Geraldton Hockey Association round five wrap: Casuals secure points as Cardinals go down to Murchison

Despite the temperamental weather, round five of the Geraldton hockey season delivered another week of fierce match-ups across the grades. The round rolled out between Wednesday and Saturday, with midweek games dodging the worst of the rain. The men’s A-grade action began with a dominant performance from Yacht Club, who comfortably defeated Murchison 4-0. Edwin McQuade found the net twice and Courtney McLeod was everywhere — scoring one himself and commanding the midfield. On Saturday night, Casuals and Rovers went head-to-head. Casuals came away with a 3-0 win, thanks largely to Angus Grant, who not only scored but created multiple chances. Saints and Rovers remain at the top of the ladder, with Murchison still chasing their first win of the season. In women’s A-grade, Friday night opened with a defensive standoff between Saints and Australs that finished 0-0. Both teams had chances, but the goalkeepers stole the show — Dirranie Kirby marshalling the Australs defence and Lilah Beaver holding strong for Saints. Later that evening, Yacht Club produced a solid 2-0 win against Swans. Lucy Chester led by example, scoring and bossing the midfield, while Swans’ Emma Bowen pushed hard throughout, coming close to putting her side ahead early. Saturday brought the shock of the round as Murchison upset Cardinals 2-0 with late goals from Brooke Elward and Sophie Chapman. Cardinals had their chances, with Jessica Giudice-Nairn only just missing with a powerful first-half strike. The result lifted Murchison to the top of the ladder with four wins, while Australs and Cardinals are neck and neck in second place. The men’s A-reserve started on Friday night with Saints claiming a 1-0 win over Australs, thanks to a composed finish from Andrew Golding. Saturday’s fixtures saw Casuals record a 3-1 win over Yacht Club, with Angus Grant again on the scoresheet in another standout performance. Rovers then closed out the day with a convincing 3-0 victory over Murchison, with Sean Bolt and Ronan Croft both finding the back of the net. That result sees Casuals leading a tightly packed ladder, with Yacht Club, Australs and Rovers all in striking distance. The women’s A-reserve began on Thursday with Swans cruising past Australs 4-0. On Friday night, Saints added another win to their season tally with a 2-1 result against Cardinals under lights. Saturday’s triple-header started with Yacht Club defeating Cardinals 3-0, before Saints backed up their Friday win with a stylish 3-0 victory over Swans. Murchison wrapped up the round with a high-energy 2-1 win over Vets, powered by a relentless display from Grace Johnson in attack. Saints sit comfortably on top of the ladder with a perfect record, with Yacht Club holding strong in second.