Parkes United mens Western Premier League hockey campaign got off to an exciting start, if not in the way they would have hoped.
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Facing Orange Wanderers at Stephen Davies Field, United star Jack Elliott converted a penalty stroke late in the second half to snatch a 5-all draw.
Parkes fell behind early when Wanderers scored off a well worked penalty corner.
Spurred into action, United struck back with two very well worked field goals that were clinically finished by Andrew Bourke up front.
Parkes relinquished the momentum they had gained from the two goals soon after scoring by allowing Wanderers to level.
That set the tone for the match with one team gaining the upper hand only to be pegged back.
United scored again prior to half-time to lead 3-2 before Wanderers again hit straight back for 3-all.
Parkes came out of the sheds more determined and went ahead 4-3 soon after play resumed.
Again Orange would level, this time with some United help.
Captain Kieran Deland was left bloodied after colliding with team mate Matt Swindle.
While the pair tried to regroup, Orange scored.
It looked likely the incident could be the turning point in the match as Wanderers scored again while Deland was off the field attending to his injuries.
United showed a lot of spirit to fight back from 5-4 down and gained their reward 10 minutes out from time.
A breach in the circle from the Orange defence allowed Elliott to square the match via the penalty spot.
The game opened up in the final 10 minutes with both sides going all out to start the season with a win.
Neither team was able to break the deadlock and had to settle for a draw.
Deland expects his team will improve as the season goes on.
“We would have liked to start with a win but it was our first hit out and I am reasonably pleased,” Deland said.
“Our touch and basics left a bit to be desired sometimes and we hope to improve that for our next game.
“We played some good hockey in patches.
“Our goal going forward will be to turn that into a complete 70 minute performance.
“It was disappointing that we allowed them to score as easy as we did after we had just gone ahead.
“It’s something we will focus on at training,” he said.
There were some positives for United to take out of the match in the form of individual performances.
“Mitch Townsend on debut was excellent,” Deland said.
“He won our Players’ Player and put in a performance above all expectations.
“Regan Hotham was solid in midfield in his first run for us and I expect he will only get better which is exciting for the team.
“Taylor Dolbel seems to have matured nicely and will be a real asset this season.
“Andrew Bourke was the pick of the forwards and put in a really good performance.
“It will be great if he can continue that form throughout the season.
“We have a good all-round team with good spirit.
“We are in a good position to compete for the title this season,” he said.