Monivae Takes Catholic All Schools Hockey Titles
Boys
On 
the 29th of July, 14 eager Monivae students travelled to Essendon to compete in the Catholic All Schools Hockey competition in the senior boys division.
Their first game was played against Notre Dame College from Shepparton. After scoring the first goal in the first half, Monivae continued to keep Notre Dame at bay with goalie Billy Beverage keeping the ball out until a lucky break away threaded the ball through a gap between goalie Tim Farquharson's pads in the second half to draw the game 1-1.
The second game was against Catholic College from Wodonga. The first half started brilliantly with 4 goals being scored by Dean McCarthy, Lachie Williams and Jock Cleary with goalie Billy Beverage again keeping all shots on goals out. Just after half time, Catholic College had a few breaks but defenders Josh Murray and Cam Davey made sure that the goalie wouldn't get a touch. In a high scoring game, the end result was 5-0.
In the next game against Nagle College of Bairnsdale, the first half began with both sides struggling to get the ball passed the 25 yard line at either end until Nagle receive a short corner with the Monivae goalie unlucky to let the ball sneak past the line for a goal. In the second half, Monivae were still unable to score against the defending champions. Nagle broke into attack but with great team work by Monivae and some lucky saves by the goalie, the score remained even for the rest of the half.
The last round robin was hard fought won game with the end scoring 2-0 our way with some brilliant saves by both Monivae goalies.
Monivae progressed to the final against Nagle College, the team that beat them earlier. The game came around with all the Monivae boys nervous and aching to get one back on them. In the first half, both teams played brilliantly with Monivae player Dean McCarthy miss-trapping the ball and rolling it past the goalies foot to score the first goal while late in the half, Nagle replied with a brilliant goal from near the base line. The second half came with Nagle on the attack early but unable to beat the Monivae defence. Late in the second half, Nick Avaut scored a lucky goal to win Monivae the final 2-1, the first ever win for Monivae in the tournament.
Congratulations toNial Ashby, Jock Cleary, Ben Stubbs, Tim Farquharson, Nick Cockerell, Jai Durgidge, Jesse Hartwich, Billy Beveridge, Nick Avaut, Josh Murray, Cameron Davey, Jack Guegan-Brown, Lachlan Williams, Dean McCarthy and Coach Steve James.
Girls
On August 2nd, a senior girls' team also went to compete in the tournament with high hopes and expectations to match the boys' result.
The first game was against the very skilful Catholic College of Wodonga. In the fast paced game, both teams had a solid defence with many bursts up the field into attack. With the result being a 1-1 draw, Moniave were very pleased with their effort and eagerly looked forward to the next game.
Monivae's second game was against Catholic College Bendigo. Monivae dominated the play during both halves. The win was secured by a brilliant goal by Danica Williams, catching the Bendigo defenders off-guard and sending Monivae to the top of the ladder.
In the third and final round Monivae played Notre Dame College from Shepparton. Still on a high from the previous victory, the girls started strongly, pushing the Notre Dame defence to its limits. Monivae was unable to score during the game despite having many opportunities provided by fast breaks up the field by Megan McFarlen and Laura Murray. The girls finished the round robin stage second on the ladder behind Catholic College Wodonga who Monivae was scheduled to play in the decider.
With nothing to lose, the Monivae girls went into the final with high hopes and a lot of excitement. It was another fast and skilful game with neither side giving an inch. Thanks to a quick break and a great pass from Danica Williams, the first goal was scored by Megan McFarlen which was soon followed by another from Kellie Farquharson. After half time Monivae continued its strong defence and fast break attacking. Despite conceding a goal early in the half, Monivae were able to hold on to the lead and secure a 2-1 win and Monivae's first Catholic All Schools Senior Girls hockey title.
Congratulations to Emily Hicks, Lucy Moore, Joella Williams, Sharlene Cooper, Danica Williams, Grace Taylor, Bonnie Arnel, Laura Murray, Shahn Colliver, Kellie Farquharson, Megan MacFarlane, Katrina Rentsch, Britt England and Coach Mark Williams.
Thank you to all parents and staff who helped out during both events.
2009 Glenelg Regional Hockey
In 2009 Monivae fielded six teams in six divisions of the Glenelg Regional Hockey competition. The coaches and managers of these teams had worked hard to ensure that season 2009 was an enjoyable and rewarding one. It was been great to see the improvement in the women's divisions in particular and it is also pleasing to see that there were seventeen players for the Division 5 team with most of them turning up each week.
The U/16 Monivae Knights were the only team to make the grand final in 2009, their second in a row. The Knights went on to win the Grand Final a great achievement by all involved.
A number of club members were selected to play at a higher level this year. Dean McCarthy who is a member of the SA state U/15 team, Amanda Keightley who played with the Country Cobras and Danica Williams who was selected for the Country Cobras.
Of note also is Nick Cockerell's hockey achievements over his time at Monivae. These include Nick winning the Glenelg Regional Hockey Associations best and fairest awards in 2005, 2007 and 2008. He has also represented the Glenelg Region Hockey in Country Week every year he has played hockey.
Representative
Many Monivae players again competed in country week, Vic Stix and other wider competitions, gaining valuable experience and opportunities. Hopefully they will soon be able to put this to use on the synthetic turf that the Glenelg Regional Hockey Association has applied for.