Ben Staines leads charge as Goulburn Geckos claim winning start

The match was a tough ask first up in the Hockey ACT Premier League Division One men's competition, as OCHC have consistently been among the top teams in recent years.

However, Staines said the team gelled surprisingly well, particularly considering the long delay to the start of the season.

"I think we clicked really well," he said.

"It felt different. but at the end of the day [different is] nearly the normal. Everyone's had to deal with what's going on, whether it's work or sport or socialising. I think we clicked very well for this time of the year and the start of the normal season."

The match was the first official hit-out of the Geckos' season, as the details of the local hockey are still being ironed out.

This made the team's performance all the more impressive to Staines, who was particularly pleased by the talent on display from Goulburn's three debutants: Jack McEntee, Zac McGregor, and Dylan Downey.

"I think we clicked very well as a group," Staines said.

"With a mixture of the older blokes like Glenn Turner, Daniel McPherson, and Daniel Fleming, and then the younger blood like Dylan, Jack, and Zac.

"It's a massive step up from what they're used to, I know Zac's played in that capital league before for a different club. He did very well to play with a new bunch of blokes, and Dylan and Jack did very well too.

"I's very fast comp and very physical, for them to come in at the age of 15 and 16 I believe, they did a great job."

Staines was joined in the goal-scorers' column by his brother, Jake Staines, Fletch Craig, Brad Smith, and Daniel Fleming (who netted two).

Staines' haul of three goals continued his strong form from the 2019 season, in which he scored 36 goals from 18 games and claimed the coveted Brophy Medal for his efforts.

The Geckos will now go on to play ANU next weekend, also in Canberra. Their first home game will be played in round three, against Central.

Though COVID health restrictions are still in place, Staines is eager to play once again at his home field in front of an - albeit limited - home crowd.

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