30/12/2009

By Luke Quinlivan.

Over two thousand people were privy to excellence at Bicton Pool here tonight, as the Barbarians showcased their world-class skills in style. The Barbarians downed the Fremantle Mariners  12-10, in a “no holds barred” contest.

Sandro Sukno of the Barbarians top scored for the match bagging four goals, whilst American goal keeper, James Sandman, commanded in defence with a solid eight saves.

The Barbarians got themselves off to a tidy 3-1 lead at the first break, courtesy of strong centre-forward work by Croatian World Champion, Miksa Dobud, and the sharp- shooting of fellow teammate, Paulo Obradovic.

The Mariner’s attacking options were limited throughout the game. The Barbarians disciplined press defence followed by a ladder-back zone, forced Mariners players to shoot from afar; Sandman was equal to the task in goals.

The Barbarians persistence seemed to pay off as they went into the final quarter 10-6 up. A valiant four-goal surge by Fremantle gained them some respect on the score board but, the result was never in question.

In the final minutes, Dobud, tightened the screws on Fremantle scoring in extra man. Finally, when it was most needed, McGregor sealed the game with a captain’s goal on counter attack.

The Barbarians have now won two Hoad Cups successively, 2008/2009, while the Mariners have come second, four years in a row.   

Fremantle: 10

James Stanton (GK), Mike Bourne, Tim Cleland, Alex Petrov [1], John Neesham, Jamie Beadsworth (c), Grant Richardson [1], Aaron Younger [1], Joel Swift, James Fannon [1], Daniel Varga [3], Daniel Lawrence [2], Perry Short, Bill Christensen (GK), Sam Quinn [1].

Barbarians: 12

Edward SLADE (GK), Christian HOAD, Dan YOUNG [1], Sandro SUKNO [4], Maro JOKOVIC, Clancy NEESHAM, Aidan ROACH, Sam MCGREGOR [2], Regan BURROWS, Niksa DOBUD [2], Ryan MCCARTHY, Paulo OBRADOVIC [3], James SANDMAN.

Photography by Paul Entwistle