WAVERLEY’S Premier League men took on archrival, and top-of-the-ladder, Camberwell in a tough away test on Saturday.
The Panthers welcomed back experienced defender Corey Joseph from a longterm injury.
The large crowd, which was expecting a tough and skilful contest, was not disappointed and, from the first whistle, the pace was frantic with the ball going from endto-end at breakneck speed.
A turnover in the Panthers attacking half saw Camberwell launch a counter-attack that resulted in a goal to give the Wellers a 1-0 lead.
Both teams struggled to maintain possession in their attacking 25m area, resulting in neither being able to completely control the game.
At halftime, Waverley coach Adrian Kucyk asked his team to take more care in the attacking half and continue to apply pressure to the Camberwell defence.
James Knee was outstanding in the midfield with numerous defensive efforts saving the Panthers.
David Jensen had the best of Waverley’s scoring opportunities when he unleashed a dynamic run through the middle of the circle.
Then, in limited space, he was able to get his reverse stick shot away but was unable to make full contact and the ball was sent over the goal.
Late in the game, the Panthers created opportunities but lacked the poise in the circle to finish.
The second half was scoreless but the quality of hockey was high and Camberwell held on to win by the single goal. The Panthers, however, will take a lot out of the game matching it with the competition benchmark.
Panthers take it up to the Wellers
Jason Brooks
Waverley Leader
24 Jun 2014