High hopes for Strikers’ future

New hope is stirring in South West hockey circles for our region’s premier men’s side.

The South West Strikers are back on home soil at the Bunbury Hockey Stadium on Sunday when they will entertain the Joondalup Lakers from 12.15pm.

Last time the two sides met was in Round 5, when the Strikers were thumped 7-1 by the Lakers at the Busselton Hockey Stadium.

It was the return of an old friend in former Bunbury junior Daniel Sampey who did all the damage, scoring four goals against the home side.

However, there has been a marked improvement in the South West side as of late.

This includes an improved showing against the Perth Lions at the weekend when they turned around a 10-0 loss earlier in the season into a much-improved 4-1 defeat.

The men’s game will precede the women’s fixture, with the Strikers to battle the Old Guildford-Midland Hockey Club from 1.45pm.

The Strikers women have forced their way into the Promotion One finals race and will be keen to repeat their last win over Old Guildford who are languishing at the foot of the points table.

A 4-2 win against Old Guildford-Midland was one of the highlights of the season so far and victory this Sunday would ensure the Strikers remain in the top four and a contender for the championship.