Sutherland Hockey Club expected a tough match when they hosted old rivals the Norwest Strikers in their Sydney Premier hockey league match on Saturday afternoon at home, and they weren't disappointed.
Sutherland and the Strikers ground out a searching first half before the Sutho Blues took it away with a strong 4-0 winning result and move to second on the Sydney competition ladder.
Sutherland remains unbeaten and has a game in hand after a first-round bye.
The win was a big contrast to an ugly result in round two where Sutherland played the South East Sydney Hockey Club at their Sylvania Rd home.
The 12-0 result against the merged clubs of St George and Randwick kept the scoreboard operator busy and gave the younger players valuable experience.
A highlight from last weeks game was the performance of the young players who have been moving into first grade this year.
Sutherland's Billy Hernandez broke the goal drought in Saturday's game, scoring his first top grade goal in the first half, flicking the ball into the goal box, struggling through a tangle of players, including the Strikers' goalie.
There were also strong showings by Sutho's senior players. This allowed other youngsters - Buzz Halyard, Harry Roberts, Billy Hernandez, Riley Nilan and Riley Lloyd - to show their value to the top team.
Sutherland First Grade Coach Kieran Govers said Sutho's first grade's coaching staff are aiming at putting a big dent in this year's competition shortened as it may be.
There is strong interest in the first-grade men's team under new coach Kieran Govers, who first played with Sutherland in 2008 before launching a distinguished career representing Australia with the Kookaburras.
This is Kieran's first coaching job, but the Club strongly believes his experience and skills will deliver exceptional benefits to established and emerging Sutho players.
Next weekend will be the always demanding test against one of Sutherlands oldest and fiercest opponents, Glebe who are sitting below them on the competition ladder.
Last Saturday's best and fairest was Mitchell Johnson, Nick Hill and Buzz Halyard. Goals were scored by Buzz Halyard, Harry Roberts, Scott Govers and Billy Hernandez.
Sutherlands Second grade beat the previously unbeaten Norwest Strikers 6-2, while the third's also won 3-0 against Macquarie University.
Sutho's Sydney Women's Hockey League team also continued its unbeaten run with a 6-0 result over the University of NSW.
The weather was atrocious for the women and field conditions wet and swampy for their game. Still, they did their job with sensible passing, keeping possession and making the most of their shots on goal.
Best and fairest were Camille Rogerson, Paris Barnard and Amelia Domrow with goals by Kristen Agius 2, Jillian Wyatt 2, Ashton Waters and Amelia Domrow.