Hockey season starts with quality clash between Europa and President’s XI as Europa and then Eagles grab first trophies

Europa women’s hockey 1
Presidents XI 0

Europa had the early chances in the first quarter, with a short corner just wide of its target as the quarter came to a close. It was a tough match in which both sides looked evenly balanced throughout. The Presidents XI faced the initial disadvantage of needing time to gel on the field, while Europa, dealing with squad changes and absences this year, also took time to settle.
Europa began to dominate toward the latter minutes of the first quarter. It was an entertaining start to the hockey season, with good play from both sides showcasing the strength in depth that the women’s hockey league now provides. With players like Chrissie Caetano now coaching instead of playing, it was promising to see young players stepping into roles once held by veterans. Europa played a big role in this transition, fielding a youthful team and encouraging even more players to take up the sport.
As the second quarter began, only three players on the field could be considered veterans, a stark contrast to just a few years ago and a testament to the growing development of women’s hockey. Notably, as Chrissie Caetano pointed out during the first-quarter break, many players on the Presidents XI team had never played together. This was evident not from the quality of play, but from the fact that several young players in the Presidents XI had only recently advanced to senior ranks from grassroots hockey.
In the second quarter, the Presidents XI started to find their rhythm, moving the ball around more deliberately and slowing the pace. Flower had the first chance of the quarter with a quick break, narrowly missing her target with a shot on the run. Europa had a couple of short-corner opportunities, but they were well defended. On two consecutive occasions, the Presidents XI made quick breaks, but were stopped just before reaching the D, allowing Europa to capitalize on the counterattack. The Reds did well to halt these advances.
As the second quarter progressed, the intensity increased, with both sides searching for a breakthrough. The match opened up as each team attacked at every opportunity. Strong defenses on both sides kept the score at zero. Europa had the best chance after applying intense pressure at the edge of the D, reclaiming the ball and forcing a short corner, but they were once again thwarted. The Presidents XI struggled to create chances to test the Europa keeper. In the very last second of the half, as the whistle blew, Europa tested the Presidents XI keeper, who proved her worth with an impressive block.
The second half was intense, with the Presidents XI creating more opportunities and pushing Europa back into their half with a couple of short corners. Europa also had their chances, but alert goalkeeping kept them at bay.
Europa ultimately struck the first and only goal, capitalizing on a ball played across the goal, having been denied by the Presidents XI on several earlier attempts.
Fatigue began to show as the first match of the season wore on. Although the Presidents XI tried to respond, they struggled to break through and left gaps when Europa countered. The Presidents XI’s unfamiliarity with one another showed, as they were slow to distribute the ball while moving forward, which allowed Europa to close them down and prevent any serious threats on goal. Confident in their lead, Europa moved the ball around skillfully, testing the Presidents XI defense.
Europa emerged as the eventual winners, claiming the first trophy of the season. It had been an exciting match to watch, showcasing both teams’ potential for the season ahead.
The men’s season was also to see its start with Eagles taking on the Byrne’s XI, a select eleven from the rest of the league.
This was to prove a very different encounter with Eagles walking away with a 7-2 victory.
A much changed Eagles, with some of its more experienced players now retiring from the game also saw the debut of their new head coach with Chris Gomila taking over the riens from Stephen Valarino who this summer stepped down as head coach but will continue with Eagles in the development of its youth academy players.