A CONTROVERSIAL penalty stroke handed Fremantle the momentum and ultimately the points in the opening round of the men’s Melville League at Perth Hockey Stadium last Saturday.
Melville City Hockey Club held a 2-1 lead when goalkeeper and Australian prospect Tristan Clemons was whistled for physically interfering with the hand of a Fremantle player while attacking the ball.
Although the call was marginal, the referee’s decision stood and the equalising goal was slotted.
The call seemed to rattle Melville, which struggled to regain its composure, especially in front of goal where a number of opportunities went begging.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWShowing superior concentration it was Fremantle that scored again to go ahead 3-2.
Melville managed to square things up but could not prevent Fremantle from again finding the net to secure victory in the closing stages of the game.
Matt Willis scored a brace for Melville with Justin McDougall the other goal scorer.