Finals anguish for Maccabi hockey team

RUSSEL JAFFE

THE Maccabi Hockey firsts suffered a heart-breaking 3-2 loss against top of the table WestVic Hockey, in its semifinal in Melbourne on the weekend.

The result means that Maccabi will now have to win its preliminary final to ensure promotion and stay in the running for the State League 3 flag.

The side now plays Vic Sikhs in a preliminary final, and a win will set up a tantalising rematch with WestVic in the decider.

The game was played at a frenetic pace, typical of finals hockey. Maccabi started strongly and an early short corner saw David Rood unluckily hit the post.

However, a few minutes later, the side was rewarded, when a great move, started by an Andrew Berhang intercept and carried on by Gary Brown and Ben Finklestein, saw the ball come back to Gary Brown on the edge of the circle, who calmly slotted it in from a slight angle, past the WestVic keeper. Simon Krampel and Joe Dreyfus were prominent early on, with Maccabi showing good composure under pressure.

However, as the first half wore on, WestVic began to worry Maccabi with fast breakaway runs, and Maccabi, in turn, began to make mistakes. In the space of five minutes, two poor turnovers from Maccabi gave WestVic openings, which it gratefully accepted, skipping ahead 2-1 at halftime.

Coach David Cashmore implored the team to cut back on errors and retain its focus for the second half. And Maccabi responded, dominating after the restart. Dreyfus was creating havoc down the right hand side, while Gary Brown was a constant thorn with his penetrative running.

The team’s efforts were soon rewarded after a short corner, which Simon Krampel slammed past the keeper to level the score at 2-2.

Maccabi now pushed for the winner, but despite numerous short corners and domination in general play, it could not secure the elusive goal it was so desperate for. Dreyfus, Brown and Finklestein went close, but could not crack the WestVic defence.

At the end of regular time, the score was locked at 2-2 and the sides headed into extra time needing a golden goal to seal victory. Maccabi again was looking strong and went close on several occasions, with Brown again prominent.

However, a disastrous error by the Maccabi defence after six minutes saw WestVic freed up in front of goal, calmly slotting home the winner to break Maccabi hearts.

Maccabi plays Sikhs on Sunday September 13 at 10.15am. State Hockey Centre (Melway: 2A H1)