TEM Weekly Review #18

Mens Vic League 1 – TEM hosted PEGS in an important game for the 2016 season. A win would see TEM secure a finals berth. PEGS started well creating a number of attacks, but were unable to apply pressure and could not hold possession. PEGS converted a sharp corner deflection over the head of Evan Jewell that saw them take the lead. Despite this setback TEM started to work their way into the game. With ten minutes to go to half time, the home side took control of the game.

Trailing by one goal at half time, TEM began the second half well. Forward pressure was applied and PEGS were locked in their back half. A series of corners were won, but to no avail as TEM failed to score, thanks largely to some excellent goal keeping. TEM would later score through Angus Gillespie who capitalised on a goal mouth scrap. The remaining 20 minutes of the second half saw TEM dominate but fail to score any more goals. The game would end at 1-1.

Mens Vic League 1 Reserves – With finals only a few weeks away and top four positions up for grabs TEM Reserves knew it was a big match against 4th placed PEGS, TEM currently sitting 2nd meant a win will help secure a strong position heading into finals. The Reserves came out firing pressuring turnovers out of the PEGS defence and setting up some strong play. PEGS were looking dangerous on the counter and were unlucky not to score early in the half. PEGS managed to get one through at the end of the first half despite a flurry of short corners at the other end by TEM, meaning there was some work to do getting back in this match.

The second half was a turnaround from the first 35 minutes, calm and well constructed with countless short corners, with inspirational captain Cam "Sauce" Belza managing to slot a tight angle shot through the legs of the keeper with 10 minutes to go which drew the two teams level. TEM continued to pile on the pressure in search of a winner, dominating general play and managing multiple short corners, and again it was the skip completing a brace and getting the winner with a great finish bottom left of the goal and a celebration to match. Great result and effort by the boys hitting form at the right time of year and ready for a top of the table clash next week against Mentone at the State Hockey Centre !

Mens Pennant A – This week Men’s Pennant A finished with a 2-1 loss at home against Hawthorn. It was a hard fought, well balanced match, that provided chances for both teams, but an inability to convert led to a tough defeat leading up to the end of the season. Despite going 1-0 up in the first half thanks to a goal from Pennant A debutant Luke Westmore, TEM conceded an equaliser before falling behind early in the second half. There was some good build up play across the board that led to some good circle entries and close chances. The disappointing result moves Pennant A out of the top 4, leaving the team 1 point behind Camberwell in 4th with a tough fight in the last two games of the season to push for finals.

Mens Metro B Blue- Men’s Metro Blue came up against MHSOB in a must win game to consolidate a top spot heading in to finals. The boys scored some fantastic team goals to take out the game 5-1.

Mens Metro B Red- With Metro Blue’s win against MSHOB in the preceding game TEM Metro Red knew a win against the last placed Footscray would help them qualify for finals. It turned out to be a one sided match as TEM piled on 9 goals. A great win for the team late in the season.

Womens Premier League – For the last home round of the season, TEM Premier League Women were up against Waverley. TEM were determined to win after a disappointing loss earlier on in the season. Jess Lucas had a fantastic run into the attacking circle and earnt a penalty stroke for TEM. Fran Flores, in her last appearance for TEM before returning home to Chile, stepped up and slotted the goal! 

The girls went into half time 1-0 up, however Waverley came out fighting and scored an equaliser straight after half time. TEM were able to score two more in the second half, a penalty corner conversion to Emily Tulloch, and another fantastic forehand shot to Darci Kleinschmidt. The girls soaked up some defensive pressure in the last 15 minutes, with Bec Hood making a spectacular goal line save in the final minutes of the game. TEM take away the three points and jumped two places on the ladder. Next week the ladies take on Footscray in what promises to be a tough match up.

Womens Premier League Reserves – A friendly crowd was at home to see the reserves play vs Waverley this week. TEM went into half time 2-0 down, from Waverley scoring two field goals. But the Reserves, who this season often have better second halves compared to first halves, scored a fantastic field goal from pure teamwork, with Jess Jacobs and Charlotte Kennedy got around the Waverley keeper. Waverley scored once more off a short corner with a pretty slick drag flick for a final score of 3-1. The reserves 2XU-Crisp-visor Hi-Performance player of the day went to Jess Jacobs for her pressure and skills demonstrated in the attacking circle.

Womens Pennant A – The TEM Women’s Pennant A team successfully beat Footscray 1-0 this week, which means they avoid relegation! Thanks to every player who has played games for this team during the season, with special mentions to Lisa “Lolly Manager” and Kris “Grumpy” Tuuloch – who now is not so grumpy!

Womens Pennant C – Women's Pennant C faced a home team battle against Hawthorn on Saturday evening. With it being Gabby Lewis' 100th game the girls were ready to achieve a better result than the 5-0 loss last time. A strong start allowed TEM to hold them nil all for a while but unfortunately the final score was 4-0. Some great saves by Angie Ngo in goal and despite the score the girls could see their improvement. Bring on the last two rounds!

Womens Metro A Red – Billed as the weekend fixture highlight the Metro Red v Blue teams were pumped & each looking for a win. Some trusty team members on both sides were absent, but both teams topped up with reliable bench.  Red scored first then both sides went goals apiece for the remainder of the match. A hard fought & even match with a fast paced Blue forward line backed up by solid defense and mid field attack by Red. Red were left one goal down 4-3 at the final whistle, and in the end there was only one winner. Well played everyone.

Womens Metro A Blue – TEM Blue versed TEM Red for the third time this season in a much anticipated match, with both teams very close to qualifying for finals. The game had a great atmosphere with plenty of supporters and music throughout various key moments of the match. With Blue yet to come out with a win against Red, this round the girls were keen for that to change. Taking into account strategy and pep talks from coaches Cam McLaughlin and Cam MacPhie, Blue started the game off strong, really putting the pressure on the Reds and demonstrating how much the team has improved throughout the season.

The score line ping-ponged between Blue and Red, creating a very exciting and tense match. Following a nicely placed goal by Kelly Applebee early in the match and two further goals by the Reds, Blue evened the score after the half time whistle to 2-2, on a short corner cleverly tapped in by Bailey Ryan. Blue continued to play to their strengths in the second half, utilising smart stick work, speed and use of the field's width to find more goal opportunities, as well as setting up strong defensive presses. Excellent team work in attack helped Emma Clarke and Alice Whitford bring Blue in front to 4-2, before Red threatened the win with another goal. However Blue focussed on smart plays and strong defence to hold out the lead 4-3 until the final whistle. In true TEM spirit, the Reds and Blues came together at the end of the match to sing the club song all together!