SW Strikers back on winners’ list

The South West Strikers were singing with gusto on the bus home from Arena Joondalup in Perth on Sunday evening.

They had negotiated the long road trip to play Whitfords successfully with a 1-0 Willow Bridge Cup victory.

Once again it was lack of finish that could have cost the Strikers but it was heartening that they scored from the set piece with skipper and perennial man-of-the-match Geoff Neaves slamming home a sizzler in the first half.

‘‘We completely outran them all over the field in the second half winning the short corner count about 10-6 but their experienced backs defended well,’’ coach Allan McGeoch said.

‘‘They rode their luck too, with Whitfords goalkeeper making a great save of a penalty stroke by Mike Nicoli and another time when it was a blatant stroke but we were awarded just a short corner.’’

The goalkeeper kicked clear, lifted the ball into the back of one of his own defenders which was downright dangerous play.

Burly back Aaden Buck put in his best game of the season, Scott Medallist Marshall Roberts was outstanding with Phil Moore slotting into a forward spot away from his comfort zone in the half back line catching the eye and Shaun O’Brien putting in his usual solid game.

Coach McGeoch was happy with his team’s win saying while a couple of players were better than the others the team effort was good.

‘‘We are up there among the finalists and the opposition are packing their defences,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ll be working on breaking through over the next few weeks.’’