The Rockingham Redbacks Willow Bridge Side played 2 of their three Round Robin Promotion & Relegation games during the past week at the Perth Hockey Stadium. They won the first 4-3 but lost the second 7-0. The games played between Rockingham, Peel, Fremantle & Suburban will decide who gets the last two places in the elite AHG series next year.
Rockingham’s opening game against AHG bottom side Subs was a game the local side had to win to have any chance of being promoted. This is the first time in the Clubs history they had played in the series, and it showed on the field as they made a nervous start with Subs controlling the game. It wasn’t till after the break that Rockingham scored the first goal. During the second half the lead changed several times with scores being level at full time. Needing a result extra time was granted, and a golden goal scored by Tom Hunter to secure the win.
The second game saw the local side play a polished Fremantle, who appeared to be a class above the other 3 sides in the round robin competition. Fremantle controlled the game throughout and showed what it will take to be at the next level, running out easy winners 7-0. Rockingham weren’t aided when one of their most experienced players went down with an injury during the warm up before the game.
Fremantle also beat Peel during the week and have retained their place in the AHG series while Peel after 2 losses can’t be promoted. This leaves Rockingham and Subs with 1 win and a loss each to fight for the last place available. Rockingham needs to win against Peel and Subs will have to lose against Fremantle if Rockingham are to be promoted, with both games on Thursday night at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
Neville Ford
Team Manager
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