Hockey
26 June, 2026
Hoops overcome Hurricanes, now face Nhill
The seventh round of the Wimmera Hockey Association season was played in chilly conditions at Dimboola on Friday evening and Saturday, but some exciting hockey distracted spectators from the cold.
The leading two teams in the Open division are drawing away from the rest of the field after the Warrack Hoops defeated the Horsham Hurricanes to remain undefeated, and the Yanac Tigers overcame the Kaniva Cobras to hold their place just behind the Hoops.
However, these were not easy victories, highlighting the evenness of the competition this year.
The Hurricanes tested the Hoops for the entire match, but it was goals to veteran Jarrod Knoop and youngster Noah Eilola in the second term that gave the Hoops the advantage.
Horsham replied with a goal through Tom Batchelor in the third quarter, but they could not breach the Warrack defence again to even the scores before the final whistle.
The Hoops are currently on top of the ladder, one win ahead of the Tigers, and although there is now a ten-point gap back to the other three teams.
In the women’s division, the battle between the two teams outside the top four on Friday evening was still as entertaining as the matches between the teams higher on the ladder.
The fifth-placed Horsham Jets scraped home with a three-goal victory over the winless Warracknabeal, and while it was not a convincing victory, it has kept them in touch with the top four.
Warracknabeal has struggled over recent years and endured significant losses, so holding an opponent to just three goals is a small victory for the team.
Although they are yet to win a game in 2026, they are improving, and it is only a matter of time before they break through against an opponent who dares to take them lightly.
The Under-16 competition has also been very competitive in 2026, with every team entering each match with a realistic chance of victory, as highlighted on Friday evening when the sixth-placed Horsham Bombers defeated the ladder-leading Warrack Revengers.
Although the latter team was missing several key players, Horsham could only play the team that had lined up against them on the day, and they took full advantage, earning a five-goal-to-one victory to score their first points of the season.
Looking ahead
The undefeated Warrack Hoops face Nhill, whose eight points have come from two draws and two byes.
The Rangers have seriously challenged all opponents so far this season, and it is only a matter of time before they find the formula to win.
The Nhill Thunderbirds play the winless Warracknabeal and should be able to earn the points to firm their grip on fourth place, but if they falter, the Horsham Jets will overtake them if they can defeat Kaniva.
After an even first half of the season in the Under 16 competition, where the top five teams are separated by only eight points, the ladder is starting to take shape as these teams play each other for the second time in 2026.
The Warrack Revengers will need to play at their best if they are to stave off a challenge by the Nhill Leopards and remain top of the ladder.