MELVILLE City’s men romped home 7-1 against Suburban Lions in the final game of the State Hockey League home and away season on Sunday afternoon.
Results on the Saturday had confirmed Melville’s place in the top three could not be challenged and that combined with the return of Olympians Blake Govers and Matt Swann, terrific sunny conditions and a home crowd willing Justin McDougall to the hat-trick he required to become the outright highest goal scorer in the competition created a carnival-like atmosphere.
As it turned out, McDougall scored two to take his season total to a club record 22 and share the goal-scoring prize.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWGovers also scored two before leaving to go and play in Europe, Matthew Willis scored a double to take his season tally to 15, and Ross Hall rounded out the scoring.
Coach Russell Lee said the victory was a good launching pad into finals.
“Satisfied with the win; results meant that neither side had a lot to play for, and our start reflected that, but we worked our way into the game pretty well,” he said.
“The guys were pretty focused on getting Justin to 23 goals, and it provided a good spectacle for the crowd, especially the ones he missed.”
“That’s behind us now; we have put ourselves in a great spot, and we have to capitalise in the finals.”