Ducks 36 points in 4th. A win and duty point for Sky Devils will put them into third gaining them the double chance.
Druids Vs. Slytherin
The prize for Druids winning this one was the minor premiership, the prize for Slytherin a chance to sure up the double chance in third spot. Last time the teams met was in the first round of the second knock out tournament with Slytherin coming away 2-1 winners. An early Druid defensive stuff up saw the ball dribble out in front of the empty net for Dane Hansen to swoop on and tap in. Druids hit back soon after when Tracy Ivin pushed the ball to Saxon Hooper on the blue in attack. With Druids crashing the net Saxon shot the ball in looking for a runner but somehow the shot was unexpected and it beat the keeper. Slytherin were next to score through Steve Timmins running a good angle and slotting a ball past the keeper. 2-1 Slytherin at half time. Druids again tied it when James Kristof grabbed a ball on half way, slotted the ball over to Saxon who gave it back. Another pass saw Saxon draw the keeper and flip the ball over to James who guided the ball skillfully into the open net. With 3 minutes to go another blunder by the Druid defence saw the ball dribble out in front of an open net. This time Jo Mitchell was on hand to chop in the winner for Slytherin giving Slytherin 3rd spot for the moment. The loss for Druids means the winner of next weeks game Druids vs Sonics at seven will decide the minor premiers.

10-NOV-2003
Division B - Week 21
Phoenix Vs. Monkey Magic
Moving up from 8th Phoenix have been on a late run making a tilt for the finals. A must win game for Phoenix if their run was to continue. It started well for Phoenix jumping to a 2 goal lead. Bryan Macklin got one back for the Monkeys however some good keeping by Katie Robson and some great attacking moves saw Phoenix get out to a 4-1 lead. James Kristof pulled off an awkward hand thingy goal but Monkeys had nothing left with Phoenix driving home a couple more completing the 6-2 rout. A 4 goal best ever win for Phoenix keeping their finals hopes alive. For Phoenix Ben Robson had three goals and two assists, Andrew Chapman completed a double (+1 assist) and Stephen Clarke's single (+1 assist) rounded off the Phoenix goals. Damien Colyer had two assists in a fine game.
Ice Wizards Vs. Western Scorpions
A win for Scorpions would see them move into third place and gaining a second chance in the finals. A win for Ice Wizards would restore some pride for the once B divisions champions. Not many scoreless draws have a lot to offer as a spectacle but both teams gave 100%. Huge defensive plays and the odd slice of luck headed this one into OT at nil all. OT was very exciting with both teams making desparate saves and unsuccessful fast breaks leaving the game at nil all after OT.

06-NOV-2003
Division C - Week 15
The Unforgiven Vs. 69ers
An undermanned 69'ers looked in trouble when their ring-in keeper let them down in the first few minutes of play! We'll just write that one up to poor defence hey Ryan!? Jay Schmidt for 69'ers was able to equalise before the half-time break. Did you know that Jay has now played over 50 C-grade and 50 B-grade games! (that was a paid announcement, thanks for the fiver J). The Unforgiven sporting a couple of subs were looking a lot fitter coming into the 2nd half, compared to the 69'ers with no subs and now done to one girl (with Janine Weeks feeling off colour)! Smart defence from Lisa and Ryan kept the Unforgiven attackers goal-less. Jay Schmidt with a burst of energy was able to slot one into Unforgiven goals to bring the final score to 2-1, a 69'ers victory.
Team IceBucket Vs. Titans
A few of the Titans must've heard they were playing Team Icebucket and decided to just not bother tonight! Very close to a forfeit the Titans managed to borrow enough players to put a team on. Titans needed to do some close marking of Liam and Bryan if they were going to have a chance, and for the first 20mins they did a pretty good job. Just 1-0 to Icebuckets at half time. Back on the ice Icebuckets racked up two more goals mainly due to a confused Titans defence. Final score 3-0 to Icebuckets.
Polar Bears Vs. Robots
Another game with no-show'ers the Polarbears missing 5 players (Ceez, David, Paul, Sarah & Mel)! Made it too easy for Robots attackers Danny Santamaria, Aron Calfus and Mark Dasco to put points on the board. Walk over by the Robots 4-0. Securing Robots first place in C-division.

03-NOV-2003
Division A - Week 20
Druids Vs. Ninjas
Ninjas held on in the first half only allowing a single goal from Saxon Hooper to trail by that single goal at halftime. Ninjas were perhaps unlucky not to have scored several times themselves, only good keeping at both ends kept the scoreline static. However Ninjas folded like superman on laundry day in the second. Two goals to Bryan Macklin, and a single to Tracy Ivin. Druids showing good form coming up to the business end of the season 4 goals to NIL.
Polar Bears Vs. Mighty Ducks
Ten minutes into this game and Polar Bears were ahead. Sam Boer taking the ball in on goal and shooting, the goal keeper made a lunging save to knock the ball wide but only managed to knock it into Karen Thompson who provided the finish. Mighty Ducks were unable to mount a comeback being short some personel this week didn't help. Terry Giovas did come close one shot hitting the post and another certain goal hitting Kosta Sourlas. When Andrew Leahy scored Polar Bears second it was all over. This was in fact Andrew Leahy's first A division goal for this season completing a night of firsts for him. So Polar Bears 2 to Nil winners and Ninjas minding the wooden spoon with only two rounds remaining.
Sonics Vs. Slytherin
Slytherin wanting a win in a bid to finish high in the A division top 5. Sonics looking for an edge over Druids to setup a shotdown for the minor premiership in two weeks time. It wasn't to be for Sonics however with Slytherin again demonstrating what a tough side they are to beat. The only goal of the game scored by Slytherin in the first half by Craig Horsley after he jumped onto a loose ball just outside the goal crease. Sonics pressured the Slytherin defence in the second half but to no avail. Attacks were either broken up by the Slytherin defenders or well saved by Saxon Hooper in goals. In fact Slytherin were unlucky not to go 2 ahead with a shot from Ryan Findlayson being deflected over the goal by a defenders stick. The Slytherin team now get a shot at Druids in their next match to further prove they are contenders for the A Division title. 1 nil Slytherin.

03-NOV-2003
Division B - Week 20
Golden Falcons Vs. Guinness
First chance of this game came after just 20 seconds with Mark Slater taking the ball down the wing and crossing in for John Batman. But a timely interception from Saxon Hooper left only John sliding into the goal - not the ball. From here on in there were a lot of chances for both sides to score with some 54 attempts on goal. Surprisingly both teams failed to find the net. Just before the end a high-stick penalty went against Tracy Ivin, leaving the Falcons short for the first 2 minutes of Overtime. Guinness couldn't capitalise, then, Craig Horsley (Guinness), committed the same offence so he could keeping the penalty bench warm. Kevin (GF) also felt the penalty bench was inviting, making a save whilst in the goal crease (An important stop in the end). The last crucial moment belonged to Kylie (GF) with a shot block in the final moments. Unbelievably no goals! nil all after sudden death OT.

GAME STATISTICS
	Golden Falcons	Guinness
Shots Wide	11	5
Shots Saved	10	9
Shots Blocked	6	13
OffSides	3	0
Icings	0	1

Can Openers Vs. Ice Wizards
A three week break did nothing for the form of Ice Wizards going down 5 goals to nil. It was an improvement over the 8-0 loss three weeks ago to Monkey Magic but I don't think it was viewed that way. Good performance once again by Ryan Findlayson with three goals and also two rare goals from Alf Leahy his first of the season.

30-OCT-2003
Division B - Week 14
Team IceBucket Vs. 69ers
Last time these teams met, Team IceBucket won 6-0, and they average 4.1 goals per match. What was needed by 69ers was a stellar defensive performance, and what followed was nothing less than stellar!! The 69ers keeper never had to make a genuine save, only needing to clear the ball occasionally. But defense is only half the game, could the 69ers put together attack as well??? 10 minutes into the first half, Jay Schmidt and Steve Larter combined to gain a one nil lead. Not quite a comfortable lead. This remained well into the second half, and as the clock ticked down Team IceBucket were running out of time. When with only a few seconds left, 69ers took the ball into their attacking half through Lisa Nixon, the game was sealed, and then "iced" with Lisa centering to Jay to claim his second, and a 2-0 victory for 69ers.
Polar Bears Vs. Titans
A very important game for both teams if they wanted to stay within touch of the top four. Titans immediately gained the ascendancy when Carl Mella finished a James Taylor setup just a minute and a half into the game (Polar Bears keeper concetrating on other things at the time). A few minutes later, Titans increased their lead, James Taylor going one better than his assist. From here PolarBears tightened their ship and held out for the rest of the half. This followed into the second half, with neither team able to change the scoreline. So a 2-0 victory to the Titans.
Raptors Vs. Robots
Raptors the serious underdogs with a couple of new faces, and a girl short for the entire game. Robots started slowly with a bit of a midfield game to kick things off, and it was actually Raptors who had the first serious chance, but the shot was off line. Robots then began to mount repeated attacks, but some good Raptors defense let only minor threats through to the goalie. So 0-0 at halftime. In the second Robots continued the attacks, and as the Raptors defense began to get tired, Robots looked more and more likely to score. But some solid keeping shut down the one on one situations, and the mid range shots that swirled through the crowds in front of goals. Raptors again had another good opportunity, with some scrapping in front of goals, but were denied by keeper and post. So an unlikely score at the end of the second half of 0-0. In overtime, Raptors with only three on the field (a girl short), it was only a matter of time before the Robots attack put together a two on one, and Danny Santamaria was able to control the ball and put away the shot. 1-0 overtime win for Robots.

27-OCT-2003
Division A - Week 19
Slytherin Vs. Sky Devils - Dane has the Longest !!
Slytherin were looking to firm up their place in the top five against a Sky Devils team who've fallen into a bit of a slump. A slump that looked to be continuing as Slytherin rattled in three unanswered goals in the first half. The last of which saw Dane Hansen, the clock ticking down for half-time, having a go from a couple of metres in front of his own goal! The ball screamed down the ice, a single skipping bounce assisting it over a diving attempted save. This was the longest successful shot at goal in a competition match I've ever seen! Certainly a spectacular way to finish the first half. Significantly Sky Devils hadn't scored a goal for some 100 minutes at this point and had conceded 11 goals over the same period - what a form slump!!. One reason maybe was that for the last couple of games Con Sourlangos hadn't been available. He was back in this match and it was good to see the familiar one handed shot being employed at every opportunity. Fitting then that he ended Sky Devils scoring drought with a one hander in the second half. One goal wasn't going to make a difference however as Slytherin scored again handing the Sky Devils another big defeat, 4-1 Slytherin. The upcoming weeks will get very interesting as the 5th finals spot is really looking up for grabs in Division A.
Sonics Vs. Mighty Ducks - Shot Blocks and Not Blocks
The first half was very closely fought with both teams threatening to score. Pauline Perren (Sonics) and John Magnisalis, Kosta Sourlas for Mighty Ducks putting their bodies on the line blocking shots. The only goal of the first half from Sonics Stephen Clarke crossing the ball into the danger zone to Luke Simmonds with a sharp diving finish. Early in the Second half Stephen Clarke, near the red-line, passed down the wall for Tim Brown to run onto. He centered the ball immediately to Kerry Baxter running down the center who first timed it into the bottom corner. Not long after another Luke Simmonds strike saw Sonics out to a 3 goal lead. But Mighty Ducks never stopped searching for a goal in this match and scored two quick goals to give them hope. Then Sonics answered back with two quick goals of their own. That wasn't the end of it with the Ducks still finding space to shoot. After putting another goal away they continued to pressure Sonics who in the end were able to hold on to win 5-3. A fantastic half of action with 7 goals scored. Lots of bruised backs, legs and knees being taken home after this one with plenty more shots stopped in the field.

27-OCT-2003
Division B - Week 19
Monkey Magic Vs. Guinness - Macklin's no Monkey Man !
If it was Mitchell magic last week then the spellbook was handed over to Bryan Macklin this week. Four goals for Bryan in this game puts him on top of the points in B Division with 15 for the season. It also handed out a bit of a thrashing to Guinness unable to score a goal - final score Monkey Magic 5, Guinness 0.
Golden Falcons Vs. Western Scorpions - Scorpions Going North
Another one-sided game, Western Scorpions putting away 4 unanswered goals against the Golden Falcons. Jay Schmidt getting a hat-trick to help his team move up the table and closer to securing a finals position. As for Falcons they'll be disappointed after dropping from being up in second place earlier in the season but they still aren't out of it and have plenty to play for. Scorpions 4 nil winners.
Ice Fury Vs. Can Openers - Feel the Fury
This was Ice Fury's final game for this campaign. With some other teams still with three games in hand they desperately needed a win. A very closely fought game, Ice Fury taking a 1 goal lead and holding it before sealing the victory in the final minutes with another. Goals to Dave Buckley and Shannon Jorda. Ice Fury now get to sit back and see where they finish on the table but this win should secure them a finals spot. 2-0 Ice Fury over Can Openers.

20-OCT-2003
Division A - Week 18
Druids Vs. Mighty Ducks - Ducks Migrating South
The division leading Druids took on the Mighty Ducks in the first A Division match of the night. Kosta was warming the penalty bench early on after a high stick, such a dirty player ;) Druids then were on the attack but net-minder in this game for the Ducks, Peter Yabsley, was in terrific form making brilliant saves. It was looking like Saxon should just stay back in defence as nothing was going in for him and the chances just kept coming. Up the other end the Ducks finishing was found wanting also when Terry Giovas missed an open net. Then with 6 minutes remaining in the half an icing from the Ducks defence gave Druids a face-off in the Ducks zone. Saxon Hooper won the face-off and the ball found it's way back to James Kristof to crash this one home. In the second half the Mighty Ducks defence went on holidays, Druids simply too fast on the counter with quick passing up the ice from Tracy Ivin and Belinda McDavitt (2 assists) to the the likes of Bryan Macklin and Saxon Hooper running on to finish things off. Saxon even managed to get a couple goals in the end. Druids dishing out a 5-0 thrashing to last seasons champions.
Polar Bears Vs. Ninjas - Ninjas WIN !
Polar Bears were looking for another win against the team they'd defeated on the two previous occasions. Ninjas were looking to add a 1 under the win column for the first time this season. Always strong defensively Ninjas held strong in this match, but the difference was that they look much more potent in attack. Paul Naton finishing off a slick passing move in combination with Peter Yabsley for their first goal. In fact Paul scored another in this game and seemed to make the difference in this match, his teammates will be hoping he shows up for a few more games. 2-0 the final score, Ninjas finally getting a WIN!! (a real one!).
Sonics Vs. Sky Devils - Sizzling Simmo.
This was expected to be a very close game, especially after Sky Devils took out the last knockout competition. The last time these two teams meet there were nine goals scored with Sonics wining in overtime 5-4. But in the end this game failed to live up to expectations with Sonics dominating the game. Sonic player Luke Simmonds has hit some rare form of late and after this match moved into second place in the overall point statistics with four goals. Sonics scoring 5 times to Sky Devils 0.

20-OCT-2003
Division B - Week 18
Monkey Magic Vs. Phoenix - Mitchell Magic
Monkey Magic dominated possession right from the opening face-off win. At least two-thirds of this game was played in the Ice Fury defensive zone. With a wealth of possession Monkey Magic only managed 1 goal in the first half. After the break it stayed the same - James Kristof winning every face-off he contested for the Monkeys and the spectators sitting down near the Ice Fury goal getting all the action. The scoring started early in this half when 2 minutes in Jo Mitchell attempted and pulled off the equivalent of soccers bicycle kick. No mean feet considering the high stick rule but she managed it, certainly one of the goals of the season. I'm sure Saxon will be practicing that one for next years nationals. It seemed Jo's goal then served as an inspiration to her team-mates as they piled on 4 more goals for an emphatic victory. In particular, James Kristof in behind his own net, passing for probably the longest assist pass ever to Daniel Wong whose first touch was up just in front of the Ice Fury goal mouth. The only hiccup for Monkey Magic was Shannon Vost's attempt at ramming her head through the boards, fortunately she came away unscathed. Ice Fury on the other hand did not. 5 nil Monkey Magic.

	Monkey Magic	Ice Fury
Shots  on Target	13	4
Goals	5	0
Face-Off Wins	5	2
Icings Conceded	0	1
Out of Play	2	1

Phoenix Vs. Golden Falcons - Falcons in a Dive !
Golden Falcons took on Phoenix in a bottom table clash. It's been a bit of a free fall for the Falcons seeing that they were near the top of the table a few weeks ago. The slide looked to continue however as Phoenix dominated possession in this game. The goals, much like the first game of the night, didn't start to flow until the second half. In fact Phoenix managed to win the opening face-off, string two or three passes together before scoring the first goal of the match. The Golden Falcons Mark Slater did equalise seven minutes in but Phoenix sealed the result with a second in the closing stages. Final score 2-1 Phoenix keeping their finals chances alive.

	Golden Falcons	Phoenix
Shots  on Target	4	9
Goals	1	2

16-OCT-2003
Division C - Week 12
Robots Vs. Titans
Robots looking to keep in touch with the top of the table, were always going to start favourites against the last placed Titans. But Titans turned up their defensive efforts, and refused to let the Robots get away from them. Eventually the Robots did breakthrough with Aron Calfas slamming one wide and at a distance. Titans didn't crumble, and kept the score to 1-0 going into halftime. The second half saw Titans create some chances of their own, but a quick turn of defense into offense let Aron Calfas claim his second. Shortly after Titans thought they had pegged one back, believing the ball had crossed over the line into the goals, but viewed differently by the ref. Late in the game the final nail was put in as Aron Calfas Claimed his hat trick and finished the scoring at 3-0. Also of note was the 11 minutes worth of penalties given in this game!!
Polar Bears Vs. Unforgiven
The Unforgiven created the first couple of chances, but Mitch Tuza was busy trying to perfect a one handed shot, and couldn't give his team the lead. The game then started to gain some rhythm as teams took turns in attack. Polar Bears found the back of the net, but only from a kick. Unforgiven then looked like they were going to open the account, but only found the crossbar. 0-0 At halftime. Polar Bears again found the back of the net in the second half, this time legitimately off Jason Lessels stick. Shortly after Polar Bears were a player down through a penalty, and The Unforgiven took advantage with Mitch Tuza scoring a two handed goal. They then took the lead as James Ward claimed one. This was how it would stay until full time. 2-1 Unforgiven. Also 6 minutes worth of penalties in this game taking the nights total to 17 minutes.
Team IceBucket Vs. Hunters
With a win to Robots earlier in the night, IceBucket had to win to give themselves some breathing room at the top. This looked a certainty when Liam Golding and Bryan Macklin put a few passes together from the face off, Liam scoring just 15 seconds in. Hunters first half keeper Rebecca Cashel found her self under siege, and made several good saves, but the onslaught was too much to handle, letting in another two before half time. Hunters would have to work very hard if they were to get back in this one, but all hope was diminished when Lisa Price finished a well worked Team IceBucket goal. Hunters did claim a consolation goal, but didn't have the goods for the rest of the game. 4-1 Team IceBucket. 8 minutes worth of penalties were given in this game, bringing the nights tally to a large 25 minutes for three games!!!!!! Not very impressive!!!

13-OCT-2003
Division A - Week 17
Slytherin Vs. Polar Bears
An impressive performance from the Polar Bears in this match. In particular Sam Boer bagging two excellent goals. The first with 4:30 left in the 1st half. Taking the ball near the left face-off spot in Slytherins goal zone, beating two players with some nice stick skills then rounding a third to smash the ball past the keeper from right in front. Slytherin struck back early in the second half when a ball was lifted over the top for Ryan Findlayson to control then lift over the keeper. Slytherin had another good chance seven minutes from time when Steve "The Stripe" Timmins shot the ball into the crease from near the blue line, Sarah Kristof was up hunting for a deflection but didn't get enough on it and it passed wide. Then with 3:42 left in the game Mark "PornStar" Kim crossed to Sam Boer, he controlled then expertly flicked the ball high into the net beating the keeper all ends up. Polar Bears putting together a winning streak - 2 wins in a row!!! 2-1 over Slytherin.
Sonics Vs. Ninjas
Ninjas were looking to continue their dominance over Sonics defeating on both the occasions they had meet previously. The previous games both went to overtime but not this one. The game remained tight for nearly all of the first half, both teams getting some good possession and chances. Sonics really having to scramble back several times when Peter Yabsley looked to be getting a break. Stephen Clarke on his A Division debut with some very timely tackles was impressive in defence for Sonics. Then with only 15 seconds on the clock Kerry Baxter dispossessed a Ninja player in their half then passed to Luke Simmonds who slotted a ball through the keepers legs to put Sonics 1-0 up at half time. The second half remained very close once again. But on 11 minutes Luke Simmonds found himself in possesion near the halfway line, after being a little sloooowwwww getting back to help in defence, using his speed he was able to get through the last line of Ninjas before beating the keeper pushing the ball wide with his hand then slapping it in.
Druids Vs. Sky Devils
Angela Nasr was back in town today! Welcome back Ang! What the hell does that have to do with this game? Well it meant that a number of Sky Devils were off at welcome back parties. Saying that there were a few missing in action for Druids as well. In the end it was the "Bryan factor" that settled this one in favour of Druids. "Hasta la Vista Baby" said the Bryan-ator as he set-up Saxon (always good value) for two and Ryan Findlayson for another, a convincing win to the now league leaders 3-0.

13-OCT-2003
Division B - Week 17
Phoenix Vs. Can Openers
This was a very even game, which was surprising since Can Openers are on top and Phoenix are bottom 14 points the difference. This game unfolded with Phoenix taking the initiative from the start and putting together some nice passing to break through Can Openers defence on a number of occasions. This is no mean feat with Lauren and Lisa forming a very formidable final line. However even with a number of good breaks the Phoenix players really couldn't put together any decent shots on goal - their shots were 'mostly harmless'. Can Openers had a some big shots but nothing found the net. Phoenix then scored through Stephen Clarke half-way through he second half, it was well deserved. This proved enough to win, Ryan Findlayson threatened to equalise with 2 minutes to go but two excellent saves by Cliff Pace saw Phoenix complete an upset of the competition leaders and move within a game of sixth placed Ice Wizards. One other incident of note: Ben Robson (Phoenix) showing some good sportsman-ship after a collision which was going to have one of the Can Openers players in the bin for 2. Basically saying there was nothing in it and asking that they shouldn't be sent off. So Ben gets the Gilchrist award for this week, good stuff. ;-)
Guinness Vs. Western Scorpions
A mid table clash both these teams clinging to places in the top 5 at the start of this match. Guinness played with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. With 5 minutes remaining in the half Craig Horsley crossed to set-up Dane Hansen for an excellent chance but Dane missed...doh! But then shortly after Dane, having the ball on the back wall dished it out front for Craig rushing in - he didn't miss. The best chance of the second half, once again for Guinness, Craig Horsley able to get a break from half way only to shoot wide before collecting a minor penalty for cleaning up the goal keeper. It ended 1-0 to Guinness.

09-OCT-2003
Division C - Week 11
Raptors Vs. Titans
The council workers (Titans) started off in great form with James Taylor scoring in the first 5 minutes. Unfortunately it was there one and only goal for the match. And although it took the Raptors 30 minutes to warm up, they did get it together and scored two goals in the final 10 minutes. Raptors 2 defeat Titans 1.
Robots Vs. 69ers
69'ers down a couple of players tonight played it tough and sloppy against a full-on Robots side. They didnt do themselves any favours by spending 6 minutes of game time with a guy in the penalty box! Managing to keep it to 1-1 at the 40 minute mark. Danny Santamaria slotting one in against a very tired 69'ers defence in overtime to give Robots the game. Robots 2 defeat 69'ers 1 in OT.
Team IceBucket Vs. The Unforgiven
What's to say? Unforgiven where are your attacking players? Brave efforts by Nicole Pearce (Unforgiven) to take the ball over time after time, but where's the support!? Order of goals for Icebucket: Liam, Liam, Bryan, Liam, Bryan, Liam. Same old story really! Team IceBucket romping it home 6 to nothing over The Unforgiven.
Hunters Vs. Polar Bears
Plenty of pressure by Hunters kept the ball in Polarbear territory for most of the game. Unfortunately Hunters need more team play experience, with many loose balls and lost possesion in attack. Game stood at 0-0 going into overtime. A quick run down the wing by Andrew Leahy from the overtime face-off and a pass across to James Dymond in centre should have sealed it for Hunters, but it wasnt to be. Luke Petelczyz collected the missed pass and ran the ball down the other wing pushing passed Hunters defender Gemma Fornal, lined up for the trademark Petelzcyc-Punch shot at goal. Sailing past Bec Cashels' shoulder at velocity smack into the corner of goal. Unstoppable. Nice work Polarbears. We will meet again! Polarbears 1 defeat Hunters 0 in OT.

06-OCT-2003
Division A - Week 16 - Super Knock out 2 - Grand Final
Mighty Ducks Vs. Sky Devils
Sky Devils got off to a quick 2 goal lead with two cracking goals from Con Sourlangos. However just before half time Duck John Magnisalis wrong footed the keeper with a long shot which found the net. 2 - 1 half time to Sky Devils. The second half saw Mighty Ducks pile on the pressure only to be denied by the keeper. A bit of ill discipline left Mighty Ducks short players in the second half. No further goals coming in the game. 2-1 win for Sky Devils in the Super Knock Out Grand Final. Back to the normal competition next week.

06-OCT-2003
Division B - Week 16
Western Scorpions Vs. Ice Fury
The Scorpions got off to a quick start with Tim Edwards nailing one past Kosta Sourlas. Jay Schmidt followed up to give Scorpions a 2 goals to nil lead at half time. Westerns Scorpions came out hard in the second half with lots of shots on goal, all denied by Fury keeper Kosta Sourlas. Ice Fury didnt buckle under the pressure and Jenny Sourlangos halved the deficit. Unfortunately for the Fury, Steve Larte broke from the face off through the defence and somehow dribbled one past the tender. That was the final score 3-1 Western Scorpions. Young Josh Yabsley scoring his first point in broomball with an assist.. someone save us.. Three Yabsleys!!!
Phoenix Vs. Guinness
Both teams badly needed a win in this game. Guinness controlling possession and Phoenix countering. Last time these teams met Ben Robson took much delight beating Guinness keeper Saxon Hooper on two occassions. However this time he was denied on every attempt. Dane Hansen scoring a double for Guinness guiding them to win 2 nil.
Ice Wizards Vs. Monkey Magic
Both teams struggling for numbers early, the game started open and fast with 5 on 5. Ice Wizards after losing Troy Carroll at the start of the season have now lost Scott Murray who broke his leg getting out of his lounge chair, couldnt contain the rampaging Magic. Sara Kristof opened up the game with 4 assists before half time. The score five nil. Ice Wizards moved Bec Cashell into goals and there was little change in the score as Bec continually saved Monkey shots. However with a minute to go Monkeys put a couple more away completing the rout. Bryan Macklin scoring 5 goals, James Kristof 2 and Jo Mitchell fresh from Big Banana Broomball bash got 1 for the game. Monkey Magic finishing the game 8-0 victors.
Golden Falcons Vs. Can Openers
Golden Falcons forfeited this one.

04-OCT-2003
Big Banana Broomball Bash V - Coffs Harbour
Good turn out this year. Coffs Harbour showed up with ten very rowdy players. ACT brought two teams, The Warriors and The Kramers. Finally Sydney rounded out the competition with three teams Green Goblins, Silver Sovereigns and the Spokey Dokeys.

So a six team competition meaning 15 games starting at 9pm !! Meaning a 5am finish. Gotta love these all night Broomball tournaments. It really turned out to be a great competition with all the teams very competitive. Apart from the Coffs Harbour team the result of any game could have gone either way. Even Coffs were far more competitive than in previous years where previously they have lost games by double figures.. Their heaviest defeat this year was 6-0.

So after 14 very tight, competitive games it came down to the final game between Warriors and Silver Sovereigns, the winner making the final. Warriors getting through 1-0.

So down to the Green Goblins from Sydney vs the ACT Warriors in the final. Was going to be a good game with ACT Warriors the only team to defeat the Goblins in the round games. The rematch was just as tight as the first game with a nil all scoreline at full time. Keepers keeping the respective teams in the game. Overtime was called for. Another five minutes for the tired players to get through. Goblins controlled possession and eventually put away the winner for a tough 1 nil victory.

FINAL
Green Goblins 1 def in overtime ACT Warriors 0

TABLE
Green Goblins Played 5, 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss, 8 Points
ACT Warriors Played 5, 3 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss, 7 Points
Spokey Dokeys Played 5, 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss, 6 Points
Silver Sovereigns Played 5, 2 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Loss, 5 Points
ACT Kramers Played 5, 1 Wins, 2 Draws, 2 Loss, 4 Points
Coffs Harbour Played 5, 0 Wins, 0 Draw, 5 Loss, 0 Points

RESULTS
Game 1: Spokeys 5 def Coffs Harbour 1
Game 2: Goblins 6 def Sovereigns 0
Game 3: Kramers 2 drew Warriors 2
Game 4: Sovereigns 6 def Coffs Harbour 0 (Luke Simmonds 6 goals)
Game 5: Spokeys 3 def Warriors 0
Game 6: Goblins 2 def Kramers 0
Game 7: Warriors 2 def Coffs Harbour 0
Game 8: Goblins 1 def Spokeys 0
Game 9: Sovereigns 3 def Kramers 1
Game 10: Goblins 6 def Coffs Harbour 0
Game 11: Spokeys 1 drew Sovereigns 1
Game 12: Kramers 4 def Coffs Harbour 0
Game 13: Warriors 2 def Goblins 1
Game 14: Spokeys 1 drew with Kramers 1
Game 15: Warriors 1 def Sovereigns 0

Green Goblins: Saxon Hooper, Tracy Ivin, Peter Yabsley, Jo Mitchell, Dane Hansen, Ryan Findlayson, Craig Horsley
Silver Sovereigns: Ceez Kim, Karen Thompson, Sam Boer, Mark Kim, Luke Petelcyzc, Luke Simmonds, Brock Lessels
Spokey Dokeys: Rob Courtney, Anth Courtney, Jay Schmidt, Rob Irwin, Steve Larter, Sarah Harvey, Lauren Obrien, Lisa Nixon

Fun had by nearly everyone there. Looks like next year will be bigger and better again !!

02-OCT-2003
Division C - Week 10
Hunters Vs. The Unforgiven
The Unforgiven with a girl down and Hunters reborn, and desperate to get off the bottom of the table made the result fairly predictable. Karl Pryor knocking in Hunters first from a rebound off the back wall. Andrew Leahy drilling one unmarked infront of goals to make it 2-0 at the half time break. Unforgiven did create a few good chances in attack, particularly of note was Nicole Pearce making a breakaway, put in a good shot but was denied by the keeper. Hunters finished the game with Carl Pryor hitting a ball from a distance, touched on by Dion Pascoe to Glen Butler waiting in the goal mouth, and made no mistake. 3-0 Hunters.
Team IceBucket Vs. Polar Bears
Team Icebucket starting undoubted favourites despite some recent good form by the Polar Bears, and it looked like IceBucket were going to runaway with this one when Liam Golding claimed an early double (both off Bryan Macklin assists). Polar Bears then rallied hard and actually kept IceBucket out for the remainder of the game. Halfway throught the second they also halved the deficit with Jason Lessels finishing a David Conroy setup. This made for an exciting final stage, however Polar Bears could not find another, hampered by some penalties, just ran out of time. 2-1 Team IceBucket.
Raptors Vs. 69ers
69ers a girl short, and Raptors starting a guy short meant there was plenty of gaps on the ice for 69ers to work their magic, going up 2-0 in the first five minutes. The score could have been into double figures had a stragling Raptor not found the ice to give them a full team, which slowed the scoring. Raptors still totally out matched couldn't contain the 69ers attack who eventually put on six unanswered goals to give them a very convincing win. Stats went to Anth Courtney 1g3a, Jay Schmidt 2g1a, Steve Larter 2g, Bob Irwin 1g1a, and Lisa Nixon 1a. 6-0 69ers.

29-SEP-2003
Division A - Week 15 - Super Knock out 2
Mighty Ducks Vs. Polar Bears
Semi Final 1 saw Mighty Ducks looking for a berth in their third straight grand final vs the upstarts Polar Bears. However it was Polar Bears who scored first when Andrew Leahy flicked one in from the wing for Brock Lessels to one time the volley into the net from close range. Mighty Ducks then took control of posession setting up raid after raid to be denied by the defence and keeper. Then just before the half, Lina Nasr made a crucial stop just before 1/2 way feeding the ball to Harry Sotiropoulos who flicked it into a waiting Kosta Sourlas who redirected it on the full past the keeper. One all at half time. The second half saw Mighty Ducks denied repeatedly by a very flexible Cliff Pace in goals. However with less than a minute on the clock John Magnisalis set up Terry Giovas to smash home the winner. Mighty Ducks into another Grand Final defeating an ever improving but ill disciplined (8 minutes worth of penalties) Polar Bears 2-1.
Slytherin Vs. Sky Devils
Both teams were down their star players with Slytherin missing Steve Timmins(work), Andrew Nicholson(Asia), Jo Mitchell(stab wound) and Beth Hines(work). Sky Devils were missing Con Sourlangos(sore pinky finger) and Shannon Jorda (wedding), however Rob Courtney was there and brought up older brother Anth Courtney for his A grade debut. The missing stars and the effect of Anth "the X Factor" Courtney meant this game would be hard to pick a winner for. Slytherin started the better having much of the early play. However against the run John Skiadas broke away laid the ball off for Rob Courtney to bang it in from close range. Slytherin's best chance came in the first half where Dane Hansen dived at a ball sliding across goals, making good contact the ball hit the left upright, flew accross the goal mouth hitting the right upright before rebounding out of the goals. One nil at half time. The second half resulted in no further scores as both teams tired feeling the effects of no subs. Anth Courtney making a fine A grade debut for Sky Devils showing good energy, good passing and team awareness. A one nil win for Sky Devils over Slytherin putting them into the final vs Mighty Ducks in a couple of weeks.

29-SEP-2003
Division B - Week 15
Golden Falcons Vs. Ice Fury
Ice Fury have been creeping up the table of late with some good wins vs Golden Falcons needing a win to consolidate a top 5 position. Although it wasnt going to be easy for Falcons as they only had 4 players. In desparation they recruited Western Scorpions Jay Schmidt and Steve Larter (an unwise decision as you will soon read). A game of limited opportunities for both teams as the back defence was solid allowing little through. Into the first half Ice Fury Luke Dunne passed off to John Skiadas who under pressure bobbled a shot through at low pace to the stand in keeper Steve Larter. The gently rolling ball obvisously had some sort of mystic power put on it by John as Steve swung and missed it completely allowing it to roll gently into the goals. 1-0 at half time to Ice Fury. The second half saw the Golden Falcons apply much pressure in an effort to even it up, however some good keeping by Kosta Sourlas(including 3-4 saves in the last 20 seconds) kept out the Falcons. Another good win to Ice Fury 1-0 over Golden Falcons.
Western Scorpions Vs. Monkey Magic
A testimony to how tight the B grade competition is with these teams placed 2nd and 6th fighting out an OT epic. Western Scorpions got off to a good start with Steve Larter breaking from 1/2 way with Sally Yabsley in support for a 2 on none with the freshly returned Aaron Toomey Monkey Magic Keeper. However Steve didnt need the support and neatly flicked it over the outnumbered keeper. Bryan Macklin then evened it up for the Magic. 1 all at full time... OT to decide this one. Amazingly it was the Scorpions first venture into the Sudden Death time period with Monkey Magic having been into OT 4 times in their 9 games so far this season with 2 wins a draw and a loss. Both teams controlled the ball well not really creating many chances until Sally Yabsley broke clear and hammered a shot high into the net with a minute thirty to go. Western Scorpions getting a much need OT win 2-1 over Monkey Magic
Ice Wizards Vs. Phoenix
What a finale for the night. Two teams desperate for a win going goal for goal giving the large crowd thrill after thrill. In the first half Ice Wizards pulled a surprise move placing Bec Cashell in goals, while there she kept Wizards in the game making crucial saves and even stopping a 1 on none hand thingy attempt by Andrew Chapman. Andrew Chapman got a double for Phoenix as did Luke Simmonds for Ice Wizards. Scott Murray picked up the other goal for the Wizards. Ice Wizards gained the 3-2 lead with 5 minutes on the clock. However within the last 5 minutes Phoenix had at least 4 breaks on goal with no conversion and up the other end Phoenix Stephen Clarke caught fire stopping as many Ice Wizards shots. The outcome.. A 3-2 win for Ice Wizards.

25-SEP-2003
Division C - Week 9
Hunters Vs. Titans
A reformed Hunters (assuming the team makeup is okay'd by the grand poobah) have achieved their first victory this season! Titans had the numerical advantage for the entire game, Hunters playing with only one girl. An early goal by James Taylor from a Carl Mella assist for Titans, rev'd up Alfski for Hunters who swooped on a fast pass to even the score. Final goal for the match went to Hunter Gemma Fornal with Brock Lessels assisting. Tip for the Titans: keep possesion guys, don't give those balls away! 2-1 to the Hunters (were keeping those bottom-of-the-comp dreams alive)!
The Unforgiven Vs. Raptors
The Unforgiven were going to get hurt tonight with Mitch Tuza MIA, but when the Unforgivens' David Montgomery (Monty) won a one-on-one against Raptors goalkeeper Ryan Findlayson it looked like it was the Raptors who were going to go down with a shocker! Thankfully a couple of the Raptors guys were running late and pounced onto the ice with energy. Guy Beres scoring 2 goals and Davin Harvey 1 for Raptors. Final Score 3-1 victory to the Raptors moving them into 4th spot!
Titans Vs. Robots
C-Division second-rankers Robots used the opportunity of a 'soft game' against 6th place Polarbears to introduce new blood to their team, with Lisa Nixon off for the night she was replaced with newcomer Grace Dasco. Polarbears tried hard to get some attacking moves happening, but most of the play took place in their defensive zone. This gave the Robots attackers plenty of shots on goal. Only valiant saves from Luke Petelczyc kept the scoreboard at 1-0 until a cruel rebound off Dave Conroy gave the Robots an extra point in the final minute of the game! 2-0 to the Robots.

22-SEP-2003
Division A - Week 14 - Super Knock out 2
Ninjas Vs. Polar Bears
The warm-up session before this game say Andrew Chapman practicing his falling plus Mark Kim and Brock Lessels practicing a set play. Mark smashes the ball off Brocks head and then it deflects into the goal, I couldn't wait to see them do it in the game. Early in the game Ninja Peter Yabsley may have been watching the Polar Bears warmup as he slammed a shot into Polar Bear Ceez Kims helmet (was he trying for a deflected goal??). His attempt was foiled as Ceez did well to deflect it harmlessly wide.
The rest of the first half was pretty even except for a 7 minute period leading into the break. Polar Bears showed they've come a long way, hardly letting Ninjas touch the ball with some excellent passing and movement. The first good chance of the second half was created by Linda Bell storming up the wing then crossing to Andrew Chapman, unfortunately slapping the ball wide. But Polar Bears continued to maintain good periods of possession with Ninjas countering when they could. There were a couple of send-offs but neither team took their chances. Then with 45 seconds remaining Polar Bear Brock Lessels in possesion a metre or two into Ninjas territory, with plenty of options, decided he'd have a crack. This was struck firmly arcing through the scattered Ninjas defenders before dipping below the crossbar. Polar Bears knocking out Ninjas 1-0 in spectacular fashion.

Match Stats*
Ninjas Face-off Wins 6,Shots Saved 6, Goals 0, Icings 1
Polar Bears Face-off Wins 1, Shots Saved 3, Goals 1, Icings 3

Mighty Ducks Vs. Sonics
Harry Sotiropoulos was back to stop the development of a genuine losing streak for the Ducks. Sonics on the other had were going in with no subs, Tim Brown missing in action. It didn't take the Ducks long when after only 2 minutes John Magnasalis sped in behind the Sonics defense only to be denied by a great save from Cliff Pace. This was the story of the first half with Sonics able to thank good goal keeping on a number of occasions. However Sonics weren't without scoring opportunities themselves, Luke Simmonds breaking in on goal on two occasions but denied by more good keeping by Dane Hansen. Dane did let one in however when Scott Murray blasted one from near the halfway line. It was disallowed thought as Luke Simmonds was a-judged offside. The second half was to prove the decisive one, no goals at half time. 5 minutes into the second saw a stray pass get intercepted and Harry Sotiropoulos ran on to slot the ball past Dane Hansen, proving good on ending the Mighty Ducks losing streak. John Magnisalis scored one more with 30 seconds remaining after Sonics had pushed well forward to get an equaliser. Mighty Ducks are simply too good on the counter attack 2-0 and into the second round. Polar Bears and Mighty Ducks next week in Semi Final 1
Druids Vs. Slytherin
Druids started well getting an early goal through some nice lead up work for Bryan Macklin to score. Slytherin hit back to make it 1 all. Before half time Saxon Hooper flicked one in from close range to regain the lead for Druids. 2-1 half time. Early in the second half Slytherin tied it up, 2-2 which is how the game ended. In OT both teams were cautious with an error meaning exit from the tournament. In the end it was Dane Hansen reading a face off loss to run through and bury a hand thingy goal. Dane picking up a double with Stephen Timmins getting the other for Slytherin. Slytherin 3 defeat in OT Druids 2. Slytherin now meet Sky Devils next week in Semi Final 2.

22-SEP-2003
Division B - Week 14
Guinness Vs. Ice Fury
The first decent chance for Guiness was created when Beth Hines pressured the Ice Fury keeper who was stuffing around with the ball behind the net. She managed to get it out for her teammate Dane Hansen to get a shot but Lina Nasr was luckly on hand to block the shot. Another good chance two minutes later when Craig Horsley ran clear down the wing. His centering cross was a good one, although off the ice, and Dane Hansen did well to volley it, unfortunately wide. Another two minutes later Ice Fury took the ball up into the Guinness half. Craig Loughlin-Smith getting a solid shot on goal which was well parried by netminder Saxon Hooper. But, the rebound fell nicely for Ice Furys Dave Buckley following in, he made no mistake placing his shot high over Saxons second save attempt. With only 30 seconds remaining in the half Beth Hines was once again in the action getting in a shot. It looked to be going into the top corner but was tipped over by the goalie. So 1-0 to Ice Fury at the halftime and in fact that was the end of the scoring, no goals in the second half.
Monkey Magic Vs. Can Openers
Usually both these teams provide a very fast flowing match with lots of end to end chances. Not tonight, both sides guilty of turning the ball over with some inaccurate passing and generally not getting too many shots on target. Probably the best chance for Can Openers, Rob Courtney flicking a ball over the top to find an unmarked Ryan Findlysen with only the goalie to beat. Striking the ball as it dropped Ryan unfortunately hit it just wide. Up the other end it was Bryan Macklin who did everything right getting through the defence then flicking the ball past the keeper. He had gone one better than Ryan and found the post. Nill all at the end, the game went to overtime. Bryan Macklin getting the ball in defense then able to sprint forward showing good pace to beat the defense then slotting the ball home.

18-SEP-2003
Division C - Week 8
The Unforgiven Vs. Team IceBucket
A hard fought match with both teams desperate for the points. Unforgiven getting the ascendancy midway through the first half with Mitch Tuza and James Ward putting on a two man show for a couple of minutes in their attacking zone. This culminated to a Mitch Tuza goal. Team IceBucket struck back near the end of the first half, Liam golding making a break down the wing, stepping back inside, and beating the keeper. In the second half Team IceBucket started to gather momentum, and capitalised. Firstly, Lisa Price in a lot of space recieved an touch on ball from Bryan Macklin, she then in turn hammered the ball into the bottom corner of the goals from a distance, keeper having no real chance. Secondly, Team IceBucket showed the "Team" part of their name, Liam and Lisa with some accurate passing setting up Bryan Macklin for the final score of the match. 3-1 Team IceBucket, it must be said however, this could have been an absolute blowout without some stand out keeping by Unforgiven's Darren Pearce.
69ers Vs. Hunters
69'ers by way of forfeit. However the Hunters are now reborn and will start the comp proper this week vs Titans.
Titans Vs. Robots
Some unbelievable Titans defense frustrated the Robots to no end. The only downside was the lack of attacking opportunities they created. Eventually Robots did breakthrough, Mark Dasco late in the first half. Still a one off goal could bring Titans back level in the second half, their defense still holding strong. But again late in the half Mark Dasco put another one away to clinch the match. 2-0 Robots.

15-SEP-2003
Division A - Week 13
Mighty Ducks Vs. Sky Devils
Coming off a rare defeat Mighty Ducks started slow and looked flat footed as a broomball starved Con Sourlangos lead his Sky Devils to a 2-0 half time lead. Early in the second half Sky Devils rammed home another 2 taking their lead to 4 nil with 15 minutes to go. Rob Courtney and Con Sourlangos both bagging 2 each. Mighty Ducks looked gonnnnne !! Then Harry Sotiropoulos rememembered he was up near the top of the points table and decided to get involved scoreing Mighty Ducks first goal. He then set up John Magnisalis twice taking his match tally to three points and his season tally to 13, even with Tim Brown at the top. With five minutes to go it was all of a sudden 1 goal the difference. Sky Devils somehow managed to hold on putting Mighty Ducks on a losing streak... 2 in a row. Sky Devils 4 defeated Mighty Ducks 3.
Slytherin Vs. Ninjas
These two teams meeting for the third time in 4 weeks were at 1 win a piece going into this game, both keen to decide the series. Ninjas again adopting their tight marking frustrated Slytherin into loose shots and passes in front of goal and scored first through Andrew Chapman from out wide. 1 nil Ninjas half time. The second half was more of the same, Ninjas really very disciplined in maintaining their marking pattern. It took some very goo lead up work as Ryan Findlayson and Jo Mitchell set up Dane Hansen for the equaliser. No other score in the match as it went into overtime. Both teams very cautious in OT not risking turn overs on poor options and before they knew it the 5 minutes ran out and the game ended 1 all. No result to the three game mini series.
Druids Vs. Polar Bears
Polar Bears without a win since the first week took some confidence in taking it to the highly talented Sonics last week up against the Druids. The Bears tactic was to mark closely and rely on some good fast break chances. Saxon Hooper was first to score for Druids with some good work by Aaron Wigg to steal the ball and pass it down to Saxon who dinked it over the keepers left shoulder. 1-0 Druids at half time. The second half saw Polar Bears still defending grimly but getting more chances this time. However they failed to convert and it was Druids who took the score to 2-0 with a goal to James Kristof.

15-SEP-2003
Division B - Week 13
Ice Wizards Vs. Ice Fury
Top game this one as Ice Wizards playing one short all night took it to the Ice Fury who were missing Captain Shannon Jorda. The final score was 2 all with Scott Murray and Luke Simmonds scoring for Ice Wizards. For Ice Fury scorers were John Skiadas and David Buckley. Into OT to decide the bonus point. Ice Wizards one short did the right thing and won the face off holding possession as Gemma Fornal arrived late and looked to join the game and even up numbers. However as she raced around to jump on Scott Murray blazed away and turned the ball over for John Skiadas to break clear and dump it deep into attack. Jenny Sourlangos out sprinted the defence, got to the ball just ahead of the defence and chipped in the OT winner. Ice Fury 3 def in OT Ice Wizards 2
Monkey Magic Vs. Golden Falcons
The magic always looked in control of this one but could never quite put the Golden Falcons away thanks to another top performance in goals by Kevin Howarth. Final score was 2-0 to Monkeys who move to second on the ladder. Both Can Openers and Monkeys were promoted from C grade last season and hold B division places 1 and 2. Scorers for Monkey Magic were Tim Roffey and James Kristof.
11-SEP-2003
Division C - Week 7
Hunters Vs. Robots
Hunters again a no show. I need either a new team or an existing team to play in their slot. So if you know anyone who wants to step up to the plate.. bring them along... On the other hand if you have a bye or are really keen and want to play/pay twice let me know. First in best dressed.
69ers Vs. The Unforgiven
69'ers are looking very competitive at the moment with a very strong offensive combination with Jay, Steve and Anth. James Ward was back on the field after several weeks away with illness, but still The Unforgiven had a hard time getting it together when attacking. Mitch Tuza and James Ward showed a few sparks of their old Slush Puppies form with a lightning fast run on the 69'ers goal at the half-time faceoff, but were unable to get one passed 69'ers keeper Rob Courtney. All the goals went 69'ers way: Jay Schmidt leading with 2 goals, Steve Larter 1 goal & 2 assists, Anth Courtney 1 goal & 1 assist and Lisa Nixon with an assist. Score: 4-0 to the 69'ers.
Raptors Vs. Polar Bears
A long 45 minute struggle ending in a nil-nil overtime draw! Both teams seemingly equal in mid-field and defensive strengths leaving the goalies with a relatively easy game. Both captains, Ryan and Luke, attempted to apply pressure in the dying minutes of the game with underwelming support from their team mates! Score: 0-0

08-SEP-2003
Division A - Week 12
Mighty Ducks Vs. Slytherin
Resumption of the normal winter season saw Mighty Ducks, coming off a successful knock-out competition win playing, Slytherin hoping to increase the all important gap between 5th and 6th on the A division table. Both of these teams came into the match missing key players so it was going to be a close match. Slytherin got the start they were after when a backhander from Ryan Findlayson found the bottom corner, the oportunity nicely setup from a Jo Mitchell pass. The Ducks countered just after half time. Lina Nasr picking up the ball in their defensive half and sending a beautifull ball through for John Magnisalis to run onto. Kosta Sourlas loomed up in support and finished the slick move putting the ball in the net. The tight struggle continued and with some good pressure Slytherin forced Mighty Ducks to ice the ball. Only 45 seconds to go Dane Hansen won the face-off sending the ball back and across to Ryan Findlayson who smashed an unstoppable shot on target. There was time for a face-off but not enough time for another goal, Slytherin becoming only the second team to take points from Mighty Ducks this season.
Sonics Vs. Polar Bears
An impressive defensive performance from Polar Bears in this match saw Sonics really struggle to score. Sonics getting the better of possession but Polar Bears ensured there were always defenders on hand. The first goal a really nice effort, Luke Petelyzc sending in a shot and Sam Boer deflecting it past the keeper. The Polar Bears held their lead for two-thirds of the match before Sonics managed an equaliser. Luke Simmonds and Tim Brown breaking out of defence before Tim was able to run outside the last defender and strike a shot across the keeper into the roof of the net. The goal obviously had it's effect on Polar Bears, Tim Brown getting a fortunate turnover from the defense and plenty of space to shoot once more, this time in off the pipe. Then with less than a minute to go, Tim Brown off for two minutes, and from the face off Kerry Baxter put a ball through for Luke Simmonds to convert a one-on-one chance. The final score not reflecting how tight this game really was. If the Polar Bears can continue the defensive effort displayed in this game they'll surely cause some upsets in the remaining games.

08-SEP-2003
Division B - Week 12
Ice Wizards Vs. Guinness
Both these teams currently hovering on the dotted line between 5th and 6th spot which divides playing in the B Division championship playoffs or scrapping for the Wooden Spoon. This game had everything. One, a bizzare goal - I didn't quite see all of it, Craig Horsley winning a centre ice face-off and passing to Dane Hansen who took off toward goal - the ball was then seen rolling toward the goal keeper who swung, completely missing the ball which continued rolling toward the unguarded net. Dane following through helped it along. Two, penalty shot awarded to Josh Drinkall(G) after he was cleaned up by Aaron Parker(IW) sliding back in cover. Josh chose to run the ball in from halfway, as he closed in on goal the keeper, Rebecca Cashel, charged out and forced Josh to shoot wide. Three, Gemma Fornal had her stick destroyed, bits of wood flying to the four corners of the rink. Four probably the goal of the game Josh Drinkall taking the ball to the post, then passing back and centre to Dane Hansen who drew the defense dished it back to Josh who crossed to Craig Horsley on the opposite post to find the vacant net. Guinness winning 4 goals to 2.
Phoenix Vs. Ice Fury
Ice Fury took a valuable win, 2 goals to 1 in this bottom of the table clash. Both teams still in contention for the finals but it's just that much harder for Pheonix now.
Western Scorpions Vs. Can Openers
It only took Can Openers 2 minutes to open the scoring. Ryan Findlayson cracking a low shot into the bottom corner from near the red-line!! Their second came 6 minutes later Danny Santamaria setting up Rob Courtney. Then 4 minutes more saw the scoring completed for this game Arron Calfas setting up Rob for his second. So all the goals in this game all scored in the first half. Plenty of chances for both teams in the second half but neither team able to convert. Another convincing win for Can Openers.

25-AUG-2003
Division A - Super Knockout Competition
Mighty Ducks Vs. Ninjas - Grand Final - Ducks 2 in a Row !!
Ninjas shock grand finalists after ousting Slytherin and Sonics in dramatic overtime victories were up against the rampaging Mighty Ducks who have only lost 1 game in the past who knows how long !! On paper it should have been little more than a training run for the Mighty Ducks but it was anything but. Ninjas have found some confidence with their last couple of weeks results and played exceptionally well denying all Mighty Ducks attemmpts. Nil all at half time, Cliff Pace having a big game in net for Ninjas saving many a rocket from Harry Sotiropoulos and John Magnisalis. The second half was again even with both teams probing for opportunities and getting little. Lina Nasr and Amy Magnisalis were rock solid at the back for Ducks making crucial intercepts and shot blocks. Likewise for Ninja's Ben Eagleston, Linda Bell and Sarah Harvey shut down countless Mighty Duck raids. With only five minutes to go it looked like the game was headed to overtime when a Ninja turn over in Mighty Duck territory lead to Harry Sotiropoulos breaking to be one on one with the keeper. The keeper charged out and took out Harry but he got the ball over to Terry Giovas who had followed up in support. Terry had the simple job of guiding the ball into the empty net, scoring the championship winner for Mighty Ducks, their second tournament win in as many tournaments. So a valiant effort by Ninjas just falling short to Mighty Ducks 1-0. Mighty Ducks looked fantastic in their new STX beanies !!
Mighty Ducks 1 (Terry Giovas 1g, Harry Sotiropoulos 1a) def Ninjas 0

25-AUG-2003
Division B - Week 11
Ice Fury Vs. Western Scorpions
Third vs Seventh. Ice Fury definately under archieving this year with their talented roster. Both teams turned up late and delayed the whole night (make sure we are there on time guys!!) But I guess it was worth the wait as it turned out to be a good game. In an even game Shannon Jorda found himself unmarked in front of the net and hammered one past Scorpion keeper Sam Boer for the first goal. Not long after Sally Yabley hit a beautiful shot that was heading to the top corner only to be just stick saved by the wrong footed ice Fury keeper Kosta Sourlas. Jay Schmidt then evened it up for the Western Scorpions. But soon after Fury John Skiadas who followed a shot down into the corner shot from out wide, deflecting it off defender Tim Edwards into the goal. Final Score 2-1 Ice Fury defeated Western Scorpions.
Ice Fury 2 (John Skiadas 1g1a, Shannon Jorda 1g) def Western Scorpions 1 (Jay Schmidt 1g, Tim Edwards 1a)
Phoenix Vs. Guinness
With both teams out of the five a win was a must. Guinness got away to a flying start with goals to Dane Hansen and Josh Drinkall.\ Before half time Phoenix Ben Robson found himself clear and slotted it past Guinness keeper Saxon Hooper (didnt he let him know about it too..) In the second half it was again Ben Robson on a break who slotted a second goal past the Guinness Keeper..(again he let him know about it... hmm whens that next mens comp...?) So two all at full time and into OT. Guinness had an early chance but it was Cliff Pace who got the ball in Guinness territory who beat the last defender one on one and flicked home the winner for the extra point. 3-2 Phoenix defeated Guinness in OT.
Phoenix 3 (Ben Robson 2g, Cliff Pace 1g, Joel Robson 1a, Linda Bell 1a) def in OT Guinness (Josh Drinkall 1g1a, Dane Hansen 1g)
Golden Falcons Vs. Can Openers
Another top B grade clash with first placed Can Openers up against second placed extremely improved Golden Falcons. A friendly gee up from Western Scorpion Anth Courtney suggesting that Can Opener Rob Courtney would mark Tracy Ivin out of the game set the seen for the Courtney vs Ivin showdown. Golden Falcons seemed content to defend and rely on the counter. Can Openers camped in offence took many many shots. In this game the counter was the go as Mark Slater scored first for Golden Falcons. Soon after Tracy got free from Courtney and put in Golden Falcons second goal. 2-0 Falcons at half time. More of the same in the second half with Golden Falcons defending by the seat of their pants. Kevin Howarth having a huge game for Falcons having a shut out. Final Score Ivin 1 def Courtney 0... Golden Falcons 2 def Can Openers 0.
Golden Falcons 2 (Mark Slater 1g, Tracy Ivin 1g) def Can Openers 0
Ice Wizards Vs. Monkey Magic
The red eye special game again between teams that both need wins to make in roads into the table. Both teams were evenly poised and created an equal amount of opportunities. Monkey Magic scored the first two and only two of the first half. 2-0 Monkey magic at half time. Similar action in the second half as both teams wrestled for the upper hand. A defensive mistake lead to James Dymond grabbing an intercept and belting one into the top of the net. James who scored his first goal last week now has 2 in two games. However that was as close as they got as Monkeys sealed the win with a late goal to James Kristof. Final score 3-1 Monkey Magic
Monkey Magic 3 (Jo Mitchell 1g, Daniel Wong 3a, Tim Roffey 1g2a, James Kristof 1g ) def Ice Wizards 1 (James Dymond 1g)

21-AUG-2003
Division C - Week 5
Team IceBucket Vs. Titans
Clash of the Titans it wasnt... Team IceBucket continuing their winning form had it all over the new Titans. Liam Golding for IceBuckets scoring their first goal 4 minutes into the game with Lisa Price assisting. Bryan Macklin and Liam Golding added two more goals to the Icebucket tally in the first half. A tighter defensive game by the Titans in the second half saw only one goal scored by Bryan. Final Result Team IceBucket 4 defeat Titans 0.
Robots Vs. The Unforgiven
This proved to be a tough game with both teams having a couple of strong offensive players making hard on the defence. The Unforgiven missing James Ward in attack left it to Mitch Tuza to wear down the Robots defence. On the other hand Danny Santamaria and Mark Dasco for Robots had a hard time getting accuracy against the Unforgiven goal posts! With a nil-nil score line at 40minutes the game went into overtime. Mark Ward (from a Lauren O'brien pass) was able to dribble the ball into an empty Unforgiven goal box 2 minutes into overtime. Final score Robots 1 defeat Unforgiven 0.
69ers Vs. Polar Bears
The 69'ers played an attacking game against a very defensive PolarBears C. With the ball perpetually in the PolarBear territory it was inevitable that a few shots would make their way in. Anth Courtney and Jay Schmidt (both off Steve Larter passes) scoring 69'er points in the first half. But no one expected the Polarbears goal keeper, Luke Petelczyz, to have the best shot of the night! Luke attempted a big hit down the wing, the ball struck the back of teammate Jason Lessels, who was just a few metres from goal, it then rebounded over Lukes head straight into the net! Go Polarbears! Final Score 69'ers 3 defeat Polarbears 0.

11-FEB-2003
Kevin Costner, Matt Dillon, Pierce Brosnan and Alec Baldwin Broomballing !!!
These guys playing broomball ? Thats right.. with Robin Williams as commentator.. check out the report on ET online. Any bit of publicity that gets broomball into peoples heads helps.. especially when high profile stars are playing it !!

25-AUG-2003
Division A - Super Knockout Competition
Sonics Vs. Ninjas - Semi Final 1 - Another Successful Assasination
Ninjas moved into the A Division Super Knockout Tournament Grand Final in a game that was anything but sudden death. After last weeks 9 goal thriller against Sky Devils, Sonics will be disappointed going out this week without troubling the scorers. For Ninjas on the other hand everthing simple went to plan. This was their fourth win of the season and their fourth victory in overtime. It was also the second time in two weeks that Linda Bell slammed home the winner thanks to some good lead up work by Peter Yabsley and Paul Naton. Gladly someone decided to win this game as the overtime period must have been getting up into the 15-20 minute zone!
Ninjas 1 (Linda Bell 1g, Peter Yabsley 1a, Paul Naton 1a) def Sonics 0
Druids Vs. Mighty Ducks - Semi Final 2 - Like Water Off a Ducks Back
Druids looked like they really wanted those beanies early in this match striking first and second to take a two goal lead. However Mighty Duck Harry Sotiropoulos was able to break down the right and from a acute angle, but also from short range, smashed one back to go into half time only 1 behind. The second half was very even but it was the Ducks who equalised. Kosta Sourlas passing it wide to HArry Sotiropoulos who tore down the wing before sending a cross back for Kosta running up the centre. However the final touch was to be a cruel deflection off a defenders stick leaving no chance for the goalie. At 2 all both teams were searching for the winner to settle it in normal time (since we were really running behind after the first match). Druids in the end contributed to there own downfall, a loose pass at the back and John Magnisalis ran straight through then beat the keeper to take the win.
Mighty Ducks 3 (Harry Sotiropoulos 2g, John Magnisalis 1g1a, Kosta Sourlas 1a) def Druids 2 (Tracy Ivin 1g1a, Saxon Hooper 1g)

25-AUG-2003
Division B - Week 10
Ice Fury Vs. Golden Falcons - Falcons Continue Good Form
Another strong performance from Golden Falcons see them pressing their claims for top spot in B Division. The game saw Mark Slater and Sean Mitchell combine for 3 Golden Falcon goals. It could easily have been four with one 'golden' opportunity thwarted by some excellent goal keeping by Luke Dunne intercepting the intended killer pass on one Slater-Mitchell breakaway. Ice Fury did get one back but it was little concellation this loss extending to a run 4, a real slide down the table. It may continue too, with another difficult game next week against the Western Scorpions.
Golden Falcons 3 (Mark Slater 2g, Sean Mitchell 1g1a) def Ice Fury 1 (Shannon Jorda 1g, John Skiadas 1a)
Western Scorpions Vs. Monkey Magic - Western Scorpions United!?!
Did I see ex-West Ham United striker Paolo Di Canio running around on the ice at Penrith Ice Palace....playing broomball?! Certainly the footwork suggested it with a number of deft passes from the foot. But there were no miraculous goals from this Di Canio, the goal scoring in this game was left to another, Jay Schmidt. The Scorpions leaving it until halfway through the second half to score the only goal of this match. This was another good performance from Western Scorpions. Key players in this game Sally Yabsley and Tim Edwards deserved assists after threatening to score themselves on a number other occasions.
Western Scorpions 1 (Jay Schmidt 1g, Sally Yabsley 1a, Tim Edwards 1a) def Monkey Magic 0
Ice Wizards Vs. Phoenix - Phoenix Spellbound by Wizards
1st Half
12:30 Luke Simmonds slips up with only one defender to beat. :)
12:00 Scott Murray cast a lightning bolt from wide on the right to give Ice Wizards the lead 1-0.
7:36 Luke Simmonds long range dig is kicked away by Sarah Harvey.
4:30 Luke Simmonds shoots again but the keeper sits on this one then tosses it aside.
3:12 Scott Murry in space on the blue line smashes an unstoppable shot, Ice Wizards lead 2-0.
0:14 Damien Colyer gets one back for Phoenix to keep them in touch. 2-1 to Ice Wizards at half-time.
18:30 Damien Colyer shoots from the blue line but it's deflected wide by the goal keepers stick.
13:00 A foot-pass cross from Luke Simmonds is first-timed in by James Dymond. 3-1 Ice Wizards.
12:15 Gemma Fornal passes to Luke Simmonds for Ice Wizard goal number 4.
9:00 Arron Parker sent to cool his heels for 2 minutes after clipping Linda Bell.
7:00 Damian Colyer another good shot on goal is well saved by James Dymond.
Ice Wizards convincing winners 4-1 leaving Phoenix rooted to the bottom of the B Division table.
Ice Wizards 4 (Scott Murray 2g, Luke Simmonds 1g1a, James Dymond 1g1a, Gemma Fornal 2a, Rebecca Cashel 1a) def Phoenix 1 (Damien Colyer 1g, Andrew Chapman 1a, Joel Robson 1a)
18-AUG-2003
Division A - Super Knockout Competition
Sonics Vs. Sky Devils
This game took a while to get started. Mainly this was due to the new 'Floating Blue Line' rule being played for the first time especially for this mini knockout competition. Certainly a good 5 minutes was spent, the referee's answering questions before the game. They had reminded everyone about the new rule and most people said 'Oh I'd forgotten about that?'. Well once it got going this turned into a real cracker of a game. Sonics taking a 2 goal lead in the first half mostly against the run of play. The second half was where it got really interesting. After some more discussion about the new rule during the break things got underway and it didn't take too long before Scott Murry found himself on the penalty bench giving Sky Devils a player advantage. Right from the face-off the Devils swarmed on goal and scored. Sonics struck back with a long through ball from deep in their own half which found Luke Simmonds in on goal and he restored the 2 goal lead for Sonics(they can thank the new rule for that one). However not long after Scott was on the penalty bench again! It took a little longer this time but Sky Devils made them pay again. In fact they decided to lay on another two goals to take the lead! One a really nice finish by Rob Courtney committing the keeper before picking his spot. So Sky Devils in the lead for the first time 4-3. Time was running out for Sonics but some good possession in the Sky Devil half saw them equalise with a low shot into the bottom corner of the net from Tim Brown. So at 4-all it went to OT. Sonics able to take the game in overtime with a two pass move from deep in there own half that saw a one-on-one chance converted. A nine goal thriller 5-4 to Sonics but really either team could have taken this game. Luke Simmonds having a great game being involved in setting up, or scoring, nearly all five Sonic goals.
Ninjas Vs. Slytherin
These two faced off for the second time in two weeks, Slytherin taking the honors last time with a 2-0 win. Not this time however a closely fought match that saw Peter Yabsley send an absolute rocket at the helpless goal keeper for Ninjas only normal time goal and Ryan Findlayson setting up Dane Hanson, a sliding tap their only goal. Both teams had many other chances but no more goals permitted by some excellent keeping by Cliff Pace and some good fortune in goals for Tim Brown. In overtime Linda Bell scored the winner for Ninjas, her first of the season and 2nd A Division goal ever.
Druids Vs. Polar Bears
Since winning their opening game of the season Polar Bears have put together a 5 game losing streak. This was to be number 6. Although they did start the game well, eventually Druids asserted some considerable authority on the game scoring 4 unanswered goals. Craig Loughlin-Smith registering his first A Division points with two assists.

18-AUG-2003
Division B - Week 8
Guinness Vs. Ice Fury
Two weeks off must be better then one, Guinness bouncing back from their last result a 5-0 defeat dished out by Can Openers, to put 2 goals on against Ice Fury who failed to score. That's two games now that Ice Fury have failed to score a goal.
Monkey Magic Vs. Can Openers
This match promised so much and delivered so little. The C Division grand finalists and B Division newbys slugged it out again but neither could find the net, even in overtime! Monkey Magic can at least know that they have stopped the Can Openers run of 5 victories.

07-AUG-2003
Division C - Week 3
Hunters Vs. Polar Bears
A deserving win to Polarbears with both teams seeming evenly matched in the first half scoreboard at nill all. Hunters, playing without subs, eventually lost composure in the secondhalf going down to the Polarbears 2-1. Josh Drinkall scoring for Hunters, Paul Yiu and Jason Lessels one goal each for Polarbears.
69ers Vs. Team IceBucket
A goal early in the first half put the Icebuckets into the lead. 69'ers held them at 1-0 until the second half when their game fell apart with some roughing from both teams distracting players. Liam Golding had a blinder of a game scoring 5 goals for Team Icebucket, Bryan Macklin 1 goal. Final score 6-0 to Team Icebuckets.
Robots Vs. Raptors
The Raptors they did their best against an inform Robots side. The Robot forwards taking advantage of any breaks in the Raptor defence. 1 goal each to Mark Dasco, Paul Hancock and Aron Calfas of Robots. Leaving the Raptors with a loss 3-0 to the Robots.

11-AUG-2003
Division A - Week 8 - Round 1 Complete
Sonics Vs. Druids
The A Division games of the night would complete the round and mark the halfway point for the season. Sonics and Druids both safe in the top four were looking to take first or second spot with a win tonight. This was a very tight struggle, both teams showing they will be very hard to beat this season. Druids having the better of possession and territory in the first half but Sonics probably having the better chances but mostly from long range. In the second half more of the same but not the same chances generated by Sonics. But we were in for a real goal keeping display from Peter Yabsley and Dane Hansen. Pete pulled out some genuine Jackie Chan moves rejecting a shot destined for the top corner and then a amazing double save from a Saxon Hooper onslaught. At the other end Dane Hansen showed amazing agility and reflexes to deny a Sonics chance with a deflection from the defence adding to the difficulty. At the end of normal time neither team had prevailed, however Druids were going into overtime a man down after conceding a penalty Bryan Macklin in the last few seconds. With the man advantage Sonics pressed forward Kerry Baxter seeing a chance but shooting just wide. Then Saxon Hooper was able to deflect an opposition pass to Tracy Ivin who returned the ball, Saxon then lifted the ball over the opposition to Bryan Macklin sprinting off the subs bench as the penalty expired. The penalty elapsing had caught Sonics out and he as able to run at goal apparently with only one defender to beat. However Luke Simmonds did well to get back to pressure Bryan, in fact his shot looked a bit of a miss-hit but it was still on target and bounced over the last defenders stick and in. Druids winning in Overtime 1-nil.
Mighty Ducks Vs. Polar Bears
Could Polar Bears rack up their second win of the season against the defending champions, the team currently on top of the A division table? NAH, the usual suspects getting the job done for Might Ducks with Kosta poaching another one right in front (real bread and butter stuff for the big man) and Terry Giovas taking the second both goals ably assisted by Harry Sotiropoulis and John Magnisalis. Not a bad effort from Polar Bears keeping the score respectable with some decent defence and unlucky not to score at least 1 a vast improvement after conceding six goals last week.
Slytherin Vs. Ninjas
Both teams needing to win this match to keep pace with the top four. Ninjas desperate to post their first 'normal time' win. Some early blasts from Ryan Findlayson in the first half got the goal keepers attention and set the pace. The the first goal to Slytherin, Dane Hanson a looping ball in for Andrew Nicholson in centre ice who fired in a loopy shot, blocked by defender Pete Yabsley but it unfortunately looped up and over to Craig Horsley on the post who just hit it in(no looping required) past a confused and floundering goalie. Slytherin also generated another good chance when Craig Horsley took the ball up the wing then looked to center to a rampaging Beth Hines, but the pass was intercepted by the keeper in the nick of time. The second half saw Peter Yabsley hugging Dane Hansen, not sure what that was about? But also the second goal of the match, Slytherins Ryan Findlayson again firing one in, as normal this one hit the keeper but this time the rebound was there for Jo Mitchell to put away. Ninjas did their best to try and get a goal back but were continually swamped by the quick covering defence of Slytherin. Another 2-nil win, this time for Slytherin.

11-AUG-2003
Division B - Week 7
Phoenix Vs. Monkey Magic
After conceding 5 goals last week Phoenix would be happy with this, a 1-nil win over Monkey Magic, Andrew Chapman the scorer from a Damian Colyer pass. This was Phoenix's first win of the season and the Monkeys will be disappointed as with two games in hand over the top teams they had the opportunity to climb further up the table.
Western Scorpions Vs. Ice Wizards
Western Scorpions looked good in this match. The trio of Tim Edwards, Karen Thompson and Jay Schmidt laying on the first goal with some nice passing and a low hard shot to the bottom corner from Tim. These three were to team up a number of time during this match to menace the opposition in front of goal. Western Scorpions scored again in the second half Sally Yabsley sending the ball forward to Jay Schmidt, who seeing Arron Parker charging out from goals, took a quick shot. Aaron did get a stick on it and sent the ball looping up but unfortunately still heading toward the now unguarded net. A desperate chase and despairing dive only gave Aaron a close-up view of the ball slowly rolling over the line. 2-nil win to the Scorpions.

04-AUG-2003
Division A - Week 7
Mighty Ducks Vs. Druids
The first half of this match saw the Mighty Ducks clock up 6 penalty minutes and the match threatened to get a bit too physical. However the game settled after this difficult period and an excellent match ensued. Both teams showing they are contenders for the A division title with some accurate shooting and passing. The Ducks getting the better of Druids on this occasion.
Mighty Ducks 3 (John Magnisalis 2g, Harry Sotiropoulos 1g1a, Terry Giovas 1a) def Druids 2 (James Kristof 2g, Saxon Hooper 1a, Tracy Ivin 1a, Bryan Macklin 1a)
Sonics Vs. Polar Bears
Polar Bears came out with a game plan to closely mark the Sonics leading goal scorer Tim Brown, a tactic that showed promise early on. Unfortunately the marking didn't continue and Tim was able to find space throughout the match to compile 5 points! This was the second time Polar Bears have conceded more than 5 goals this season. They are really going to have to look at their defence to be competitive as their goal difference just moved into double figures. They did manage two goals with Brock Lessels scoring his first goal in A division. The final score 6-2.
Sonics 6 (Tim Brown 3g2a, Kerry Baxter 1g1a, Matt Xerri 1g1a, Luke Simmonds 1g1a, Pauline Perren 1a) def Polar Bears 2 (Eric Fry 1g, Brock Lessels 1g, Mark Kim 2a, Karen Thompson 1a)
Sky Devils Vs. Ninjas
A real close tussle with Sky Devils once again dominating possession. Ninjas were under siege but seemed to be content, defending stoutly then counter attacking at every opportunity. Sky Devils managed the only goal in this contest late in the first half. The Devils keeping pace with Sonics on points, Ninjas surprisingly without an outright win this season.
Sky Devils 1 (Shannon Jorda 1g, Rob Courtney 1a) def Ninjas 0

04-AUG-2003
Division B - Week 7
Phoenix Vs. Golden Falcons
Based on form this should have been an even encounter. It turned out to be anything but! Golden Falcons taking it out to 3-0 in the first 11 minutes of the game. At the change it was 4-2, that's 6 goals in the first half!!!
Both teams must have expended all their energy in the action pack first half as the final score was only 5-2. Golden Falcons scoring a convincing victory and keeping in touch with Can Openers at the top of the table.
Golden Falcons 5 (John Batman 2g, Mark Slater 1g, Tracy Ivin 1g, Kerry Baxter 1g, Kevin Howarth 1a, Jo Mitchell 1a) def Phoenix 2 (Andrew Chapman 1g1a, Ben Robson 1g1a)
Ice Fury Vs. Monkey Magic
This was a critical match for both teams looking to keep in touch with the top two in the division. Monkey Magic, with a couple of games in hand, having every chance of moving up into 2nd or 3rd spot if they could win this match then beat Phoenix next week. Ice Fury on the other hand needed to win this match to hold onto 3rd spot and more importantly prevent the top teams from opening up a gap.
This game had a few highlights, one being Bryan Macklin's bad aim failing to put at least 3 really good chances on target. Of course he did score an excellent goal 3 minutes into the second half, this time using finesse flicking the ball past the left shoulder of the rushing goalie.
Another highlight was the bizarre goal keeping style of Ice Fury's Dave Buckley who simple turned his back whenever the attacker shot (self preservation I guess), of course he was lucky that it was Bryan most of the time.
In the final minutes Ice Fury pressed to get the equalizer but it was Monkey Magic who broke out of defence to seal a 2-0 victory.
Monkey Magic 2 (Jo Mitchell 1g, Bryan Macklin 1g, Sara Kristof 1a) def Ice Fury 0

01-AUG-2003
CBA Corporate Challenge
CBA 1 Vs. CBA 2 Vs. CBA 3
What better for two dozen Commonwealth Bank employees to bond, than spend an afternoon of chaos on ice (i.e. playing broomball). The group was broken up into 3 teams and a double round robin system was played. Each game lasting ten minutes, this being plenty long enough for some to work up a sweat. In the opening couple of games, the difficult offside rule proved to be a big hindrance on all. The games struggling to build any momentum. It was still in the first game when the first goal was scored by Team 1, but this was overshadowed by the falling down and the question of offside being continuously brought up.
The second match saw the already initiated Team 1 take an early lead. It also saw the first major injury, a pre-injured arm getting aggrevated. This lead to a young sniper in the form of Alex Blair taking the field and playing a major role in drawing his Team 3 level.
In the third match had Team 2 up against Team 3. Team 2 still struggling to adapt to the unique sport and Team 3 pounced, producing some good teamwork to take the match 2-0. From then on the teams started to understand the game better, and hence started to structure their defence, this caused the next two games to finish in 0-0 draws.
The last round game starred the victoryless Team 2 against a sniper lead Team 3. Team 2 finally getting a win on the board with a 1-0 victory. Unfortunately this was not enough to see them through to the finals. So Team 1 and Team 3 headed into the final. Both teams showed signs of huge improvement, and produced a very entertaining final. Team 3 scored first, and in just a 10 minute game this could have been expected to be enough. But Team 1 fought back hard and levelled the scores. Team 3 then snatched the lead straight back with what became the winning goal.
So victory went to Team 3. But all who participated were really very impressive. Everyone showed some skill and team work (more so than a lot of people who actually play in the Penrith Comps.). It was an ejoyable afternoon for me as an onlooker, all I hope is those who participated really enjoyed themselves and I hope to some of you in the Penrith Comp in the near future.

The Teams:
Team 1 : Jamie, Andrew D, Steve J, Frank, Tony B, Jai, Geoff
Team 2 : Charlene, Michael, Bob, Jason, Tony L, Scott
Team 3 : Mel, Semra, Andrew K, Angus, Greg F, Greg B

The Game Results:,
Team 1 (1) def Team 2 (0)
Team 1 (1) drew Team 3 (1)
Team 3 (2) def Team 2 (0)
Team 1 (0) drew Team 2 (0)
Team 1 (0) drew Team 3 (0)
Team 2 (1) def Team 3 (0)

The standings after the rounds were:
Team 1 : 1 Win : 0 Loss : 3 Draws : 5 Points
Team 3 : 1 Win : 1 Loss : 2 Draws : 4 Points
Team 2 : 1 Win : 2 Losses : 1 Draw : 3 Points

Final: Team 3 (2) def Team 1 (1)

31-JUL-2003
Division C - Week 2
Hunters Vs. The Unforgiven
The Hunters in their first official match experienced major teething problems, both in structure and in teamwork. On the other side, Mitch Tuza decided that a one handed wind up was appropriate, and it worked, nailing the ball into the goals for the opener. Another was scored before the end of the half, giving the Unforgiven a 2-0 lead. 2 more were scored in the second, including a solo effort by Darren Pearce weaving through the defenders and then pushing it low and left passed the keeper. The Unforgiven unbeaten with a 4-0 win.
Titans Vs. Polar Bears
Polar Bears this season without the leadership (?????) of Mark Kim, against a new but respectable Titans side. The game was a very unorthodox struggle, a lot of loose ball meant not very many scoring opportunities were created. This saw the scores comfortably into half time at 0-0. A couple of penalties against the Polar Bears in the second, gave the Titans the chance to build some pressure. This pressure eventually resulting in a goal to Mark Rulewski off a Greg Dezman pass. This was met with a mighty cheer, the Titans claiming their maiden victory 1-0.
69ers Vs. Raptors
Both teams coming off the back of thumpings meant this one was anyones guess. 69ers creating a few 1 on 1 chances before the pathetic Raptors keeper fumbled an easy ball into the goal!! 1-0 at half time, and the Raptors definately not out of it. Raptors created some early opportunities in the second but Jay Schmidt with the counter attack 1 on 1 squeezed one in by the keeper and off the post. Raptors still unable to break the duck, late in the game Jay Schmidt struck again, his first attempt being saved, but quick hands saw him put the rebound in for the 69ers 3-0 victory.
Robots Vs. Team IceBucket
The last game of a long night saw 2 teams who both dished out thumpings in their last outings, this lead to the prediction of a good tight match. 4 minutes in Robots opened the scoring, and then double their lead halfway throught the first half. Team IceBucket started to form their comeback, Liam Golding and Bryan Macklin creating a few breaks. But when a counter attack goal to the Robots saw the scores 3-0 at the break, the good tight match expected was a far cry away. Robots put one more on the board for good measure halfway through the half. Aron Calfas scoring 2 for the Robots in their 4-0 victory.

28-JUL-2003
Division A - Week 6
Slytherin Vs. Sky Devils
Slytherin took the lead early on from a Steve Timmins bullet. But that's about all there was good for a team that seemed to apply the motto "Defending is for Wimps!!". Sky Devils, with unmarked players all around the goal mouth, came up with 3 "clean up the scraps" goals before half time. While the goal mouth wasn't so crowded in the second half, Slytherins lunging last line of defense was easily evaded and capitalised on by a very competent Sky Devils team, scoring two more goals in the second half. Shannon Jorda and Con Sourlangos scoring 2 each, and Rob Courtney grabbing 2 assists in their 5-1 victory.
Mighty Ducks Vs. Ninjas
Ninjas yet to define themselves in the competition were always going to struggle against the defending champs. Both Harry Sotiropoulous and John Magnisalis in superb form again, Harry grabbing 2 goals, 2 assist (and a 2 minute penalty), John earning 2 Goals and an assist leading the Mighty Ducks to a 4-0 lead. Peter Yabsley went on a solo mission to get the Ninjas back into the game, scoring 2. This, however was too late as the Mighty Ducks cruised to a 4-2 victory.

28-JUL-2003
Division B - Week 6
Can Openers Vs. Guinness
Guinness suspending their self-loving goalkeeper (* Note from editor :- Careful Ryan .. their self loving goal keeper is also the President and more importantly editor and keeper of stats... he could rub you out !!) for the week, and the Can Openers looking for the third straight 6 goal game of the night meant that action was to be expected. Rob Courtney, fulfilling his role, opened the scoring with a flick past the keeper. This was followed up by a long range bomb from Danny Santamaria to give the Can Openers a 2-0 lead at half time. In the second half , the lead gave way for Rob Courtney to try "The Saxon" and succeed for his second, and 2 late goals to ex-Guinness weirdo Ryan Findlayson saw the Can Openers secure a 5-0 victory.
Golden Falcons Vs. Ice Wizards
Golden Falcons without their 2 star female recruits, recruited "The Recruit" in Jo Mitchell. Still probably a slight underdog against a volatile Ice Wizards side. But Jo stamped her mark on the game, setting up Mark Slater to give the Falcons the lead. Falcons held the lead for a long time and looked like they were going to take it out, until in the dying moments, Scott Murray deflected one off Jo Mitchell to take the game into overtime. It was Ice Wizards who found an unlikely hero in Gemma Fornal, chipping in from a wide, near impossible angle. With a customary celebration, Ice Wizards got the overtime points 2-1.
Phoenix Vs. Western Scorpions
Phoenix struggling this season, and solid finals candidates Western Scorpions left this match being predicted as very one-sided. This was not the case. Both teams creating several opportunities in the first half, but neither could convert. Then a goal each traded early in the second half, meant that a tight finish was on the cards. With about 3 minutes remaining, the Scorpions scored the 23rd goal of the night to break the deadlock. Phoenix applied some good pressure but ran out of time. Western Scorpions scraping a 2-1 victory.

24-JUL-2003
Division C - Week 1
69ers Vs. Robots
Robots at their menacing best in this game against a slightly understrength 69ers side. Jay Scmidt for 69ers having spent a few spells on the penalty bench for sliding into players, gave way for Robot Aron Calfas to claim 2 goals and an assist in amongst the Robots 5 goals. Jay Schmidt did get one back for the 69ers, assisted by substitute Neridah Findlayson. Then tempers started to flare as Danny Santamaria went in a little to heavy on a frustrated Anth Courtney. The two squared off, but then spent some time on the penalty bench!!! Robots comfortably home 5-1.
Raptors Vs. Team IceBucket
Last season, these two teams had some great close encounters, this match would prove to be something completely different. The scoring started when Liam Golding pounced on some poor clearance work by the Raptors keeper. Shortly after Raptors were down two nil, but Simon Martin managed to drag one back before the half time break. In the second, Team IceBucket stepped it up a gear, scoring four goals, all of which were 1 on 1's with the keeper. Simon Martin played a major role in Raptors second goal late in the half, but it was not more than mere consolation. Team IceBucket winning 6-2.
Titans Vs. The Unforgiven
The Unforgiven being the result of a merge between Slush Puppies and Crimson Fury (Flaming Tomatos) and yet could still only manage one girl. So, in stepped substitute goalkeeper and broomball "get about" Jo Mitchell (is there a team she hasn't played for??) in the match against broomball newcomers, the Titans. The Titans held there own against what may prove to be a strong Unforgiven outfit, but still never really threatend the goals too heavily. The Unforgiven stuggled hard for their two goals, the highlight being Mitch Tuza swinging and connecting hard on a floating David Montgomery pass. The Unforgiven victorious 2-0.

21-JUL-2003
Division A - Week 5
Druids Vs. Ninjas
Top versus bottom in the first game of the night. Normally first game can be a bit wet as there's a bit of water on top after the cut, but not tonight. The chillers were turned up and everybody was freezing their butt off - well I was anyway. Both teams missing players meant neither really got into their stride. Druids were able to hold onto the ball and look for openings, Ninjas to wait for their chances to come. The game ended normal time with honors shared at 1-1 both tactics working but neither decisive. In OT Druids once again were able to control possession and some good play saw Belinda McDavitt with an easy tap in for the winner and her first A division goal.
Druids 2 (James Kristof 1g, Belinda McDavitt 1g, Saxon Hooper 1a, Tracy Ivin 1a, Tim Edwards 1a) def in OT Ninjas 1 (Peter Yabsley 1g)
Sky Devils Vs. Sonics
Sonics were stung early by Con Sourlangos getting on the end of a good pass to finish off a play that had the defenders scrambling back toward goal. They added a second when Con again found himself with plenty of room to shoot out in front. However Sonics had been creating chances and picked up a goal when Luke Simmonds picked off a pass to run clear, he then drew the keeper and slipped a pass to Tim Brown up in support with plenty of time to just flick it in. Then with only a few minutes to go Kerry Baxter took the ball over halfway, dropped it back to Tim Brown who waited then got a looping shot past his marker and on goal. There was a bit of a crowd and the keeper only managed to parry the shot, the rebound landing just in front of goals and Luke Simmonds was on hand to equalise. Then straight from the face-off Con Sourlangos and Shannon Jorda combined for a quick one-two with Shanon finishing the goal with a low shot into the bottom corner - far post. Only a minute or two remained and Sky Devils took all the points 3-2.
Sky Devils 3 (Con Sourlangos 2g1a, Shannon Jorda 1g2a, John Skiadas 1a) def Sonics 2 (Tim Brown 1g1a, Luke Simmonds 1g1a, Kerry Baxter 1a)

21-JUL-2003
Division B - Week 5
Monkey Magic Vs. Guinness
Two teams spawned from the same group of friends up against each other for the first time. Jo Mitchell leading the Monkey Magic charge up against boy friend Dane Hansen and ex-team Guinness. With both teams flooding back into defence and maintaining possession for as long as possible few chance were created. One notable chance by James Kristof who broke from half way with his shot hitting the post with only a few minutes to go. The game ending 0-0. In overtime Craig Horsley got a ball to Dane Hansen who put it away to earn the bonus point for Guinness.
Guinness 1 (Dane Hansen 1g, Craig Horsely 1a) def in OT Monkey Magic 0
Golden Falcons Vs. Western Scorpions
Western Scorpions dominated possession showing patient offence only to be continually shut down by Kylie Connoly,Tracy Ivin and Kerry Baxter. Failing that Goal Keeper Kevin Howarth stopped everything else !! Even with the weight of possession it was Golden Falcons who scored first when Kerry Baxter hit it forward to Tracy Ivin who redirected it to Mark Slater who redirected pastt the Keeper for a 1-0 lead which they never let go.
Golden Falcons 1 (Mark Slater 1g, Tracy Ivin 1a, Kerry Baxter 1a) def Western Scorpions 0
Can Openers Vs. Ice Fury
Probably the match of the night, a top of the table B Division clash. The Can Openers are looking favourites for the B Division title with a healthy goal difference and only 1 goal against them in three games. So could Ice Fury bring them down to earth? The game started fast with Rob Courtney getting a clean shot on goal in the first 2 minutes followed by a Ryan Findlayson shot that took the bar but stayed out, Can Openers looking very menacing. They then took the lead an held it until just before halftime - and I mean just before. Ice Fury mounted an attack in the last minute of the half Bob Irwin (CO Keeper) forced to make one save then another great reflex save before John Skiadas showed his trademark accuracy, shooting one in off the post right on the buzzer - unstoppable. However Can Openers opened the second half scoring almost immediately. From here on in Ice Fury couldn't find any answers and Can Openers decided started to pepper their goal. In particular Ryan Findlayson had a number of shots one nearly taking the keepers head off and another was blocked by a defenders stick but that same stick was sent flying into the goal. The end result another convincing win to Can Openers who have now opened up a handy lead on the table. Who's going to stop them??
Can Openers 3 (Rob Courtney 2g, Danny Santamaria 1g, Aron Calfas 1a) def Ice Fury 1 (John Skiadas 1g)

14-JUL-2003
Division A - Week 4
Sonics Vs. Mighty Ducks
The A Division Grand Final re-match against the currently all conquering undefeated Mighty-Mighty Ducks. Shortly before the match you could have noticed Kosta Sourlas (MD) reminding ex-Wild Buffalo (now Sonic) Tim Brown of the grand final and also of the 2002 6-1 elimination final defeat of Wild Buffaloes. This game was very close and was decided in the second half when Sonics opened the scoring due to a bit of good fortune, a deflection off one of the Mighty Ducks defenders. Sonics then got a two goal lead when Kerry Baxter, Matt Xerri and Luke Simmonds strung together a few short passes in front of the MD goal then Matt put the ball in. With no subs Sonics started to tire and regularly started to turn over possession, a very dangerous habit given the speed at which the Ducks can break into attack. The other BIG threat was Kosta Sourlas setting up camp in front of Sonics goal- and "you just can't budge him" said Tim Brown after the match. So it was that Terry Giovas crossed the ball in and Kosta, even though marked by Tim, deflected it in - the keeper had no chance. Mighty Ducks then pressed to take the game into overtime but were unable to score Sonics holding on for the win.
Sky Devils Vs. Polar Bears
Won their first game, narrowly lost their second, then copped a 5 goal thrashing in their third what next for the Polar Bears? Goals from Rob Courtney and Shannon Jorda for the Devils saw Polar Bears dealt their 3rd defeat in a row. Sky Devils proved too much for Polar Bears in defence with turnover after intercept thanks to the efforts of Jenny Sourlangos. 2-0 Sky Devils
Druids Vs. Slytherin
This was a very close tussle with both teams getting back in defence and attacking with speed. The best chance of the first half going to Druids James Kristof getting some very rare time and space in front of the Slytherin goal and shooting hard and low, but the keeper dove the right way and blocked it - a let off for Slytherin. In the second half Druids did then take the lead when Saxon Hooper dispossessed a Slytherin defender and was one-on-one against the keeper. Now Slytherin piled on the pressure with Dane Hanson, Jo Mitchell and Andrew Nicholson coming up and pressuring the Druids players in their own half trying to win the ball. While in attack Ryan Findlayson and Steve Timmins fired in some big shots. But a credit to the Druid players with some crucial blocks and cool heads, maybe a little good fortune too as the ball did whistle just outside the post a couple of times.. In the end a 1-0 win to Druids taking them to the top of the table.

14-JUL-2003
Division B - Week 4
Golden Falcons Vs. Guinness
Both these teams were looking for their first win of the new season, Guinness with none from 2 and Golden Falcons going down in their only game so far to a single goal in OT. This game was one of those end-to-end affairs with plenty of running. The best chance early on came when Dane Hanson made a tackle, the ball going to Beth Hines who took off toward the Golden Falcons half. Josh Drinkall Then took over as Beth dished it off to him at the half-way line, then a few quick metres for another pass to Dane Hanson on the burst up the center now only the goal keeper to beat - diving right and attempting to push it out with his hand and then shoot, but the angle proved too fine and he only found the side netting before coming to rest against the back wall. Dane then found himself on the penalty bench just a minute later after clipping Sean Mitchell. Golden Falcons capitalized on this advantage with Sean Mitchell dusting himself off and getting in the right spot to smash one in from just in front. In the second half Guinness move it up a notch with a goal in off the Post from Brett Mitchell after 4 minutes. Then Dane Hanson getting the ball just to the right of the goal and sending it screaming into the top corner inside the far post after 8 minutes after misdirected pass by a Golden Falcon defender. But Falcons weren't going give this game up and getting some good possession in attack Mark Slater found himself just in front of the goal with the ball at his feet. The keeper lunged out and Mark was able to slip it past only to have Brett Mitchell knock it away off the goal line, lucky then that 'Batman' (John) was there to pick up the rebound an push it in tying it up at 2 a piece. In the final seconds of this game Josh Drinkall got a break and found the net however the final buzzer was sounding as he hit it - no goal. In Overtime Guinness had the first chance with some good passing then a shot but this was well saved by the Golden Falcons last defender. Then a 2 minute minor against Guinness surely was huge advantage in OT. Golden Falcons did have the best chances but shot when they should have passed 2-2 after OT.
Can Openers Vs. Ice Wizards
Ice Wizards, with Troy Carroll back after a long layoff due to injury, against the C Division Champions looking to extend their lead at the top of B Division. 1st goal to Rob Courtney picking off a pass just inside his opponents half then running through evading two defenders to flick it neatly over the goalie. 1-0 to Can Openers after 11mins 30sec and it stayed that way into the break. In the second half Rob Courtney got in the action again putting a ball over the top, which was then hit on the bounce by Arron Calfas to give Can Openers a 2 goal lead. That was it, 2-nil to Can Openers still undefeated in the higher division. Maybe the key to their success is Rob Irwin the Pinball Machine hating goal keeper (that ball went so close!) who, aside from making some excellent saves, is continually instructing his team mates - Goal Keeper, Coach, Manager or some kind of tactical genius? We'll be listening closely from know on.

07-JUL-2003
Division A - Week 3
Slytherin Vs. Polar Bears
The first half of this game was very closely contested with both teams having good chances to score. The first and only goal of this half however went to Slytherin when Ryan Findlayson forced a good save from the duty goal keeper then when the ball rebounded Sara Kristof was on hand to score. This wasn't just one of those tap-in rebounds either, it came out to around the red face off spot and Sara hit the ball sweetly and high into the goal giving the recovering keeper no chance. A good way register your 1st A division goal! Both teams had plenty more chances, and penalties, up to half-time but it remained 1-0. In the second half Slytherin ran away with the game piling on 4 more goals with pretty much everyone getting in on the act. Dane 'Air' Hansen even showed us the broomball equivilent to basketballs fadaway-jump shot with a fadeaway lay-down shot that was all net!
Sonics Vs. Ninjas
Another very fast paced game involving Sonics who created a heap of chances but just couldn't score. Ninjas too failed to register and it was to be decided in overtime. The Ninjas won the face off and immediately applied pressure getting a shot from distance on goal but this was deflected wide. Now in posession Sonics countered and had the Ninjas backpedaling when Tim Brown passed out wide to Luke Simmonds on the wing taking the ball over the half way line. But in going for the killer blow, a through ball from Luke to Tim running through the center, they caused their own downfall. Peter Yabsley was quick enough to knock down the attempted pass to get a clear run at the Sonics goal. With 2 Sonics players committed forward Pete went himself and was able to eventually score the winner although the 2 defenders almost denied him.
Druids Vs. Sky Devils
Saxon Hooper once again terrorised the opposition in this match. Running the ball up and showing excellent ball control to score 1 and set-up two others. Sky Devils did get one goal but were continually on the backfoot with either Saxon taking players on or some fast crisp passing from the other Druids. Druids now move up along side Mighty Ducks at the top of the A Division standings.

07-JUL-2003
Division B - Week 3
Can Openers Vs. Phoenix
Phoenix started the game with only 1 female player and were therefore down one player for the opening 10 minutes. However the opposition failed to score with the numerical advantage althought they dominated the opening period in possession and teritory. When the cavalry finally arrived in the form of Christene Deng, the match really picked up with Phoenix now pressing forward and getting chances on goal. Then just before half time good pressure from Colin ..... caused a turnover to Rob Courtney who flicked the ball up and with a couple of touches on the ball whilst in the air evaded one defender to give himself room to fire in the first goal of the game - Can Openers 1-0. In the second half Can Openers extended their lead when Ryan Findlayson and Rob Courtney put on, not just a 1-2, but a 3-4-5 stringing together a number of passes to go through the defence then Rob drew the Keeper and set Ryan up to slot it home. This partnership continued to provide other opportunities in the match and other teams should take note. Being 2 goals behind Phoenix seemed to lose their rhythm and although they created a few good chances they couldn't finish. Two reasons why they didn't score would be Lisa Nixon and Lauren O'Brien who had strong games at the back for Can Openers not only in forcing turnovers but in getting the ball quickly forward into attack.
Western Scorpions Vs. Guinness
Both teams played this match with only six players which probably explained why all the goals were scored in the first half of this game. Firstly a brilliant through ball from Karen Thompson to Jay Schmidt on the run over the red line putting him in on goal, 1-0 to Western Scorpions after 3 minutes. The Guniness players then forced a number of excellent saves from goal keeper Sam Boer. But it took 17 minutes before Rebecca Jones passed the ball forward to Brett Mitchell on the wing who the ran in and slammed it home, nothing Sam could do to stop that one, 1 all. But as often happens Guinness conceded the deciding goal only 1 minute later, when Tim Edwards intercepted a pass and ran on to put in the winner. This was well deserved as Tim was involved in absolutely everthing, must be running on energizers!

30-JUN-2003
Division A - Week 2
Sky Devils Vs. Mighty Ducks
Last seasons A Division champions were just too strong for the Sky Devils. Harry Sotiropoulos an ex-Sky Devil inflicting the most damage with 2 goals. The other teams in this division should take note, when Harry is on target the ball usually ends up in the back of the net. Certainly this was the case for the first goal, a powerfully struck shot from just off the boards near the blue line, it stayed low and the keeper hardly had time to react. But Sky Devils weren't outclassed in this game and probably generated more chances. However some brilliant saves by the duty GKs Dane Hansen and Andrew Nicholson saw Sky Devils only with one goal. This came in the second half, Angela Nasr passing the ball forward to Con Sourlangos who struck it sweetly past the keepers near post and into the roof of the net. Another memorable moment in this match was Terry Giovas nearly decapitating his teammate John Magnasalis with a ......pass? Maybe an off target shot? Final Score 3-1 Mighty Ducks.
Sonics Vs. Slytherin
This was Sonics first game after losing the grand final, with some personel changes they were looking for a positive start. This was Slyterin's second game after being the Might Ducks first victims of the season last week and they were also missing a key player in Steve Timmins. Sonics scored first Tim Brown taking the ball down the wing and crossing to Luke Simmonds on the run who cooly slapped this one past the keeper. The second goal of the game was scored by Andrew Nicholson who decided to have a go from inside his own half!! He'd got the power right as it went low and fast , but he'd also managed to put something a little special on this one as it "moved at least two metres in the air", well that's what duty keeper Saxon Hooper said after the match, before tying up the scores at 1-1. In the second half Sonics continued creating chances and added another two goals, one from a two on one breakaway (Luke Simmonds second), the other a shot rebound put away by Scott Murray. Final Score 3-1 Sonics.
Druids Vs. Polar Bears
This game was dominated by Saxon Hooper once again showing great skill on the ball terrorising the Polar Bears and getting two goals. However the Polar Bears showed they will be a tough team to beat this season never losing touch throughout this game. Karen Thompson scored a memorable goal in the second half a very well struck shot from distance after the Druids defence gave her a bit of time and space. Mark Kim worked hard all game and got a well deserved goal after running the ball up and passing off to Sam Boer who was just to the right of the goal then getting to the far post. The Druids defence was guilty of ball watching as four defenders and the goal keeper were drawn to Sam who threaded the ball straight through them all to the unmarked Mark Kim who knocked the ball into a vacant net. The winning goal was a bit of a comical moment when the Polar Bears goal keeper was caught behind the goal in posession by Tracy Ivin who knocked the ball out to Bryan Macklin who seemed to take forever to put the ball into the unguarded net. Where were the Polar Bear defenders? Final Score 3-2 Druids.

30-JUN-2003
Division B - Week 2
Monkey Magic Vs. Golden Falcons
A very even game being both teams first game of the new season. The Monkey Magic team were playing well and keeping possesion down the Falcons end of the Ice. The Falcons on the other had were realying on forcing turnovers, then quick sorties up the ice. The Falcons proved successful first Mark Slater giving a pass to Kerry Baxter who was able to get a clean hard shot on goal from right in front giving them the lead. The Falcons goalkeeper, Tim Brown, then attempted to get an assist for the other team, but was able to recover the ball and clear. The second half saw Monkey Magic increase the pressure and create a number of good chances but just couldn't get much on target. These all proved to be just warning shots as James Kristof equalised with a firm shot to the bottom corner. At the end of the 2nd half it was 1 all and Overtime was required. The game winner came after a shot from Bryan Macklin trapped in front of the goal, but then cleared straight to James Kristof who tucked it passed the defender.
Post Game Quote: "That was our best game ever!!" Joanne Mitchell
Final Score Monkey Magic in OT 2-1.
Ice Wizards Vs. Ice Fury
If you like lots of shots on goal this was a fantastic game!
1st Half
17:45 Ice Wizard Luke Simmonds shot off the post.
16:25 Ice Fury Shannon Jorda hits the post at the other end.
15:42 Ice Wizard Scott Murry gives pass to Luke Simmonds on the run, he shoots POST!
14:00 Arron Parker 2 Minutes
6:58 Some good lead-up work from Ice Fury gives John Skiadas a shot right in front, it's saved and bouces up off the keeper, John pushes it down with his hand it hits the POST!!

Second Half
19:30 Ice Fury Shannon Jorda crosses to Craig Loughlin-Smith in front who smashes it in 1-0 to Ice Fury.
18:40 Craig L. lets loose from just outside the blue line.... off goal keeper Troy Carrolls shoulder.
17:40 Craig L. smashes one low from inside the blue line, Troy Carroll dropping to save again.
16:43 Arron Parker 2 mins
14:30 Ice Wizard Gemma Fornal wins possesion and makes a run up the boards and over the red-line then passes to Luke Simmonds running down the centre. He runs wide past the last defender then hits it hard at Ice Fury Keeper Dave Buckley who turns his head (no face cage, I would have too!) but STILL makes a stick save.
12:18 Ice Wizard Luke Simmonds on the break passes to Troy Carrol who shoots but this is well saved by John Skiadas.
11:55 Troy gets another shot and John saves again.
8:33 Ice Fury's second goal as a stray pass by the Ice Wizard Defence finds Shannon Jorda standing right in front of the goal - he makes no mistake. 2-0
7:04 Ice Fury Craig Loughlin-Smith ON the blue line ANOTHER BIG SHOT......SAVED!
5:40 Luke Simmonds in on goal again but saved by Shannon Jorda in goals for Ice Fury.
2:28 Craig Loughlin Smith off for 2.
1:56 Ice Wizard Troy Carroll gets another shot but it's Falconed clear by Dave Buckly in defence.
0:40 Ice Fury Angela Nasr gets a breakaway and is one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shoots just wide, Shannon Jorda picks up the rebound and has another shot but this is saved and then cleared.
Final Score 2-0 Ice Fury.

23-JUN-2003
Division A - Week 1
Slytherin Vs. Mighty Ducks
Mighty Ducks started their title defense in a blistering fashion, up 2-0 within the first 4 minutes. Slytherin then got their act together, controlling possesion for the most part of the rest of the first half. They were unable to breakthrough, and with a fast break Mighty Ducks were able to take it to 3-0 as they head into half time. The second half was also in favour of Slytherin, but were only able to get one in to take the final score to 3-1 Mighty Ducks. Goals to MD's: John Skiadas, Terry Giovas, and Costa Sourlas. Slytherin: Ryan Findlayson.
Polar Bears Vs. Ninjas
Ninjas seem to be on the backfoot from the word go. Sam Boer for Polar Bears bunting one off the keeper into the goal early in the first half. Polar Bears continued to make some good chances, but couldn't capitalize. Eventually the tables started to turn, and Peter Yabsley for Ninjas scored a solo goal to level the scores before half time. The second half was a much more even battle, the only thing that seperated the two teams was goalkeeper Andrew Nicholson, looking to clear the ball under some pressure, but only sweeping the ball into his own net to score for the Polar Bears. Final Score 2-1 Polar Bears.

23-JUN-2003
Division B - Week 1
Ice Wizards Vs. Guinness
Ice Wizards started a girl short, but Guinness were unable to take advantage. When Ice Wizards did eventually get a full team on the Ice, they started to fire. However, the Guinness players must have gone to goalkeeping school, most the team spending some time in goals, and all who did were required to make some fantastic saves. 0-0 at half time. In the second Guinness came out firing. Many near misses, and good saves, held them out until about halfway through the half when Brett Mitchell gave Guinness the lead. Ice Wizards struck back almost immediately through Luke Simmonds. Again Ice Wizards were under siege as Guinness created and just missed many opportunities. With a minute to go Ice Wizards made a breakaway, and Scott Murray finished it off for the win. 2-1 Ice Wizards.
Phoenix Vs. Ice Fury
A game were any player could get a cheer from the (doughnut injected) crowd if they requested it. Phoenix with their quality defense, (now with added Linda Bell), frustrated the Ice Fury attack. But Phoenix also had their attacking chances, only to be shut down by the Ice Fury defense. Two goals were to come in normal time, both in the second half. Ben Robson for Phoenix, after some rebounds and scrambling, guided the ball into an open net then began an animated celebration. Craig Loughlin-Smith hammered a ball from out wide to give Ice Fury their goal. 1-1 at the end of normal time. In overtime, neither team were able to get around the others defense leaving this one as a 1-1 draw.
Can Openers Vs. Western Scorpions
B-Grade debutants Can Openers trying to match it with a very energetic Western Scorpions outfit. Neither team grabbed the ascendancy, both teams relying a lot on counter-attacks. Eventually an error from behind the goals gave the Scorpions the chance to take the lead, and they did with Steve Larter scrambling the ball in. Can Openers levelled the scores before half time, a nice passing combination started and finished by Rob Courtney. In the second half, still much of the same. Eventually it was Can Openers again, new recruit Ryan Findlayson slamming the winner home. Final Score 2-1 Can Openers.

02-JUN-2003
Division A - Week 18 - Finals
Grand Final - MIGHTY DUCKS VICTORIOUS

Standing From Left: Terry Giovas, Lina Nasr, Kosta Sourlas, John Magnisalis, Amy Magnisalis
Squatting: Harry Sotiropoulos

By Gemma Fornal
The Mighty Ducks have beaten the Sonics 1-0 to take out the Broomball Mixed A Division Championship at Penrith Ice Palace on Monday night.
Broomball is a variation of ice hockey where players wear rubber-soled shoes to run on the ice and try to hit the ball into the goals.
The Penrith competition has mixed teams of three men and two women on the ice, plus a goalkeeper.
The Mighty Ducks and Sonics were evenly matched for pace and skill going into the final, but neither of the teams' attacks could threaten their opposition's strong defence early in the game.
In the second minute, the Sonics' Matt Xerri was sent off for two minutes, owing to a high stick penalty. The Mighty Ducks took full advantage.
A powerful shot by Harry Sotiropoulos was saved by a fast-reacting Scott Murray in goals, who also saved Sotiropoulos' second attempt less than 30 seconds later.
The Sonics, now with a full team on the ice, surged forward and looked dangerous when Tim Brown took a powerful shot only metres into the Mighty Ducks' half, only to have the fast-moving ball rebound off team-mate Sean Mitchell.
Brown took another powerful shot in the 17th minute but was this time denied by goalkeeper Andrew Nicholson.
With one and a half minutes left in the first half, a brilliant solo run by Sotiropoulos against the run of play led to an almost perfect cross, placed in front of goals. Team-mate Terry Giovas was unlucky not to score from the opportunity.
Both teams tried desperately to go to the break one goal up.
Another solo effort by Sotiropoulos went unrewarded as a diving Murray deflected the ball with less than 15 seconds left in the half.
The championship contenders came out firing in the second half.
By the fourth minute the Mighty Ducks' teamwork was coming together but despite the amount of possession, no threatening shots were made by the team.
Soon the Sonics were on the attack, with a shot by Kerry Baxter denied by goalkeeper Murray.
The Mighty Ducks hit back, but the defence of the Sonics' Pauline Perren seemed impenetrable as she took the brunt of powershots at close range.
By the ninth minute both teams were playing it safe, loading their defence as they began to fatigue.
The Sonics maintained possession for more than a minute but were unable to score due to the Mighty Ducks' defence.
With less than five minutes on the clock, the Mighty Ducks broke through the Sonics' defence.
A run by Giovas from half way was the result of the Mighty Ducks' teamwork, culminating in a goal that goalkeeper Nicholson could not prevent;
"Terry attempted to flick the ball past me, but it came off the end of his stick, wrong-footed me and went into the goal."
The Mighty Ducks tried quickly to extends their lead, but an ever-present Perren stopped another Sotiropoulos screamer.
With just 30 seconds to go, the Sonics fought hard to score a goal of their own, but despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to capitalise, allowing the Mighty Ducks to claim victory.
The road to the finals was not easy for the Mighty Ducks who were only placed fourth in the competition coming into the finals series.
They had to win both the elimination final and the preliminary final before being able to face the Sonics who won through after defeating Druids in the qualifying final.

02-JUN-2003
Division B - Week 18 - Finals
Grand Final - Guinness Vs. Polar Bears
Two of the competitions foundation clubs in the 5th B division final. Polar Bears looking to defend their title, Guinness looking to claim their first. This game turned out to be one of awesome defence as both teams attack probed at it to no avail. With 3 minutes in the game to go Tracy Ivin from behind the net flicked it back to Rob Courtney who slotted it home for a 1-0 Polar Bear lead. Guinness with nothing to lose turned it on and only a falcon save denied Guinness the equaliser. Polar Bears winning back to back premierships. The first team to do so in any grade at Penrith.

From Left: Luke Petelczyc, Tracy Ivin, Mark Kim, Rob Courtney, Eric Fry, Kerry Baxter, Ceez Kim, Brock Lessels
Absent at Avril Lavigne concert: 33 year old Andrew Leahy

19-JUN-2003
Division C - Week 14 - Finals
Grand Final - Monkey Magic Vs. Can Openers
The two teams had plenty of trash to talk to each other all year and every time they met, they had great games and the final sure turned out to be another tight one. Can Openers applied all the early pressure but some good keeping from Aaron Toomey denied them. Monkeys turned it around late in the half but couldnt break through. The second half started well for Monkey's slowing down their offence and controlling the ball in attack for long periods. However against the run of play Ed Vanoord put one in the zone for Aron Calfas to bury. Can Openers then shut up shop looking to hold out Monkeys. With all the remaining ball and offence Monkeys still couldnt find an opening in the rock solid Can Opener defence. Can Openers finally taking the C Division championship 1-0.

19-JUN-2003
Division D - Week 14 - Finals
Grand Final - Team IceBucket Vs. Robots
Both of these team have been growing in confidence as they moved into D-Division grand final! It was also pretty obvious which of the players tonight had been to Nationals a few weeks ago. The Robots held control of the ball for most of the first half thanks mainly to Danny Santamaria. But they were unable to get a clean shot on goal. Icebuckets attack had most success with the successfull Bryan-Liam-Lisa lineup, applying equal pressure to the Robots goalie Bob Irwin who was in fine form. First-half remained scoreless. Robots Mark Dasco (goal) and Paul Hancock (assist) pulled off a fine switch across the face of goal in the final 12 minutes to put points on the board for the Robots. Robots then hunkered down to defend that one goal! Final score static at 1-0 to the Robots, giving them the D-Division trophy. The fourth 1-0 result in 4 division finals... odd huh ?? From the Thursday night refs, Ryan and myself(Alf or Sk8er boi), I'd like to say 'Well Done Guys!' to The Robots, Team Icebucket and all the D-div teams this season!

12-JUN-2003
Division C - Week 13 - Finals
Preliminary Final - Monkey Magic Vs. Icebergs
This game decided who would meet the Can Openers in the C Grade gand final. It's not very often that I get to say this about a game that was decided by a single goal, but this was a very one sided affair. Monkeys completely controlled the game, with Monkeys goalkeeper Aaron Toomey able to have a snooze in back play. Meanwhile an unorthodox snooze like position from Icebergs part time goalkeeper kept the Icebergs in the game. Garry Mitchell, the other one to take the Icebergs goalkeeping duties, also made his fair share of excellent saves. But despite the keeping, Icebergs never looked like they were going to score, struggling to get a solid shot away with the smothering Monkeys defense. Eventually Bryan Macklin for Monkeys, made a break up the center, and finished off the job getting late into the second half. 1-0 Monkey Magic over Icebergs. Monkeys now meet Can Openers in what should be the fourth great clash between these two teams this season.

12-JUN-2003
Division D - Week 13 - Finals
Preliminary Final - Team IceBucket Vs. Raptors
This game looked like it should have been a TeamIcebucket walkover. The Icebucket offence lineup mainly consisting of Liam Golding, Lisa Price and Bryan Macklin kept the Raptors scrambling in their defensive zone for most of the game. Some brilliant saves from Anth Courtney and Ryan Findlayson in running defence saved numerous attacks on their goal. It wasnt until the last two minutes of the second half that Liam Golding off a Bryan Macklin assist was able to get a goal onto the board. Staving off an overtime playoff. Team Icebucket 1 defeating Raptors 0.

29-MAY-2003
Division C - Week 11 - Finals
Qualifying Final - Can Openers Vs. Monkey Magic
Monkey Magic the only team do have beaten Can Openers this season, were looking to repeat the feat and take the easy route to the grand final. They were on track to do just that when James Kristof setup Bryan Macklin, who pummeled it in only a minute into the match. From there it became a tough fight, either team having their moments. Getting late into the first half, Aron Calfas was put into a bit of space from some nice passing between Lisa Nixon, and Rob Courtney. From which Aron fired one that struck the side of the goals then into the keeper and just rebounding back into the goals. 1-1 at half time. In the second half, again neither team was dominant but still both produced quality play. Can Openers did break the deadlock through Canadian import, Ed Vannoord. Late in the game, James Kristof struck a ball that came of the post, and across the goal face, teasing the goals, but never completely crossing the line. So 2-1 to the Can Openers was to be the final score in a match that could have just as easily been decided by a toss of a coin. Can Openers now go straight through the Grand Final.
Elimination Final - Icebergs Vs. 69ers
With the loser of this match being eliminated, it was always going to be a desperate struggle. 69ers had a slight edge in the first half, and it was enough to see them open the scoring. Dale Ashworth off a Jay Schmidt assist. Icebergs only creating limited chances, left the score at half time at 1-0 69ers. The team pep-talk at half time must have worked for the Icebergs, coming out with all guns blazing. But they were continuously stopped by 69er's keeper Karen Callaghan, who had a stellar match. Eventually Icebergs did breakthrough with a shot by Kyle Edwards squeezing through from an acute angle. While Icebergs looked to be the slightly better team towards the end, they couldn't put a winner in before full time. So to overtime it went. Still Icebergs looked to be the more likely to score, but first they had to figure a way around the super defense of Karen Callaghan. Karen keeping things tight at the back for 69ers, allowed them to put some attack together, but they also couldn't convert. So no score in the five minutes of overtime, and into sudden death. What can I say about sudden death.... Trying to out do the efforts of a D-grade match earlier in the night. Sudden death lasted long enough to see both teams go through their entire line ups atleast twice. As will always be the case in long 4 on 4 battles, both teams created opportunities and kept crowds for both side tense. Eventually it took a power drive from Tim Edwards to seal it for Icebergs, probably about twenty minutes into overtime. So 69ers unlucky to be eliminated, and Icebergs to face Monkey Magic for the remaining finals spot.

29-MAY-2003
Division D - Week 11 - Finals
Elimination Final - Raptors Vs. Slush Puppies
Like the guy in '3' TV ad says "it was a game of three halfs!" Extending past 5min overtime and well over 10mins into golden-goal before a breakaway from Anth Courtney finished the game to take Raptors into the preliminary final. This night both teams were missing vital players, Raptors in offence and Slush Puppies in defence. Raptors on the ice with 5 players and no-subs, Slushies with no-girls and 1 male sub. Slushies managed to keep the ball well into attacking half for most of the game but only Steve Neil managed to get one past the Raptors defence and Anth Courtney in goals. Meanwhile the Raptors attack consisted of Ryan Findlayson running ball after ball to within shooting range of the Slushies goal only to have his passing shot sail pass Neridah, Karen or Susan as they tried to position themselves. Most infuriating! Raptors(2)defeat in sudden death OT Slush Puppies (1).
Qualifying Final - Robots Vs. Team IceBucket
Nicely fought game between the two top-of-the-table D-division teams. Perhaps a hint of a grand final play off? The usual IceBucket front-row pairing of Liam Golding and Bryan Macklin efficiently shutdown by the Robots ladies Lisa Nixon and Lauren O'Brien in defence. Danny Santamaria, from a Mark Ward assist, scoring the only goal on the night for Robots. A mong call from the ref in the final minutes upsetting everyone (Alf's note to self: must remember to NOT call icing against a team when they're a player down *doh*). Robots (1) over Team IceBucket (0). Robots into the grand final with Team IceBucket taking on Raptors in a couple weeks for the other spot.

26-MAY-2003
Division A - Week 17 - Finals
Elimination Final - Slytherin Vs. Mighty Ducks
The first of a long night of finals.. Two in form teams squaring off to see which one could earn a spot in the preliminary final. The game started badly for Slytherin as Ryan Findlayson pushed a dangerous stick in between the legs of John Magnisalis and earnt the fastest penalty in Penrith's history with the clock reading 19.55 Mighty Ducks played the better at first setting up good chances with Terry Giovas capitalising, 1-0 Mighty Ducks. Slytherin fouhgt back with Steve Timmins slamming one home, however as he stretched out on one knee to take the shot his other legged tripped defender Lina Nasr. Goal disallowed. Still 1-0 Mighty Duicks. Both teams peppered each others goals but there was no further score. Final score 1-0 Mighty Ducks who advanced to the Preliminary Final later in the night. Slytherin eliminated.
Qualifying Final - Druids Vs. Sonics
Sonics in hot form leading into the grand final qualifier vs a injury stricken Druids minus Tracy Ivin, with a bruised Bryan Macklin and Aaron Wigg with a pulled groin. Druids were going to struggle.. and did.. Sonics were excellent, controlling posession and shutting down anything Druids tried to mount. However Druids hung on 0-0 half time. In the second half Mark Kim sliced through the defence, beat the keeper then bounced passed it off the left goal post, off the keepers back to Tim Brown to slot home. 1-0 Sonics. Druids didnt get much of a look in with little possession after that.. but with 20 seconds to go.. Saxon Hooper slotted a pass to Bryan Macklin who found the energy to break clear on the goalie. Tim Brown chased him down but in an effort to tackle him brought him down hard. 13 seconds to go and a penalty shot awarded adding high drama to the game. Bryan unable to take it deferred it to Saxon who slotted the Saxon neatly past the keeper. 1 all full time. 5 minutes over time to see who would go through to the grand final. Sonics again as they had for most of the game dominated possession and it was Tim Brown who poked the goal from a Mark Kim pass. 2-1 Sonics into the Grand Final next week. Mighty Ducks vs Druids in the preliminary final later on.
Preliminary Final - Druids Vs. Mighty Ducks
Both teams were knackered after tough opening finals (will have to talk to the organiser about spreading the finals out). However it was a tough game nonetheles. Druids started well controlling possession and working good shots away. Eventually Bryan Macklin put one in for Druids 1-0. Game ebbed and flowed as both teams wore down as the second game took it's toll on the players. John Magnisalis tied it up for Mighty Ducks sending the game into overtime. In overtime it was all Mighty Ducks as they put on two goals to win it 3-1. Mighty Ducks vs Sonics in the A division Grand Final next week. First time ever it is not a Thunderbirds vs Sky Devils grand final.

26-MAY-2003
Division B - Week 17 - Finals
Elimination Final - Guinness Vs. Ice Fury
After a fine performance last week, drawing 2-2 with the Polar Bears, Ice Fury looked a team in form and real contenders for the B grade premiership. However elimination games can be extremely tricky and Ice Fury were missing there top goal scorer and 2nd top point scorer for the competition Shannon Jorda. Guinness on the other hand were at full strength and fresh after having a weeks rest from the last round and this was the way it played out. Both teams had their chances but only Ryan Findlayson managed to find the net in the tight game in which Guinness just seemed to have the edge. Guinness into the preliminary final again.. their 4th !!
Qualifying Final - Polar Bears Vs. Western Scorpions
The top two teams of B grade squared off for looking to earn the first spot in the B division Grand FInal. Very even game with both team creating chances and not converting. In the end it came down to Polar Bears being able to convert. Andrew Leahy from out wide somehow slotted one past the Scorpion keeper. 1-0 On break aways Eric Fry and Rob Courtney scored for Polar Bears leaving the score 3-0. Polar Bears into the Grand Final next week with a chance to defend their title. Western Scorpions to take on Guinnes for the other spot.
Preliminary Final - Western Scorpions Vs. Guinness
Some Deja-vu with Guinness winning 1 goal to nil over Western Scorpions. The Guinness team once again showing an edge over their opposition handing out a 2nd defeat of the night to the Western Scorpions. The goal to Dane Hansen. The win earning Guinness their second shot at the B division title. They go up against last seasons champions Polar Bears.

22-MAY-2003
Division C - Week 10
69ers Vs. Monkey Magic
Monkey Magic coming off a victory against the Can Openers, but as is the case in a lot of sports, the team couldn't pick themselves up for what should have been an easier game. The fact that the game would have no bearing on the final standings may also played a part, but whatever it was, 69ers walked all over Monkeys. 69ers scored three goals in the first half, which should have been a wake up call for Monkeys. Instead this proved to be frustrating for them, make some rash decisions infront of goals, and slowly diminishing in effort. 69ers putting another two on the board early in the second half. This was greeted with a change of keeper for Monkeys, but another two quick goals saw the keeper change back shortly after. 69ers finishing the match with a final goal to make the score 8-0 to 69ers. The star being Jay Schmidt with 4 goals and an assist.
Icebergs Vs. Allsorts
One of the few games that actually mattered this night, Allsorts needing the outright victory for the remaining C Grade finals spot. A reasonably close game as far as possesion went, but Icebergs had more in their attacking half, and capitalised on this in the first half through Garry Mitchell, assisted by Rebecca Jones. Another highlight of the first half was Luke Petelczyc amazing flick pass that went between Air Duct and Roof without touching anything, and still landing in the field of play. Things still tight in the second half until Icebergs put on two quick goals. The first to Craig Loughlin-Smith who found himself with a lot of time one-on-one with the keeper and at first looked like a stumbling gorilla, but quickly regained his composure to power it home. The second, another power drive from wide on the blue line by Tim Edwards, giving the keeper little chance. 3-0 Icebergs.

22-MAY-2003
Division D - Week 10
Raptors Vs. Flaming Tomatos
With just four of the original Raptors playing they needed to pull something special to compete against a ripening (sic) Tomatos side. Both teams started fairly evenly, the Tomatos warmed up their offence with Daniel Tinson (1 goal) and Jason Solomon (1 assist) managing a quick 1-2 passing shot to put the Tomatos on the board in the first 10 minutes. For the next 30 minutes, Ryan Findlayson seemingly taking the goal as a personal attack, came out of goals like a man possesed in attempt to even the score. Unfortunately his teammates were unable to put away any of the many, many setups! Final Score Tomatos (1) defeating Rapters (0).
Robots Vs. Team IceBucket
A fast offence game this one, with the both front lines battling hard for possession and positioning. Danny and the two Marks for Robots vs Bryan and Liam from IceBuckets. A huge crash between Bryan Macklin, Danny Santamaria and Bob Irwin in the Robots goal crease left Bryan with a suspiciously stick-shaped bruise across stomach! Game coming to a 1-1 draw at end of normal time. Tired Robots defence in overtime left the goal open for a clean shot by Icebuckets to take the game. Final score Team IceBucket 2 over Robots 1.

19-MAY-2003
Division A - Week 16
Sonics Vs. SilverBacks
Silverbacks missing Andrew Nicholson and Troy Carroll were going to do it tough against Sonics who needed a win for the minor premiership. It didnt take long before Sonics were piling on the goals. 5-0 at half time. After half time Silverbacks were just looking to enjoy their last half of A grade and Scott Murray got forward and hammered one home. 5-1 Sonics. However it wasnt long before Sonics were back at it.. putting on another 3. Tim Brown 3 goals, Kerry Baxter 2, Mark Kim 2 and Matt Xerri 1. 8-1 Sonics. Sonics Minor Premiers playing Druids in the qualifying final next week at 7.45pm
Sky Devils Vs. Mighty Ducks
A win for Sky Devils would put them into 2nd, a draw, OT Win or OT Loss would put them into the finals. On the other hand an outright win for Mighty Ducks would put them into the finals. Both teams played well creating good chances only being denied by good defence and keeping. Nil all at half time. With five to go Con Sourlas slammed a goal into the top left corner for a 1-0 lead to Sky Devils. Mighty Ducks needed the win and stepped it up in a last ditch effort. Harry Sotiropoulos got forward and with good patience waited for the keeper to over commit and slot in the equaliser. Only 3 minutes to go and Sky Devils were still looking good to hold on to the last finals spot. But Mighty Ducks had other ideas and it was Terry Giovas with the game winner with a minute to go. Mighty Ducks held on and grabbed 4th spot. 2-1 Mighty Ducks. Mighty Ducks take on Slytherin in the Elimination final next monday at 7pm. The winner of that will take on the looser of the Sonics vs Druids later in the night for a grand final spot.

19-MAY-2003
Division B - Week 16
Golden Falcons Vs. Ice Wizards
Not much to play for these two teams as a finals spot was out of reach for both. However they turned it on for the huge crowd. (no idea where they came from) !! Scott Murray with a double to give Ice Wizards a 2-0 win.
Ice Fury Vs. Polar Bears
A possible preview to the B division grand final. An excellent match with Polar Bears leading early only to be pulled back by Ice Fury. 2-2 full time. Goals for Polar Bears by Mark Kim & Andrew Leahy. For Ice Fury it was Shannon Jorda & John Skiadas. In overtime neither team could manage a score as both teams missed good chances. 2-2 even after 5 minutes of 4 on 4 OT.
Western Scorpions Vs. Phoenix
This was a closely fought affair with both teams having good chances throughout the match. The final result was a 1-0 win to Western Scorpions, the winning goal, one to savor. Karen Thompson and Jay Schmidt ran at the Phoenix defence and with the exchange of several passes they were through on goal, Jay then drew the keeper and laid the ball off to Karen who put it away. The result could easily gone the other way however, as Ben Robson found himself in on goal on two occasions at the end of the second half. However he was unable to beat the W. Scorpion net-minder, Sam Boer, who made two excellent stops.

15-MAY-2003
Division C - Week 9
69ers Vs. Allsorts
After last weeks all out defense plan from Allsorts that backfired, this week they played a more natural game. They also had the attacking services of Eric Fry back, plus 69ers were playing the entire game a girl short. So if there was a game this season that Allsorts could win, this was it. It was quite an action packed game, within the first five minutes good chances were setup and saved by the respective keepers. Then another blow to the 69ers when Anth Courtney hurt his ankle in a very ugly accident. This left 69ers with no male subs either. But still the game was very evenly matched, and would remain 0-0 into half time. More of the same action in the second half, a goal looked like it had to come eventually, but the clock kept ticking down. Then with a 1:30 left on the clock, Steve Larter for 69ers had a close range shot that was saved by the keeper only to land at the feet of another 69er in Jay Schmidt, who made no mistake in chipping it in. Another loss to Allsorts seemed imminent but the rallied there spirits, Mark Kim breaking away down the sideline, centering it to the waiting Eric Fry who put it in with 20 seconds to spare. Overtime called. In Overtime 69ers still only with one girl (hence with three players) looked as though they had little chance of holding out, but they piled on a bit of attacking pressure themselves, and only some great blocking by Ceez Kim keeping Allsorts in the game. 69ers may not have been able to beat her, but sure enough one of her own team could, Luke Petelczyc passed??? the ball to the goals, and the goals being the excellent player that they are, trapped the ball in it's netting. 2-1 69ers in OT.
Can Openers Vs. Monkey Magic
Well, with a lot of sledging off the field between these two teams, it was always going to be a heated affair. Monkey Magic looked determined to put the Can Opener's winning streak to bed, and looked like they were going to after the first passages of play, maintaining a lot of possession in attack, moving the ball around, and keeping the Can Openers defense shifting. Several good chances came of this, only to be denied by keeper Bob Irwin, or the posts. Soon enough Can Openers began to get some possession. Always threatening in attack, but despite there best efforts, the only good shots they could get away were from beyond the blue line. The Monkey Magic defense jumping on to any loose player quick as a flash, giving them no time to get a solid short range shot off. It went into half time at 0-0, strange waters for the Can Openers. The second both outfits began to get tired, in a very tense encounter. The Monkey Magic defense faltering slightly but were saved by good keeper Aaron Toomey, and more goal posts. As the clock wound down, with still no score on the board, tempers began to flare. But this seemed to make both teams more determined. Monkeys were going to have a major disadvantage, when James Kristof was penalized. Could they hold out for the two minutes?? The answer is only just, more good keeping and scrambling defense. With Monkeys back at full strength, it was Can Openers who now had to face the challenge of playing a man short, when Aron Calfas was sent off. This time Sara Kristof passed down the side to brother James who in turn centered the ball to Bryan Macklin, who was waiting in behind the Can Openers defense. Making short work with the one on one with the keeper, he gave the Monkeys the lead with about four minutes remaining. In the dying stages, Can Openers went for all out attack, keeper Bob Irwin moving into the frontline. But Monkeys kept there defense going and saw out the game to hand Can Openers their first defeat of the season, and their first goalless game of the season!!! 1-0 Monkey Magic.

15-MAY-2003
Division D - Week 9
Raptors Vs. Team IceBucket
Raptors were going to be doing it hard against in inform IceBuckets, both teams kept looking to their A-grade players (Ryan for Rapters and Bryan for IceBuckets) to set up their teammates. Anth Courtney in goals for Raptors pulled of some assy saves against Bryan and Liam's attacks despite having ligaments in his foot smashed the previous match... how are those crutches working for you Anth? Both teams were held down to nill all at end of the second half. In the first minute of overtime a sprint from Liam Golding had him running past Raptors defenders Karen and Neridah to give IceBuckets the match 1-0 defeating Raptors.
Slush Puppies Vs. Flaming Tomatos
Flaming Tomatos must have done a phone around for this match with 10 players turning up! Slush Puppies arrived under manned roping in a couple of IceBucket players to make up the numbers. Mitch Tuza and James Ward, as always, dominated the Slush Puppies forward line, taking the Slushies to 2-0 at half time with a goal each. Tomatos Darren Pearce grabbed one goal back in the second half. Before another Mitch/James combo added one more point to the Slushies tally in the final 2 minutes. Final score 3-1 to the Slush Puppies.

12-MAY-2003
Division A - Week 15
Slytherin Vs. SilverBacks
A chance for Slytherin to cement their finals spot against a SilverBacks team playing for pride. Slytherin started well putting in two quick goals to Ryan Findlayson and Dane Hansen. Some consolidation by SilverBacks tightened things up and 2-0 Slytherin was the half time score. A keeping error handed SilverBack Andrew Nicholson a goal and tightened the score line to 2-1. But a lunging full back gave Slytherin a two on none and Craig Horsley put it past the keeper. Final Score 3-1 Slytherin cementing their spot somewhere in the top 4 (2nd to 4th)
Druids Vs. Sawawawas
Sawawawas had to win to have any chance of making the finals in their final season. With the competition so tight, Druids also had to win to make the finals so a good game was in the pipe line. Sawawawas minus Sam Boer and Karen Thompson controlled the play well but couldnt score. Druids had only limited chances but managed the first goal through a Saxon Hooper line drive. 1-0 half time. Still anyones game as Sawawawas controlled the ball well but just failed to get effective shots on goal. From a breakaway Saxon again scored with a "Saxon" making it 2-0. A short time later Saxon gave a pass to James Kristof who broke past the defence and slotted home a third Druid goal. 3-0 Druids. A sad way to end for one of our longest serving teams. The players will still be playing but split up and playing for new A grade teams.

12-MAY-2003
Last Match for Sawawawas
After five tournaments one of the founding teams of the Penrith A division Sawawawas have decided to wrap up their team. Their players will distribute themselves among other A and B grade sides. Sawawawas were part of the first ever A grade tournament at Penrith with many of their players playing at Blacktown also. Sawawawas played a total of 59 A grade games winning 23 of them scoreing 78 goals, their best result a 5-0 thrashing of the dual premiership winning ThunderBirds. They made the finals three times losing twice in the preliminary final by a margin of 2 goals to 1 (oh so close). Hopefully they can build new reputations for their new teams.

12-MAY-2003
Division B - Week 15
Golden Falcons Vs. Western Scorpions
Western Scorpions were looking for a win to try and give themselves a chance to pinch the minor premiership from Polar Bears. Golden Falcons needed a win to keep their finals chances alive. Western Scorpions controlled a lot of the possession but could not convert any of their very numerous shots on goal. Final score nil all. Even sudden death overtime couldnt decide a winner. The score remained nil all.
Guinness Vs. Ice Wizards
Ice Wizards with a win over Guinness could steal the 4th final spot. And they started well with a goal to Scott Murray. 1-0 halftime to Ice Wizards. In the second half Guinnes turned and blew the game away posting 4 goals. Two to Josh Drinkall and one each to Ryan Findlayson and Craig Horsley. Final score 4-1 Guinness.
Ice Fury Vs. Phoenix
Phoenix all over Ice Fury in the first half leading 2-0 though goals to Shannon Vost and Joel Robson. Ice Fury without subs looked dejected and beaten. However they rallied and showed why they are contenders for the B division premiership. Slamming on 4 unanswered goals in the second half. Two to Shannon Jorda, 1 to Craig Loughlin-Smith and 1 to John Skiadas. 4-2 Ice Fury.

08-MAY-2003
Division C - Week 8
Can Openers Vs. Allsorts
Allsorts decided to combat the strength of the Can Openers with an all out defence policy, trying to get them in to overtime. As a result of this Can Openers had a lot of possesion. Allsorts held out for about 8 minutes, until Lisa Nixon (Rob Courtney) fired one from the blue line that found it's mark. Next it was Lisa Nixon (Alf Leahy) who was nicely assisted by Lisa Nixon (Rob Courtney), and import Lisa Nixon (Ed Vannoord). Then Lisa Nixon (Rob Courtney) completed a first half hat-trick, putting away two more stunners to take the Can Openers to half time with a 4-0 lead. In the second half, Allsorts seemed to be out of it.... and they were. Lisa Nixon (Aron Calfas) went to full stretch to put one in behind the keeper. This was quickly followed up by Lisa Nixon (Rob Coutney) putting in a sixth for the team and getting a sixth personal point for the game. Special mention goes to Lauren O'Brian, Marina Papacharalambous, and Bob Irwin, as the defensive line up for the Can Openers, weren't needed too often, but did the job when required. 6-0 Can Openers.
69ers Vs. Icebergs
Icebergs, short of their normal team, called in a few of the D-Grade stars to help them against 69ers. This provided a very even contest. A wayward high stick by an Iceberg member, and good reffereeing (he he he) to play the advantage despite most people coming to a stop, lead to a goal for the 69ers when Steve Larter finished a Jay Schmidt set up. Still a very close encounter, both teams creating opportunities, but neither could get one before half time. In the second half, it was more of the same. Good team work saw 69ers have the slightly better opportunities, but some nice keeping by the Icebergs fill in, denied them. In the last seconds of the match, Gina Greentree put a solid pass round the back of goals to Jay Schmidt, leaving the Icebergs keeper in no-mans land, and Jay easily tucked the ball in. 2-0 69ers.

08-MAY-2003
Division D - Week 8
Slush Puppies Vs. Team IceBucket
Mark Dasco started a busy night for him, filling in for the Slush Puppies, in the first of what would be three games for him this night. Team IceBucket overcame their high stick-athon (3 in all), and Liam Golding found the time to claim a hat-trick, assisted twice by Bryan Macklin. Mark Dasco did make up for a wayward pass that lead to an IceBucket goal, being assisted by James Ward to score their only goal of the game. 3-1 Team IceBucket
Raptors Vs. Robots
Raptors, the only team thus far to restrict the Robots from an outright win, were looking for a similar performance. Their plans seemed to go sour as Mark Dasco found himself unmarked with the ball at halfway, with no-one in front of him except the keeper. A desperate dive by the keeper saw the ball ricochet of his legs and just sneak into the top of the goals (unlucky Anth) to take the Robots to a 1-0 lead. This was also the half time score. Raptors creating very limited chances in attack, and Robots repeatedly piled on the pressure. But the Raptors defense kept the Robots from scoring again. With only a couple of minutes to go and the Raptors a goal down, all looked hopeless until an a fumble on a breakaway by the Robots saw the Raptors keeper come charging out, getting the ball, weaving through many a defender drawing the keeper and delivering a brilliant center pass to get the ball to heavily marked Anth Courtney who made no mistake in knocking the ball in. This game was going to overtime. Raptors without a keeper barely stood a chance against the Robots goal machine, and it didn't take long for Danny Santamaria, with an abundance of options, to fake a pass and slot the ball into the goals. 2-1 Robots in OT.

05-MAY-2003
Division A - Week 14
Druids Vs. SilverBacks
With six of the seven A divisions teams still in finals contention a win for Druids against the 7th team was a must. Silverbacks were always going to struggle without an injured Troy Carroll. However they lifted and defended well. Druids on a mission though started the scoreing with Tracy Ivin. Soon after Belinda McDavitt broke down the right wing and centred it for James Kristof to get his first of two. That was it for the half 2-0 Druids. Second half was similar with Druids controlling the play with SilverBacks holding on. Despite the good defence Druids managed another two goals, 1 each to first half scorers Tracy Ivin and James Kristof. 4-0 Druids. Druids need to defeat Sawawawas in their last game to make the finals.. a loss will see them out. A win for Sawawawawas will put them on equal points with Druids and ahead on their results vs Druids. So a crucial match next week.
Sky Devils Vs. Slytherin
A common theme for the night.. another must win game for both teams, a win virtually assuring either team a spot in the finals. Sky Devils made most the running but just failed to finish. Late in the second half Ryan Findlayson got a one on one with the keeper and managed to pull off a nice one handed move to beat the keeper. Giving Slytherin the win. 1-0 Slytherin. Slytherin now just have to beat SilverBacks to get a finals spot. Sky Devils have a slightly more difficult task having to beat Mighty Ducks.
Sonics Vs. Sawawawas
Sawawawas needed to halt a losing streak to make sure they remained in the finals hunt. A tough assignemnt though, up against likely minor premiers Sonics. Was a good game of high skill with both teams creating opportunities to score. Sonics were first to score with a goal to Tim Brown. 1-0 halftime. Sawawawas upped the pressure in the second half but couldnt crack the Sonics defence. It was Sonics that scored next though with Kerry Baxter prodding home a goal from close range. Final score 2-0 Sonics. Sawawawas need to win next week vs Druids to make the finals and then rely on other results. Sonics have a bye and need to beat Silverbacks the week after to gain the minor premiership.

05-MAY-2003
Division B - Week 14
Polar Bears Vs. Western Scorpions
Two finals contenders against each other looking to gain the advantage leading into the finals. Started evenly but Polar Bears eventually grinded out the win with goals to Rob Courtney, Mark Kim and Kerry Baxter. Western Scorpions sole goal was to Brett Mitchell. Final Score 3-1. Polar Bears look set to take the minor premiership.
Phoenix Vs. Ice Wizards
Ice Wizards needed a win to make the finals, Phoeninx were looking to continue their good form to finish the season off well. Both teams defended well and allowed little to the other in attack. Eventually it was Andrew Chapaman executing a neat "Saxon", the first of three for the night to give Phoenix the 1-0. Good to see people actually pay attention at training... 1-0 Phoenix.
Ice Fury Vs. Guinness
Crucial games for both teams.. A win for Ice Fury would cement a finals spot. A win for Guinness would put them ahead of the other finals contenders Falcons and Wizards. The game was played as such and was decided by a single goal to Guinness for Beth Hines from a Josh Drinkall. Final score 1-0 Guinness.

01-MAY-2003
Division C - Week 7
Icebergs Vs. Monkey Magic
This was an interesting game, that anyone could have won. Icebergs were restricted to taking long range shots, and Monkey Magic while getting in a little closer, were too crowded by the defense to take the time to get the shot online. As a result of this, there were only a few occassions where the keepers were needed, but produced great saves when the actually were required. It seemed only fitting that this game should go into overtime, but with seven minutes to go in the second half, Icebergs star defender Rebecca Jones left the field injured, and no other girl to replace her, giving Monkeys the advantage. Strangely, it was Icebergs who put on the pressure during this period. Then Rebecca returned to the field with about three minutes to go, which seem to spark the Monkeys who were very unlucky not to put in the winner. But overtime it was. Both teams going back and forth in break away opportunities, but the deep man defense of both teams held out, until Monkeys combined through Sara Kristof, up the side line to brother James, who centered it in for Bryan to finish. 1-0 OT win to Monkeys.
69ers Vs. Can Openers
For the first quarter of the game, 69ers looked like they would be the first to score getting some good possesion together in their attacking half. Unfortunately they couldn't break through. Can Openers then made the break through, it wasn't Rob Courtney, but newcomer Ed Vannoord in his second game for the Can Openers. Rob Courtney was soon enough on the scoreboard, claiming two goals before half time. In the second half it was back to 69ers put on heavy pressure in attack. In a combination of excellent keeping by Bob Irwin, and pure luck, the ball remained out of the Can Openers goal. In the late stages of the match, Can Openers once again turned it around, and Rob Courtney claimed his hat trick. Final score 4-0 Can Openers.

01-MAY-2003
Division D - Week 7
Robots Vs. Flaming Tomatos
Tomatos couldnt contain the repeated running attacks from Danny Santamaria and Mark Dasco of Robots. Score tally Danny Santamaria 3 goals, Mark Dasco 2 Assists. Robots 3 defeat Flaming Tomatos 0.
Raptors Vs. Slush Puppies
A tough game for Raptors against a particularly loud and noisy Slush Puppies side. Save your breath guys and concentrate on playing the game! Raptors were down a couple of good attacking runners and played without subs, leaving it to Davin Harvey to score the only goal from a Ryan Findlayson assist in the second half. Final Score Raptors 1 defeating Slush Puppies 0.

28-APR-2003
Division A - Week 13
Druids Vs. Sonics
A top class game with both teams playing hard right until the end with the result still in doubt. Saxon Hooper opened the scoreing for Druids. 1 nil half time. Early in the second half Bryan Macklin shot past the keeper to give Druids a 2-0 buffer. Just like last game Sonics came back hard setting up chance after chance with Druids grimly defending. Tim Brown and Kerry Baxter were both unlucky a number of times as the keeper made great saves. In the end Druids hung on to grab a much needed win after a 3 game losing streak.
Mighty Ducks Vs. SilverBacks
Good form leading into this game for Mighty Ducks had them looking for a win against last placed SilverBacks. The prize for a win.. top of the ladder. Minus gun Harry Sotiropoulos the Mighty Ducks were a little worried as to which way the result would go. Soon that was laid to rest as Kosta Sourlas defelected a John Magnisalis shot in. Kosta's first goal since the winter semi final last year when Mighty Ducks trounced Wild Buffaloes 6-1. Terry Giovas scrambled one in and John Magnisalis added a third giving Ducks a 3-0 lead at half time. SilverBacks to their credit didnt give up and fought back with a goal of their own to Luke Simmonds. Although they created many chances they couldnt finish again. Final Score 3-1 to Mighty Ducks giving them the top spot on the ladder.
Slytherin Vs. Sawawawas
Sawawawas needed a win to stop their slide and Slytherin needed one keep their finals hopes alive. Both teams turning it on in defence and attack with neither having much luck. Sam Boer created two great chances only to blast the ball wide from close range. In the end it was Ryan Findlayson who was Johnny on the spot to tip in a Steve Timmins pass from close range. Final Score 1-0 Slytherin. 5 points now separate 1st to 6th with any of those teams a chance to make the finals, with any of those teams a chance to win the Shield.

28-APR-2003
Division B - Week 13
Phoenix Vs. Golden Falcons
Tough fought match with neither team really gaining ascendancy. In the end the heavy penalty count against Phoenix took it's toll and John Batman put away the winner for Falcons. A couple of wins for Falcons could see them reach the finals. Final Score 1-0 Golden Falcons.
Polar Bears Vs. Guinness
A much tougher affair than when these teams met last time. Guinness having the answers to Polar Bears potent offence. However Polar Bears also have potent back line which allowed Guinness very little opportunity. Guinness hung in there until Mark Kim slotted the winner. 1-0 Polar Bears.
Western Scorpions Vs. Ice Wizards
Ice Wizards were seeing red blurs in the red eye special match as Western Scorpions piled on 3 goals to nil. Goals to Brett Mitchell, Jay Schmidt and Alex Blair with Tim Edwards having a hand in each supplying three assists. 3-0 Western Scorpions.

24-APR-2003
Division C - Week 6
Allsorts Vs. Monkey Magic
In essence, this game was a lesson by Monkey Magic on how to defeat a zone defense. They controlled the ball for most of the game, passing it around and forcing the defense to spread open creating chance after chance after chance. Monkeys managed to score Four goals, the first three came off two assists each, but finished each time by Bryan Macklin. The fourth a brilliant individual streak from the face off, again by Bryan, absolutely smashing the ball in from short range. When they had the ball, Allsorts did create a few breakaway chances, but excellent keeping by Aaron Toomey resulted in a 4-0 scoreline to Monkey Magic.
Icebergs Vs. Can Openers
Can Openers without star goal keeper Bob Irwin, and super defender Lauren O'Brien, would have to fight hard to keep their win streak intact. Can Openers attack was still present, Rob Courtney as per usual started the scoring, picking up some scraps in front of the goals. Next it was Alf Leahy adding to the Can Openers tally, somehow squeazing a goal under the Icebergs keeper after a brilliant pass from newcomer Ed Vannoord. To finish the scoring in the first half, it was Aron Calfas taking the score to 3-0 Can Openers. Icebergs looked down and out, the frustration showing through penalties, being down to 4 mid way through the second. They defended hard during this period, and didn't let the Can Openers in again. Once back to full strength. The fight back began. Tim Edwards slotting two in quick succession, both from about the blue line. Still 3-2 to the Can Openers, 7 minutes remained. Another penalty against the Icebergs saw their attack restricted for some of the remaining time. But still forced the Can Openers into panic stations. However they did hold the Icebergs out...just. 3-2 to Can Openers.

24-APR-2003
Division D - Week 6
Robots Vs. Slush Puppies
Robots still undefeated, wanted to keep it that way against a Slush Puppies side that had a few new faces. Both teams had several chances, but Robots were the only ones who could seal the deal. The goals went to Danny Santamaria, and Mark Ward. Mark Ward unlucky not to get a double, had a good oportunity to score had an advantage been played. 2-0 Robots.
Flaming Tomatos Vs. Team IceBucket
Liam Golding was the star for Team IceBucket in this encounter, scoring their two goals. Flaming Tomatos showing sparks at times, but failing to control the ball for any length of time, choosing to whack the ball in to their attacking zone rather than pass the ball around to create real attacking chances. 2-0 to Team IceBucket, taking them to outright second on the table.

21-APR-2003
Division A - Week 12
Sky Devils Vs. SilverBacks
Silverbacks returning from a double bye started well holding the in form Sky Devils for some time. However Sky Devils got it going and piled on three goals. One to Matt Robson who is in some very good goal scoreing form, one to Con Sourlangos and one to Con Sourlas. Silverbacks didnt drop their heads and kept attacking and got one of their own back through Scott Murray. But through Con Sourlangos Sky Devils got one more to secure top spot on the ladder. 4 - 1 Sky Devils.
Mighty Ducks Vs. Sonics
A very fast game with Mighty Ducks scrambling in defence against the skillful Sonics. Likewise Sonics sprinting back to shut down the fast breaking Mighty Ducks. In the end Tim Brown from behind the goals centred one into Kerry Baxter who was on the spot for a good shot, however Harry Sotiropoulos just intercepted it, but knocked it in for an own goal. 1 - 0 Sonics.
Slytherin Vs. Druids
Both teams desparate for a win to keep them in the finals race worked hard for their opportunities to score. There werent many and neither teamed grabbed them. Nill all at full time. Into overtime and it was Ryan Findlayson for Slytherin who got the extra point for his team. 1 - 0 overtime result for Slytherin.

21-APR-2003
Division B - Week 12
Ice Wizards Vs. Ice Fury
Someone must have known something as this game attracted some sort of a crowd and they werent disapointed as this game had everyting. Ice Fury started the scoreing as Shannon Jorda against the run of play scored on a break away. Luke Simmonds evened it up for the Wizards. Again Shannon Jorda gave the Fury the lead and again Ice Wizards evened it up. This time through Scott Murray. 2 - 2 full time and into Overtime. Ice Fury grabbing the bonus point as Shannon Jorda completed his hatrick.
Golden Falcons Vs. Polar Bears
Most of this game was played in the Polar Bears attacking half but they couldnt convert any chances. It took until the last couple of minutes for Mark Kim to score for Polar Bears giving them the win. 1 -0 Polar Bears The win puts Polar Bears and Ice Fury equal on points in the race for the minor premiership. Western Scorpions and Guinness round out the top four.

17-APR-2003
Division C - Week 5
69ers Vs. Monkey Magic
Monkey Magic played a very organised game, while 69ers adopted a scramble technique in both attack and defense. After a lot of offensive pressure, Monkeys broke through for the opening goal. James Kristof latching on to a rebound. Solid keeping by Karen Callaghan for 69ers kept the score at 1-0 till half time. In the second, 69ers made a few chances, but couldn't convert. As the game went on, they concentrated more and more on attack, hence their defense started to slip. Bryan Macklin claimed a second half hat-trick for the Monkeys to make the final score 4-0 Monkey Magic.
Icebergs Vs. Allsorts
Allsorts, with an astonishing ten man line up, were never going to get tired in this game. Once again their emphasis was on their defense. It took a charge out of goals from Garry Mitchell for the Icebergs to create space up the middle of th Allsorts defense. Garry found support in Tim Edwards, and the two passed it back and forth between themselves drawing the Allsorts keeper out of play. Tim Edwards running the ball in to the open goals. A goal down, Mark Kim took it upon himself to draw Allsorts level., out running the initial defense, and firing a shot just wide of another defender to take the game to 1-1 at half time. Despite some long periods of offensive pressure in the second half by Icebergs, they couldn't get a shot through the Allsorts defenders. Allsorts creating little attacking opportunities themselves in this half. So the game went in to overtime. In what could only be described as a fairly disorganised scramble, neither team could control the ball long enough to create a real opportunity. Full time score 1-1 Draw.

17-APR-2003
Division D - Week 5
Flaming Tomatos Vs. Raptors
The Tomatos had a complete team on the ice for the start of play this week! Managing to keep the scoreboard at 0-0 for the 30minutes. However the attacks of Anth Courtney (1 goal), Guy Beres (1 goal) and new-comer James Camp (1 assist) eventually had the desired affect of wearing down the Tomatos defence, with all points being scored in the last quarter. The Raptors were also handily served by their girls Neridah Findlayson and Karen Duffy in defence. Final score Raptors 2 defeating a puffed Tomatos 0. Raptors locking the Tomatos at the bottom of the D-Division ladder!
Robots Vs. Team IceBucket
A fairly scrappy game between first-ranked Robots and third-ranked Team IceBucket with both teams hungry for the points. Goals to Mark Dasco and Daniel Santamaria of Robots, one goal to Liam Golding of Team IceBucket. Robots secured their top-of-the table ranking - final score 2-1 Robots.

14-APR-2003
Division A - Week 11
Sawawawas Vs. Mighty Ducks
Mighty Ducks needed to win to steal top spot from Sawawawawas. They have been in hot form with Sawawawas coming off a 3 nil loss to Sky Devils last week. Both teams stepped it up for this game on wet ice, with desperation in defence the order of the night. The score was nil all until 60 seconds to go when Harry Sotiropoulos took the ball out of defence on a break away. A nice pass to Terry Giovas and a good finish saw Mighty Ducks grab their 4th win and a share of top spot (until Sawawawas did duty next game). 1 - 0 Mighty Ducks.
Druids Vs. Sky Devils
Sky Devils in red hot form after a 3 nil drubbing of competition leading Sawawawas last week up against Druids who went from 3rd to 6th after a 1-0 loss to Mighty Ducks. Sky Devils started white hot with 3 goals before Druids knew what was happening. Druids managed to get 1 back through Saxon Hooper. However Sky Devils got another two before the half was out. 5 - 1 Sky Devils at half time. Goals to Shannon Jorda, Matt Robson, Con Sourlas and a double to Con Sourlangos. Druids tidied up their act in the second half and managed 2 goals ( 1 each to Saxon Hooper and James Kristof) to nil but the damage was done. 5 - 3 Sky Devils.

14-APR-2003
Division B - Week 11
Guinness Vs. Golden Falcons
Golden Falcons coming off a surprise 3-1 victory over Ice Fury were going to struggle missing several main players. Guinness with everyone on board controlled possession and managed the first goal from Ryan Findlayson. Lots of possession for Guinness didnt yield any more goals but they did create many many good opportunities. Golden Falcons evened it up just before half time. The second half was again dominated by Guinness but it didnt yield them any goals. 1 all at full time. Into overtime and eventually it was Ryan Findlayson who slotted a nice shot from around the blue line to give Guinness the OT win.
Ice Fury Vs. Western Scorpions
A good preview for the finals as both teams duked it out for the full 40 minutes. 1 all full time. Ice Fury goal to Shannon Jorda, Western Scorpions goal to Jay Schmidt. Another OT B division game for the night. Western Scorpions grabbed the bonus point with a good shot from Brett Mitchell.
Polar Bears Vs. Phoenix
Another keenly fought match with both teams giving their all for the full 40 minutes. Nil all full time. This time however there was no result as both teams conspired to make sure I got home as late as possible and played out the nil all draw over the 5 minute OT period.

10-APR-2003
Division C - Week 4
69ers Vs. Allsorts
This time it was the Rainbow Allsorts, having technical difficulties with their usual blue jersey. The 69ers had most of the possession in this game, Allsorts playing a very defensive game so as to achieve something other than a loss. This technique seem to work, Allsorts able to hold out for the 40 minutes of regular time, only having limited unsuccessful chances in attack. The game went to overtime, and both teams almost claimed the bonus point. 69ers sent a solid ball in that was at least going to hit the post, but it was illegally goal tended by an Allsorts defender. 69ers couldn't capitalise on the one man advantage, and in the late stages of overtime Allsorts had a rolling shot from out wide. Unfortunately for them it went clean past the open goal mouth. No score in over time, 0-0 draw.
Can Openers Vs. Monkey Magic
Monkey Magic only having four usuals had to call on two D-Grade new comers to fill in. But once again, it was Rob Courtney who opened the scoring for the Can Openers, flicking the ball over a charging keeper. With a great man on man defense, by Monkeys, the game went in to half time at 1-0. Monkeys having no subs, started to get tired in the second half, so the goals started to come for Can Openers. Another one to Rob Courtney, and two to Aaron Calfas including one from a very difficult wide angle. Monkeys did get a late consolation goal, James Kristof finshing off a Bryan Macklin setup. Monkeys, although not in it on the scoreboard, did play very well as a team. But the majority of times were shut down before they could even start to attack by Can Openers Lisa Nixon, who was had an absolute ripper of a game. 4-1 Can Openers.

10-APR-2003
Division D - Week 4
Raptors Vs. Team IceBucket
Raptors received an injection of new blood for this game against Team Icebucket, enabling Anth Courtney and Guy Beres to stretch their legs into attack for the first time this season. Anth's new stick (which you can buy from Saxon) proved it's worth in the first 4mins of play, with a goal off a Guy Beres assist. In the second-half Team Icebucket used Liam Golding's energy and never-say-die attitude to pull off a 2-on-1 passing-play against Anth Courtney in goals. Levelling the score at 1:1 and forcing overtime. Final Score - Draw (1 each).
Slush Puppies Vs. Flaming Tomatos
Flaming Tomatos once again started their game undermanned with just 4 players on the ice... come on guys! Slush Puppies capitalised on this scoring a demoralising goal in the starting minutes. Some late but fresh arrivals for Tomatos were unable to deflect the big hits from Mitch Tuza and Renato Cantalupo in the second half. Final Score: Slush Puppies 3 beating Flaming Tomatos 0.

07-APR-2003
Division A - Week 10
Druids Vs. Mighty Ducks
The Ducks have been in good recent form. The Druids latest scalp was previously undefeated Sonics. Two teams in good form meant it was going to be a tough close game which is how it turned out. Druids missing a couple of guys tried to slow the fast running Ducks and the game was a combination of good passing and patience with the odd fast break. In the end a single goal decided the game. With Druids on a power play Harry Sotiropoulos stole the ball, took it to the blue line and blasted it past the keeper. 1 - 0 Mighty Ducks.
Sonics Vs. Slytherin
Another top quality A division game. Slytherin took it to the impressive Sonics unit creating some good chances in offence. Neither team converted though. 0 - 0 at half time. Mid way through the second half Jo Mitchell gained possession and laid it off to Steve Timmins who ghosted in to goals.. The closer he got the further the defence went and it opened up for him to shoot the goal home. Sonics upped the pressure but Slytherin held on for a 1 nil win.
Sky Devils Vs. Sawawawas
Sawawawas sitting on top of the ladder looked to cement their place against a Sky Devils unit missing goal scoreing machine John Skiadas and tough defender Christene Deng. The game started on fire with both keepers making multiple saves in the first minute !! Sawawawas settled and started to control play until Matt Robson weaved through the defence and slotted home Sky Devils first. 1 - 0 Sky Devils at half time. Sky Devils using relentless pressure in defence and good control and shot options maintained their lead and frustrated the Sawawawas. Finally the pressure told and Sawawawas with a player in the bin cracked again with Matt Robson collecting his double. Shannon Jorda with a border line high stick tapped over the keeper gathered the goal mouth scramble and sealed the game for Sky Devils. Sky Devils 3 - 0.

07-APR-2003
Division B - Week 10
Guinness Vs. Western Scorpions
Scorpions trying to prove their quality up against Guinnes who need to reverse a small form slump. A tight game with a single goal to Brett Mitchell deciding it. 1 - 0 Scorpions a good tough win.
Golden Falcons Vs. Ice Fury
Ice Fury with a chance to return to the top of the ladder playing struggling Falcons. However one would have been confused watching this game as the form was reversed. Falcons running out 3-1 winners on the back of a hat trick from Sean Mitchell. John Batman assised him twice with his brand new gold crown (which you can buy from me). The Ice Fury goal to Shannon Jorda.

03-APR-2003
Division C - Week 3
Can Openers Vs. Allsorts
As per usual in a Can Openers game, Rob Courtney started the scoring, collecting a clearance by the Allsorts keeper, and making no mistake. Then the Leahy-Courtney struck, Alf with the goal. This was followed up by the Allsorts defense making anothe poor clearance, Alf Leahy getting the ball in front of goals with a lot of time and then another goal to his name. 3-0 Half time. This half belonged to Aaron Calfas, scoring two more goals for the Can Openers. The first nicely assisted by Colin George. The second came when advantage was being played after Alf Leahy was clipped out of the play. Aaron pounced on the loose ball, and made no mistake with the finish. 5-0 Can Openers.
69ers Vs. Icebergs
Even without star striker Aaron Walsh, Icebergs still went into this game as slight favourites. But it was Dale Ashworth for the 69ers who within the first two minutes gave the 69ers the lead. The remainder of the match was very even both teams very tight in defense, and organised in attack. But solid work at the back by Belinda McDavitt and Rebecca Jones for Icebergs saw the 69ers kept to just the one goal. Meanwhile, some superb keeping by Karen Callaghan meant that Icebergs were kept to nil. 1-0 69ers.

03-APR-2003
Division D - Week 3
Slush Pupies Vs. Team IceBucket
The attacking combination of James Ward and Mitch Tuza of Slush Puppies continues to upset their opponents (2 goals and 2 assists each this game). Team IceBucket having no real answer in attack released Bryan Macklin from goals to step up the pressure against the Slush Puppies in the second half. Bryan quickly scoring a goal deflected off a Puppies defender. The final score Slush Puppies: 2 defeating Team IceBucket: 1.
Robots Vs. Raptors
A closely pursued game. The Robots inability to get a shot passed Raptors goal-keeper Ryan Findlayson matched by the Raptors inability to get an attacking formation together to score against The Robots! Raptors still with a few players down relied on subs from other teams again this week. Match played into sudden-death overtime because of the 0-0 draw at full-time. Now with Ryan out of goals Robots were finally able to score after 3 minutes (Daniel Santamaria assisted by Mark Ward) to win the game. Robots: 1 defeating Raptors: 0 in OT.

31-MAR-2003
Division A - Week 9
Sky Devils Vs. Sonics
A 2-1 win to Sonics both goals coming in the first half of the match. The first a well placed shot low and into the corner after a long clearance had only picked out Tim Brown near the blue line. He picked up a second after intercepting a pass in defence then breaking forward and using a good burst of speed to evade the 2 defenders and a placing another shot past the keeper. The Sky Devils goal came at the end of the second half, Con Sourlangous evaded his marker to pick up a pass in front of the Sonics goal and he made no mistake. However there just wasn't enough time left and Sonics could have made it three when Mark Kim and Tim Brown broke away with only the keeper to beat, however Peter Yabsley, in goals, read the play and made a good save.
Mighty Ducks Vs. Slytherin
Mighty Ducks put on a real show in the first half scoring all three of their goals. Six of the points shared amongst the trio of Harry Sotiropoulos (2 assists), John Magnisalis (2 goals) and Terry Giovas (1 goal + 1 assist). All three goals displayed the abilities of these talented attacking players who passed their way through the Slytherin defenders on each occasion before tucking it into the goal. But as is traditional in Mighty Duck vs Slytherin games there was a nail biting and controversial finish. About two minutes remained, the lead was 3-1 to Mighty Ducks. A shot came in and was blocked by the Mighty Ducks keeper, however the ball was loose in the crease. Brett Mitchell lunged in and during the ensuing scrabble in the goal crease the ball made it into the net. The question remained however was Brett in the crease before the ball and even more controversial did his stick have final contact or was it his foot? After a delay the referee awarded the goal 3-2, could Slytherin get another goal in the last minute and a half to snatch an unlikely draw and take the game to overtime??........No.
Silverbacks Vs. Sawawawas
Sawawawas Peter Yabsley opened the scoring with a shot through the keepers legs after a poor clearance. Shortly after Silverbacks Troy 'Bitch' Carroll equalised with a searing drive from a tight angle into the roof of the net. A further goal each were traded, Andrew Nicholson for SilverBacks and Peter Yabsley for Sawawawas, leaving the result at the end of the match 2-2 - into overtime. Peter Yabsley secured the points after navigating through several Silverback defenders slotting the ball home from close range.

31-MAR-2003
Division B - Week 9
Polar Bears Vs. Ice Wizards
The Polar Bears easily accounted for Ice Wizards winning 4-1. Single goals to Kerry Baxter and Mark Kim. An excellent performance from Rob Courtney with 2 goals and an assist, a highlight being a nice back handed goal. The win puts Polar Bears on top of the B division ladder.
Guinness Vs. Phoenix
A hat trick to Ryan Findlayson. This included a one handed slide pushy thingy goal (A Mark if you miss it... ;) Guinness just too good on this occasion.

27-MAR-2003
Division C - Week 2
Icebergs Vs. Monkey Magic
Although Icebergs played the entire game a girl short, this week they had the services of Garry Mitchell, and goal scoring machine Aaron Walsh. It wasn't long before Aaron put his mark on the game, slamming a ball that came out of the goals as quick as it went in. This was followed up with some scrambling around the goal mouth, and Aaron collecting the loose ball. With the keeper out of the equation, he eased the ball home. Late in the first half, Craig Loughlin-Smith wanted to get in on the action sending a rocket down from just over halfway, unfortunately missing the goals by quite some margin, but it did rebound off the back wall straight to the waiting Aaron Walsh, who made it a first half hat trick. The second half proved to be more organised by the Monkeys, only conceeding one more goal(Tim Edwards) while gaining two of their own through Sara Kristof, and Daniel Wong. Unfortunately it was too little too late. Final score 4-2 Icebergs.
69ers Vs. Can Openers
Can Openers very much inform, looked to make easy work of the 69ers, but this was not to be. While Can Openers did have more attacking opportunities in the first half, it wasn't by much. Both teams struggling to get any shots through that were online. First half finnishing at nil all. The second saw the 69ers with a lot of attacking possesion. For about a five minute period they maintained the ball in the Can Openers half, but nothing came of it. Finally, on the back of some great defensive work, Can Openers hit the lead Rob Courtney doing the damage. Capitalising on a wayward no look pass from the defense of the 69ers, Alf Leahy made it 2-0. 69ers could have got themselves back in the match, but fail to capitalise on an open goal. Colin George put one more in for the Can Openers, and that brought the final score to 3-0 Can Openers.

27-MAR-2003
Division D - Week 2
Robots Vs. Flaming Tomatos
Despite a disheartening goal against the Tomatos in the first two minutes of play (Mark Dasco from a Kate Kim assist) the Tomatos managed to hold their own in the first half of play bringing the scoreboard back to one goal each. However, someone must have spiked their half-time drinks. When play resumed they had no answer for runaway attack after runaway attack from a supercharged Robots Daniel Santamaria and Mark Dasco. Mark scoring 3 goals and Daniel 2 goals in the second half. Kim Harvey added one goal to the Tomatos total in the second half, slipping a slow-ball behind a scrambling Robots goalkeeper. Full-time score Robots:7 Tomatos:2
Slush Puppies Vs. Raptors
Raptors started their game with only 4 players on the ice and for most of the first half this situation remained. However despite their numerical advantage Slush Puppies were unable to deliver a successful attack. Time after time the Slushies relied on the one-man runaway from either James Ward or Mitch Tuza who were both easily shutdown by Raptors goalie Ryan Findlayson(Try teaming up guys!) One goal to each team in the first half, Guy Beres scoring for Raptors (Anth Courtney assist) and Steve Neil for Slush Puppies (James Ward assist). In the second half Raptors got a fresh bunch of recruits, with Nikki Pearce from Tomatoes as well as several broomball first-timers. Nikki breathed new life into the Raptors attack, and along with Anth Courtney and Guy Beres the Raptors took the game into the Slush Puppies defensive half for most of the second half. Unfortunately neither team were able to put any more points on the board. At full-time with a drawn score, 5min overtime was called for. Again evenly matched play resulted in no goals being scored and a draw was declared. Final Score - Raptors:1 Slush Puppies:1

24-MAR-2003
Division A - Week 8
SilverBacks Vs. Mighty Ducks
Last and second last, but you wouldnt know it watching this game. On very wet ice these teams scored a number of high quality goals. Mighty Ducks opened the scoring with a goal to Terry Giovas. Not to be out done John Magnisalis followed suit to make it 2-0 Mighty Ducks. Things werent looking good for Silverbacks again. However they settled, slowed down and started to control possession. A bit of patience and a good pass saw Scott Murry pull one back. Then just before half time Ice Wizard Luke Simmonds set up Troy Carroll and it was 2-2. The second half lived up to the quality of the first half. Mighty Ducks again got away to a lead with Harry Sotiropoulos cracking a back hand into the top of the net. Then John Magnisalis then got a second to make it 4-2 Mighty Ducks. No come back this time for SilverBacks although they had some good chances. Final Score 4-2 Mighty Ducks.
Sonics Vs. Druids
Undefeated Sonics up against Druids. The two new teams of the A grade competition battled it out in a mighty game. Bryan Macklin got the Druids off to a good start when he drove a hard ball at the goals. There was a stick check, a few deflections and some scrambling defence and attack before the ball trickled in. Saxon Hooper for Druids scored next against the run of play as Sonics had just controlled large sessions of possession. 2 nil half time, Druids up. Again it was Druids who scored with a one handed back hand (dont try that at home or in a game.. pretty poor technique really) from Saxon "Do as I say not as I do" Hooper. Sonics could have given up but with fast line changes and constant pressure fought back. A good cross deflected in by Sean Mitchell their first. 3-1 Druids. Next Tim Brown slid through the defence received the pass and tipped nicely for Sonics second setting up a tense last five minutes. Druids managed to protect the lead and held on for a 3-2 win.
Slytherin Vs. Sawawawas
A game dominated by good chances denied by some good keeping. Both teams created opportunity after opportunity only to be denied, on occasions right off the goal line with a sliding sprawling keeper who had just passed it to the attacker from picking up a lose ball in the corner. In the end Sawawawas Andrew Chapman caught the Slytherin defence in a flat line, got in behind and pulled a good move to beat the keeper one on one. The single late goal was enough for Sawawawas to scramble a one nil win.

24-MAR-2003
Division B - Week 8
Golden Falcons Vs. Phoenix
Phoenix got off to a great start and a lead of two goals to nil with goals to Nikki Goerge and Ben Robson. Things looked to be going bad for Golden Falcons again. But on the back of some good keeping by Sean Mitchell they scored three times to win by a goal. Goals to Falcons by Mark Slater and two to Tim Brown. Golden Falcons first win of the season 3 goals to 2.
Western Scorpions Vs. Ice Wizards
Troy Carroll got Ice Wizards off to a good start with an early goal from a Nicole McNally assist. Westerns Scorpions stuck to their game plan and used good possession to set up their attack. They evened it up through Sally Yabsley and gained the lead a bit later through Tim Edwards. Western Scorpions held on for the 2-1 win.
Guinness Vs. Polar Bears
Promised to be a good game with two of the B division foundation clubs. However Guinness were totally out classed by Polar Bears going down 5-1. It was the Rob Courtney show as he hammered (literally) 4 goals and assisted the only other goal for Polar Bears by Kerry Baxter. For Guinness it took a nice bit of work from Beth Hines in the goal mouth to get their only goal. Ice Fury and Polar Bears are definately setting the standard for B grade and are the team to beat.

20-MAR-2003
Division C - Week 1
Icebergs Vs. Can Openers
The replay of last season's final was to be this season's openner. Icebergs with a few players that have gone missing in the off season, were totally out classed by a very smooth Can Openers side. The scoring started by Rob Courtney in a solo effort eventually hitting the top netting in the goals, beating the laying keeper. Then Rob Courtney gained the rebound from an Andrew Leahy shot, and hammered it home. This was followed by Rob Courtney, yet again scoring with a missile from an Andrew Leahy pass. Then an over the top pass from Rob Courtney, left the Icebergs defense in confusion, which was capitalised on by Andrew Leahy. This completed the first half at 4-0. In the second, the Icebergs defense picked their game up, holding the Can Openers at 4 until the 15th minute mark, when Andrew Leahy passed to Rob Courtney who...... hammered it home (unexpected???). Icebergs did pick up a consilation goal in the closing stages, a tidy pass from Craig Loughlin-Smith to Tim Edwards collecting the goal. Final Score 5-1 Can Openers.
Allsorts Vs. Monkey Magic
In the second minute James Kristof openned the scoring for the Monkeys, making it seem like we would have another one sided affair on our hands. However the Allsorts held them out for the rest of the half, and almost scored when Mark Kim made a breakaway, but using the "hand sliding thing" proved to be his down fall. 1-0 Monkeys at half time. The second half turned out to be an explosion, Monkeys controlling the game to the death. James Kristof scoring one, and Bryan Macklin scoring three off some neat assists from Ben Roffey and Daniel Wong. Leaving the full time score at 5-0 Monkeys.

20-MAR-2003
Division D - Week 1
Robots Vs. Slush Puppies
The newly formed Robots fought a hard game against an always tough Slush Puppies. Although the penalty box remained empty for the duration, both teams need to learn that mixed Broomball is a non-contact sport! Goals scored by Daniel Santamaria for Robots from assists by Mark Ward and Mark Dasco. Slush Puppies unable to get a shot past the Robots' goalie Bob Irwin. Robots win by 2-0.
Flaming Tomatos Vs. Team IceBucket
Flaming Tomatoes started this game hard, with only 4 players on the ice at whistle blow (get your gear together quicker guys!). Fortunately for them the Icebuckets were unable to take advantage of their man-power advantage in the first few minutes. The only goal scored was in the second half by a very energetic Liam Golding of Icebuckets assisted by Bryan Macklin. Very even game and well played. Team IceBuckets 1 - 0.

17-MAR-2003
Division A - Week 7
Sawawawas Vs. Sky Devils
First vs Second and both teams in fine form. This one would preview as a battle between the respective teams scoreing guns. Peter Yabsley for Sawawawas, John Skiadas and Con Sourlangos for Sky Devils. However it turned out very different. Sawawawas were first score with Peter Yabsley on the bench as Sam Boer took the ball forward through the defence laying it off to Andrew Chapman who drew the keeper and slid it back across to Sam Boer to just push in past the keeper. 1 - 0 Sawawawas. Sky Devils hit back late in the half as Matt Robson hit a hard shot in from the left wing which was blocked by the keeper. It dropped just in front of the goal where Angela Nasr, who had good position in front of goal and even though she was closely marked, reacted well lunging toward the ball and volleying it past the keeper. Her first ever A grade goal. 1 - 1 all halftime. Game was then an arm wrestle as both teams looked for the winning goal. It finally came when Sam Boer hit a high ball to Karen Thompson, she knocked it down to control it, it bounced once, and she struck down on the ball, bouncing it in front of the keeper and over his right shoulder into the roof of the net. 2-1 Sawawawas with that being the final score.
Sonics Vs. Slytherin
Another tight A grade game with Sonics and Slytherin battling out a nil all draw. Sudden Death OT was called on to see if either team could grab a bonus point. After a bit of end to end action Tim Brown grabbed an intercept and broke on the goals. Ryan Findlayson did well to block his first shot but the rebound fell nicely and Tim slotted home the game winner.
Druids Vs. Mighty Ducks
An early goal to Saxon Hooper set the scene for a Druid victory, however Mighty Ducks responded well with an answering goal. 1 all at half time. Again Saxon Hooper scored after a nice assist from James Kristof. And again Mighty Ducks answered leveling the score at 2-2. Which is how it finished with goals for Mighty Ducks being scored by Harry Sotiropoulos and John Magnisalis. Sudden death OT had good chances for both teams however neither could put one away and it ended as a draw.

17-MAR-2003
Division B - Week 7
Western Scorpions Vs. Guinness
A dour game with both teams showing good patience in offence and good solid defence. Neither team could crack the other and even 4 on 4 OT after a scoreless 40 minutes still did not yield a goal. 0-0 all.
Golden Falcons Vs. Ice Fury
Top vs bottom with top on fire, one could be forgiven for thinking this was going to be another thrashing for the falcons. However they took it to the Fury creating as many chances until Shannon Jorda fired one into the goal mouth for John Skiadas to redirect past the keeper for a 1-0 lead to the Ice Fury. Mark Slater on a break quickly evened it up for the Falcons slipping one past the keeper from a wide angle. Then late in the first half John Skiadas drove one at the goals which again redirected into the goals, this time off a defender. Neither team added to their half time score and Ice Fury just got over the line 2-1.

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NEW SEASONS STARTING
C Division - THURSDAY March 20
COME DOWN AND
GIVE IT A GO
JOIN OR FORM A TEAM

WHERE: Penrith Ice Palace
WHEN: Thursday Nights from 8:00pm - Monday Nights from 7:00pm

21-DEC-2002
New Season Starts in Late January !
The new Penrith Ice Palace Broomball season will start in late January for C grade and early February for A and B grade. If you have an existing team please let me know your teams intentions. If you want to form a new team again let me know. Finally if you havent played before and are interested definately get in touch with me.. the more new teams the better !!