Premium Content GOALKEEPERS can face an attacking onslaught at the best of times. But when it s against the Norths A-Grade men s strike force, repelling rocket-like shots is even more difficult. That s why Easts goalkeeper Seth Bolton was widely praised after his latest performance at the Ipswich Hockey Complex. Although Easts lost 4-0, the scoreline could easily have been double that or in triple figures if not for Bolton s gritty display. Bolton had a superb game, rejecting multiple Norths shots, especially from penalty corners masterminded by Queensland under-21 sharpshooter Zac Profke. Profke managed to fire two past Bolton along with a double by Aidan Buckley.
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Subscriber only AS a premiership-winning A-Grade captain, Sam Morgan is used to high intensity hockey and pressure situations. However, the Thistles women s first grade mentor concedes his new role requires a different level of anticipation. It s a lot more stressful because you want to get out there, help out the team but you can t as much, Morgan said. That situation is enhanced for Morgan taking over the coaching role from Hancocks teammate Jay Pavitt, who guided Thistles to last year s A-Grade grand final. I coached the Reserve Grade team last year but I got the call up this year to coach the A-Grade team after Jay had too much on this year, Morgan said.
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Subscriber only AFTER the Norths juggernaut clicked up a gear and rolled to another huge victory, the warning was clear. The Norths Devils will only get better in this year s Ipswich A-Grade hockey competition. Sunday night s 7-1 victory over Easts came after the Devils surrendered the first goal. We probably needed a goal against us to start with just to wake up, coach Steve Profke said. With only four training sessions under their belt, last year s grand final runners-up displayed plenty of firepower with Profke s sons Zac (four) and Riley (two) dominating the goal fest. However, the other teams are already on notice.
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Subscriber only FRESH from some valuable family time away from the game, former Australian Country captain Chris Mantell was enjoying his new role at the Ipswich Hockey Complex. He was back coaching the Easts A-Grade women s side with one of his closest allies by his side. Mantell s wife Rachael, also a long-time hockey player, is captaining the team that has returned after playing in last year s COVID modified Ipswich competition. After two years off, it s good to be back, Chris said, after watching the Tigers draw 0-0 with Swifts in their first game of the new season.