Metro League 1 Hockey

Semi Final Action - Week 1

The road to the Big Dance / Groot Dansfeest / Grosser Tanz / Grand Bal / Gran Baile / 大型舞会 / बड़ा डांस / Danisi Levu starts this weekend.

Sunday 30th August

Minor (Elimination) Semi Final - SOP 12:45

#3 Sydney University v #4 Ryde Hunters Hill
No second chances for either of these teams.
Both games between these two teams season have been 3-1 wins to the Students. The last of those games was just two weeks ago in Round 17.
Defensively both teams are pretty even with Sydney Uni conceding 1 more goal than Ryde over the entire regular season (24 goals v Ryde's 23 goals conceded).
The attack is where the difference lies between these two teams with Sydney Uni scoring almost 50% more goals than the Panthers (62 goals v Ryde's 41 goals scored).
The form of both teams in the second half of the season shows just 2 losses for Sydney Uni (against #1 Moorebank and #2 UNSW) while Ryde have had 2 draws ( #1 Moorebank and #5 GWD) and 2 losses ( #2 UNSW and #3 Sydney Uni).
In that time Sydney Uni have scored 29 goals (3.22 goals per game), which is consistent with their whole season, but have tightened up their defence, conceding only 6 goals (0.67 goals or 2 goals every 3 games). They conceded 18 goals in the first half of the season (2 goals a game).
Ryde's second half of the season had them scoring 20 goals (2.22 goals per game), which is consistent with the first half's 21 goals. Their defence conceded 11 goals (1.2 goals per game), again consistent with the first half of their season (12 goals at 1.33 goals per game).
Form shows that Sydney Uni is favourite but, of course, this is semi finals so all bets are off.

Major (Qualifying) Semi Final - SOP 2:30

#1 Moorebank Liverpool v #2 University of NSW
These teams do have a second chance, but who will need it?
Round 7 saw Moorebank narrowly come out on top 2-1. Round 16 was even closer, a 0-0 draw.
UNSW leads both the attacking (71 goals scored v Moorebank's 70) and defensive stats (10 goals conceded v Moorebank's 16).
Form from the second half of the season shows Moorebank with 6 wins and 3 draws ( #4 Ryde, #5 GWD and #2 UNSW) while UNSW had 8 wins and a draw ( #1 Moorebank).
How did the second half of the season stats go for both teams?
Moorebank were slightly down in attack, scoring 31 goals (3.44 goals per game) against the 39 goals they scored in the first half of the season (4.33 goals per game).
In defence, Moorebank conceded just 5 goals in the second half of the season (0.55 goals or almost 1 goal every 2 games). This more than halved their goals conceded in the first half of the season (11 goals at 1.22 goals conceded per game).
Whalies' stats showed a similar story. They scored 32 goals in the second half of the season (3.55 goals per game) against the 39 goals (same as Moorebank) they scored in the first half of the season (4.33 goals per game).
Defensively, UNSW conceded only 2 goals in their last 9 games (at 0.22 goals per game) and both of those were against #4 Ryde in Round 13. That is a quarter of the goals they conceded in the first half of the season (8 goals at 0.89 goals per game).
There is definitely no clear favourite in this game.
Odds on a shootout anyone?

Regular Season Wash-Up

Our semi-finalists have been decided with Moorebank taking out the Minor Premiership, UNSW finishing 2nd, Sydney Uni in 3rd and Ryde taking the last spot.

So how do the stats read at the end of the regular season?

Attack Top 4
#1 It was narrow but top spot goes to UNSW, who scored 71 goals this season. That's an average of just under 4 goals a game (3.94).
They scored 5 goals or more in 8 games this season.

#2 Moorebank. 70 goals, also at just under 4 a game (3.89).
They scored 5 goals or more in 7 games but had the biggest win of the year (9-0).

#3 Sydney Uni. 62 goals at 3.44 goals per game.
The Students also scored 5 goals or more in 7 games.

#4 Ryde. 41 goals at 2.28 goals per game.
The Panthers had just the 1 game where they scored 5 goals or more.

Note: Strikers scored 5 or more goals 3 times this season while GWD did it twice.

Defence Top 4
#1 UNSW did the double conceding the least number of goals this season, 10.
They had 11 shutouts for the season. In their last 11 games, only Ryde scored a goal against them (2 goals in Round 13).

#2 Moorebank conceded 16 goals for the season.
They recorded 7 shutouts for the season.

#3 Strikers conceded 21 goals.
Strikers had 6 shutouts this season.

#4 Ryde with 23 goals conceded.
The Panthers also had 6 shutouts.

Note: Sydney Uni had 8 shutouts but were #5 over the season.
GWD had 7 shutouts and finished ranked #6.

Longest winning streak
Although Moorebank went through the season undefeated, UNSW had the longest winning streak, going from Round 8 to Round 15.

On to the SEMIS!!!

The Road To The Finals

And then there were 5...

Round 18

There are only 5 contenders for the 4 finals spots but this weekend.
Well, seeing as 3 teams have now guaranteed their spots, maybe we should rephrase that as 2 teams competing for the 1 remaining spot.

Moorebank, UNSW and now Sydney Uni have booked their place with Moorebank and UNSW vying for the Minor Premiership.
#4 Ryde and #5 GWD are battling for the last semi final spot.

This is where they stand.

#1 Moorebank
The Minor Premiership is there for Moorebank to take this weekend as they play #9 Manly. Based on the results of their Round 9 game (7-2 win), it would take a big upset to deny them.
They are currently sitting on top with 43 points.
Maximum Points Possible: 46
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 46
Their games ahead are:
Round 18 v Manly (Round 9 was a 7-2 win)

#2 UNSW
UNSW will be playing against a G-Dubs team that has to win to keep their semi final hopes alive.
It was the same situation between these two teams in the final game of last year's regular season.
GWD won that game 5-3.
Maximum Points Possible: 45
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 45
Their games ahead are:
Round 18 v GWD (Round 9 was a 4-0 win)

#3 Sydney Uni
The Students are through to the semis and will play either Ryde or GWD in the Elimination Final.
They play GNS, who gave Manly their 2nd win of the season last weekend, in their last round game.
Maximum Points Possible: 37
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 37
Their games ahead are:
Round 18 v GNS (Round 9 was a 8-0 win)

#4 Ryde
If the Panthers win on the weekend, they book their semi finals spot.
If they draw or lose, GWD have to beat UNSW.
Maximum Points Possible: 34
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 34
Their games ahead are:
Round 18 v Briars (Round 9 was a 3-0 win)

#5 GWD
GWD were in the same situation last year. The had to beat then (and still) #2 UNSW to book their spot in the semi finals.
Last year was a 5-3 win for G-Dubs.
Maximum Points Possible: 33
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 30
Their games ahead are:
Round 18 v UNSW (Round 9 was a 4-0 loss)

Based on their current standings and previous form, the projected Ladder at the end of the Regular Season is:

#1 Moorebank
#2 UNSW
#3 Sydney Uni
#4 Ryde
_______________
#5 GWD

The Road To The Finals

Getting in a little early this week.

Round 17

There are still 6 contenders for the 4 finals spots but this weekend will probably knock it down to 5 contenders.
In reality it is 4 teams vying for the last 2 spots.
Moorebank and UNSW have tied up the Top 2 spots while a win for either Sydney Uni or Ryde, who play each other this weekend, will guarantee them a spot.
This is where they stand.

#1 Moorebank
Moorebank had their 2nd draw in 2 weeks, this time it was a 0-0 draw with #2 UNSW.
They are currently sitting on top with 40 points.
Maximum Points Possible: 46
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 46
Their games ahead are:
Round 17 v Strikers (Round 8 was a just as narrow 1-0 win)
Round 18 v Manly (Round 9 was a 7-2 win)

#2 UNSW
As mentioned above, Whalies had a 0-0 draw with #1 Moorebank.
UNSW, like Moorebank, is safe.
Maximum Points Possible: 45
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 45
Their games ahead are:
Round 17 v Briars (Round 8 was a 6-0 win)
Round 18 v GWD (Round 9 was a 4-0 win)

Sydney Uni and Ryde clash this weekend.
A win for either team will guarantee them a spot in the Minor Semi Final.
A draw will knock Strikers out of contention.

#3 Sydney Uni
#3 Sydney Uni remain in 3rd spot on equal points with #4 Ryde (both on 31 points) but with a +11 goal lead over the Panthers on goal difference.
The Students won the Round 8 clash over Ryde, 3-1.
Maximum Points Possible: 37
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 37
Their games ahead are:
Round 17 v Ryde (Round 8 was a 3-1 win)
Round 18 v GNS (Round 9 was a 8-0 win)

#4 Ryde
The Panthers remain on equal points with Sydney Uni (31 points).
A win this weekend is enough to guarantee Ryde their Minor Semi Final spot.
Maximum Points Possible: 37
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 34
Their games ahead are:
Round 17 v Sydney Uni (Round 8 was a 3-1 loss)
Round 18 v Briars (Round 9 was a 3-0 win)

So where does that leave #5 GWD and #6 Strikers?

#5 GWD
With their win over Briars on the weekend, G-Dubs have jumped over Strikers into 5th spot.
They will not get any higher on the ladder after this weekend but a win or a draw will (just) keep their hopes alive.
If both Sydney Uni and Ryde win at least one of their remaining games, GWD will get no higher than 5th spot at the end of the Regular Season.
Maximum Points Possible: 33
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 30
Their games ahead are:
Round 17 v Raptors (Round 8 was a 3-0 win)
Round 18 v UNSW (Round 9 was a 4-0 loss)

#6 Strikers
Strikers loss to Sydney Uni has left their season hanging on by their fingernails.
They not only have to beat #1 Moorebank on the weekend, they then have to rely on Sydney Uni racking up a big win against Ryde, then they also have to rely on Ryde losing against Briars in the last round AND they have to beat Raptors in the last round by about 6 goals.
If Ryde beat Sydney Uni this weekend, even if Sydney Uni were to lose their last round game, the goal difference would mean that they would have to beat Raptors by about 17 goals.
Maximum Points Possible: 31
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 28
Their games ahead are:
Round 17 v Moorebank (Round 8 was a 1-0 loss)
Round 18 v Raptors (Round 9 was a 4-1 win)

Based on their current standings and previous form, the projected Ladder at the end of the Regular Season remains:

#1 Moorebank
#2 UNSW
= #3 Sydney Uni
= #3 Ryde
_______________
#5 GWD
#6 Strikers

The Road To The Finals

Round 16

There are still 6 contenders for the 4 finals spots.
Last weekend 3 of those contenders had a draw, 2 got the win and 1 had a loss.
This is where they stand.

#1 Moorebank
#1 Moorebank had a 1-1 draw with #6 GWD but that result will not affect their semi final spot.
They will finish the year either 1st or 2nd on the ladder.
They are currently sitting on top with 39 points, which is enough to guarantee them a Major Semi Final spot.
Maximum Points Possible: 48
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 48
Their games ahead are:
Round 16 v UNSW (Round 7 was a narrow 2-1 win)
Round 17 v Strikers (Round 8 was a just as narrow 1-0 win)
Round 18 v Manly (Round 9 was a 7-2 win)

#2 UNSW
Whalies remain in 2nd, their narrow 1-0 win over #3 Sydney Uni has them on 38 points, also booking their spot in the Major Semi Final.
Maximum Points Possible: 47
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 44
Their games ahead are:
Round 16 v Moorebank (Round 7 was a 2-1 loss)
Round 17 v Briars (Round 8 was a 6-0 win)
Round 18 v GWD (Round 9 was a 4-0 win)

So who is fighting for the 2 Minor Semi Final spots?

#3 Sydney Uni
The Students remain in 3rd but they are now on equal points with #4 Ryde on 28 points.
This makes their Round 17 match in a fortnight's time even more important.
Sydney Uni's remaining games this season are against higher ranked opponents than Ryde will face.
Maximum Points Possible: 37
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 34
Their games ahead are:
Round 16 v Strikers (Round 7 was also a 3-1 loss)
Round 17 v Ryde (Round 8 was a 3-1 win)
Round 18 v GNS (Round 9 was a 8-0 win)

#4 Ryde
The Panthers are on equal points with Sydney Uni (28 points), but are 12 goals behind on goal difference.
2 wins and a draw is enough to guarantee Ryde (and Sydney Uni) their Minor Semi Final spot.
2 out of their last 3 games are against Bottom 4 teams with the other game being against #3 Sydney Uni.
Maximum Points Possible: 37
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 34
Their games ahead are:
Round 16 v Manly (Round 7 was a 3-0 win)
Round 17 v Sydney Uni (Round 8 was a 3-1 loss)
Round 18 v Briars (Round 9 was a 3-0 win)

The next 2 teams have the hardest road ahead.

#5 Strikers
After their 1-1 draw on the weekend, Strikers are currently 5th on 25 points, a win behind both 3rd and 4th spots but behind on goal difference.
Their next 2 games are against #3 Sydney Uni and #1 Moorebank, which will not only be a hard games to gain points, it will alsonbe a tough ask to greatly improve their goal difference.
Maximum Points Possible: 34
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 31
Their games ahead are:
Round 16 v Sydney Uni (Round 7 was a 3-1 win)
Round 17 v Moorebank (Round 8 was a 1-0 loss)
Round 18 v Raptors (Round 9 was a 4-1 win)

#6 GWD
G-Dubs also had a draw on the weekend and remain in 6th place on 24 points.
They need to win all 3 of their remaining games and then rely on results to book their Minor Semi Final spot.
Maximum Points Possible: 33
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 30
Their games ahead are:
Round 16 v Briars (Round 7 was a 1-0 win)
Round 17 v Raptors (Round 8 was a 3-0 win)
Round 18 v UNSW (Round 9 was a 4-0 loss)

Based on their current standings and previous form, the projected Ladder at the end of the Regular Season remains:

#1 Moorebank
#2 UNSW
= #3 Sydney Uni
= #3 Ryde
_______________
#5 Strikers
#6 GWD

The Road To The Finals

Round 15

We are down to 6 contenders for the 4 finals spots.
This is where they stand.

#1 Moorebank
Moorebank has booked their spot.
They are sitting on top with 38 points, which is enough to guarantee them at least 4th spot.
Maximum Points Possible: 50
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 48
Their games ahead are:
Round 15 v GWD (Round 6 was a 2-2 draw)
Round 16 v UNSW (Round 7 was a narrow 2-1 win)
Round 17 v Strikers (Round 8 was a just as narrow 1-0 win)
Round 18 v Manly (Round 9 was a 7-2 win)

#2 UNSW
Whalies are sitting 2nd on 35 points.
Another win will book their spot in the finals.
Maximum Points Possible: 47
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 44
Their games ahead are:
Round 15 v Sydney Uni (Round 6 was a 3-1 win)
Round 16 v Moorebank (Round 7 was a 2-1 loss)
Round 17 v Briars (Round 8 was a 6-0 win)
Round 18 v GWD (Round 9 was a 4-0 win)

The competition for finals places really heats up with the following 4 teams.

#3 Sydney Uni
The Students are currently 3rd on 28 points.
They are 2 wins and a draw behind 2nd place with only 4 games to go.
Three of those games are against fellow finals contenders.
Maximum Points Possible: 40
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 34
Their games ahead are:
Round 15 v UNSW (Round 6 was a 3-1 loss)
Round 16 v Strikers (Round 7 was also a 3-1 loss)
Round 17 v Briars (Round 8 was a 6-0 win)
Round 18 v GWD (Round 9 was a 4-0 win)

#4 Ryde
The Panthers are currently 4th on 25 points.
They are 1 win behind 3rd place but 3 out of their last 4 games are against Bottom 4 teams.
Maximum Points Possible: 37
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 34
Their games ahead are:
Round 15 v GNS (Round 6 was a 4-1 win)
Round 16 v Manly (Round 7 was a 3-0 win)
Round 17 v Sydney Uni (Round 8 was a 3-1 loss)
Round 18 v Briars (Round 9 was a 3-0 win)

#5 Strikers
Strikers are currently 5th on 24 points.
They are 1 draw behind 4th place.
Maximum Points Possible: 36
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 33
Their games ahead are:
Round 15 v Manly (Round 6 was a 5-0 win)
Round 16 v Sydney Uni (Round 7 was a 3-1 win)
Round 17 v Moorebank (Round 8 was a 1-0 loss)
Round 18 v Raptors (Round 9 was a 4-1 win)

#6 GWD
G-Dubs are currently 6th on 23 points.
They are 1 win behind 4th place.
Maximum Points Possible: 35
Points Based On Previous Results This Season: 30
Their games ahead are:
Round 15 v Moorebank (Round 6 was a 2-2 draw)
Round 16 v Briars (Round 7 was a 1-0 win)
Round 17 v Raptors (Round 8 was a 3-0 win)
Round 18 v UNSW (Round 9 was a 4-0 loss)

Based on their current standings and previous form, the projected Ladder at the end of the Regular Season is:

#1 Moorebank
#2 UNSW
= #3 Sydney Uni
= #3 Ryde
_______________
#5 Strikers
#6 GWD