Hockey: Strikers back in business

The South West Strikers are back in business and knocking on the door of the top four after a handy Willow Bridge Cup victory over Newman in Perth on Sunday.

Picture: Strikers' coach Alan McGeoch

The Strikers’ 3-1 victory at Hale School — their second consecutive triumph — now means they are a real finals chance.

They are currently fifth, and trail fourth-placed Whitfords by just one point on the ladder.

South West will play Whitfords in Busselton this Sunday.

Rejuvenated veteran Matt Mellor scored his fifth goal in three games to continue his status as a late season revelation.

Mellor’s 10th-minute strike gave the visitors an early advantage.

The star turned back the clock to his halcyon days as star of the Classic League contestants when he took a short pass and weaved his way through four players before putting away a sensational slap shot for the early lead.

But Newman levelled late in the first half.

South West’s other goals were scored by Nayton Colombera, who pounced on a penalty corner rebound to ram the ball home, and Alan Cartledge smashing the ball into the roof off the net after a fine build-up move between Mellor and Sean Beckett.

‘‘We were not at our best for the whole game but the five minutes of top form they showed in the first half and the 10 minutes of good play in the second was enough to see us over the line,’’ coach Allan McGeoch said.