CSU-Rivcoll rode a hat-trick from captain Nick Fahey to their first division one victory in six weeks at Jubilee Park on Saturday.
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Fahey’s side prevailed 5-1 over ladder-leaders Lake Albert, who were missing a host of players including Ben Baker and Jarrod Murray.
CSU scored the first goal through Cameron Tokley early in the first half, before Fahey slotted his first goal against stand-in keeper Aaron Crump.
Lake Albert’s Rhys McManus and Brendon Pottie were unable to stop CSU mid-fielder Max Hanrahan, who appeared unbeatable up front.
Lake even recalled veteran Matt Davis, but he failed to have a major impact.
The win closed the gap to four points between the two sides, with CSU having a game in hand.
Meanwhile, dynamic duo Brendan and Bradley Watson set up a 4-2 victory for Harlequins over Royals.
The result ended a four-game Royals winning streak.
Royals headed into the match looking to make it five wins on the trot but were outclassed by the men in green.
Their forwards were unable to beat Harlequins defender Stuart Martin, who turned back the clock and played one of his best games of the season with the Watson combination controlling the ball up forward.
Jack Boyd fought admirably for the Royals, but they were never in the hunt despite goals to Josh O’Donnell and Callum Clayton.
In the top-flight women’s competition, CSU-Rivcoll and Royals Blue drew for the second time this season.
With CSU welcoming back a host of players including Chayse Holland, Georgia McGregor and Alex Cutts from the semester break, Royals Blue suddenly found they had a match on the hands with a much stronger opposition.
CSU took the early lead with Elspeth Beeson converting a goal from a penalty stroke from Blues’ keeper Cass Bell inside the first 10 minutes.
But Royals captain Maree Beresford soon responded with a goal of her own, beating stand-in CSU keeper Alison Eddie to tie the match.
From there, both teams’ defence tightened up, with Elise Kinsey leading the way for CSU.
Royals Blue had their moments, putting CSU under immense pressure, but Kinsey and Bernie Howard held strong despite the efforts from Royals players Ashleigh Yan and Jo Jolliffe.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second-half, even when CSU was down a player in the last five minutes, with scores ultimately locked at 1-1.
CSU will now face Royals White in a catch-up match under lights at Jubilee Park on Wednesday night, as they fight to get their season back on track.
SCOREBOARD
Division 1 Men
CSU/RIVCOLL 5 (N.Fahey 3, M.Hanrahan, C.Tokley) defeated LAKE ALBERT 1 (N.Murray)
HARLEQUINS 4 (Brendan Watson 3, Bradley Watson) defeated ROYALS 2 (J.O’Donnell, C.Clayton)
Division 1 Women
ROYALS BLUE 1 (M.Beresford) drew with CSU/RIVCOLL 1 (E.Beeson)