Hockey: win lifts Melville men back into finals place

MELVILLE City’s men hockey gained a measure of redemption on Saturday after a poor performance against University two weeks ago, overcoming YMCC 2-0.

The importance of the win was underlined by the relative ladder positions of the two sides; YMCC was fourth on the ladder going in to the game, with Melville City just outside the finals positions in sixth.

The weekend’s result lifts Melville City into the top five and pushes YMCC out, highlighting how tight the contest for finals positions is going into the last seven games of the season.

Nick Tate scored the opening goal for Melville midway through the first half and Ashley Ranford secured the victory with seven minutes remaining.

Coach Russell Lee said he was pleased to see his side bounce back and secure an important three points.

“There are seven teams in the mix for three finals spots, and we need to keep beating those teams around us on the ladder if we are to have any chance of playing finals in September,” he said.

“The most pleasing aspect of the win was the control we exerted throughout the game; our leadership group really stood up and we took our game to another level.”

Melville City’s women’s side also had a win, defeating YMCC 2-1 in an entertaining game.

The result means the women remain sixth on the ladder with six rounds to play.