Rosie Rooderkirk scored one of Dalefield’s six goals. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
Dalefield 6
Victoria 2
CHRIS COGDALE
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Dalefield looked set for a double-digit scoreline when they burst out to a 6-0 halftime lead over Victoria in their Wellington Premier League match at Clareville.
But in the classic game of two halves, the students fought back and showed good endeavour to score two goals and add some respectability to the score.
Amy Johnson was first on the scoresheet for Dalefield, with a goal from a well-worked penalty corner after two minutes. She added her second goal from general play in the ninth minute.
The home side upped the tempo in the second quarter and found the back of the goal through Rosie Rooderkirk, Jenna Anderson, player of the day Felicity Reidy and Reese Robertson.
That was good as it got for Dalefield, much to the frustration of coach Michael O’Connor.
“The first three quarters I thought were all us, but that last quarter we really dropped away again, and for some reason we just made mistakes without the pressure really going on,” he said.
“Hopefully in the second round we’re going to make amends, especially in that last quarter because it could cost us when it comes to the hard games. It could affect us badly if we don’t get it right.”
However, O’Connor was thrilled how the team started.
“I thought the passing, the communication, the speed and accuracy, and work rate was 100 per cent.”
The win put Dalefield in second place on 18 points, one point behind Harbour City.
Men take scrappy victory
Dalefield 3
Victoria 0
Dalefield followed up their best performance of the season, their 5-3 win over Hutt United last Saturday, with a scrappy 3-0 defeat of Victoria at Clareville.
The home team were on fire from the start and took the lead through Dylan Price within the first minute.
However, that was the scoring until the final quarter, when Michael Caldwell scored two goals to seal an unconvincing victory.
Dalefield were missing key playmakers Benedict van Woerkom and Trent Lett through injury.
Co-manager Bernie Lett said their absence forced a reshuffle but overall the team didn’t play well.
“Talking to Vic afterwards, they thought they had the best game of the season and it was definitely our worst one,” he said.
“There were just way too many mistakes and poor execution and I guess that’s the problem when you’re trying not to get complacent, but it’s hard not to when you’re playing a team you know you should beat well.”
“We played a lot better in the fourth quarter, but we left a lot of goals out there and didn’t take advantage of our opportunities.”
The win retains Dalefield’s unbeaten record and lead in the championship.
