AHL Round One

SHARP BLADES TAKE THE BITE OUT OF STINGERS

OAMPS Queensland Blades 4 def Darwin Airport Resort Territory Stingers 4-1 (2-0 Half Time)
Goals: QLD Whetton 29m FG, Wilson 32m PC, 53m PC, Gohdes 70m FG; NT Gabriel 50m PC

The OAMPS Queensland Blades took on the Northern Territory Stingers in their third and final game of Round One of the Australian Hockey League clash in sunny conditions Adelaide.  Both teams had solid results yesterday and would be hoping to end their weekend on a high.

Although the Blades controlled the tempo and possession of the game, the first major chance fell to the Stingers after Des Abbott intercepted a loose pass, earning a penalty stroke, however failing to capitalise.

The missed penalty seemed to motivate the Blades into action and in the 29th minute a great long pass from Mark Knowles hit striker Michael Bates, who in turn delivered a pass to Jacob Whetton who cleverly deflected the ball into the net for a great Queensland team goal.

The Blades would continue to attack in numbers and only three minutes later doubled their lead after a well worked penalty corner resulting in a simple tap in by Jason Wilson.

No further score was able to be added by either team and the Blades would take a solid 2-0 lead into the break.

After the break the Stingers once again showed their heart and slowly started to work their way back into the game. Adrian Lockley was demanding plenty of attention in the midfield with his speed and elimination.

The Stingers were rewarded for their work in the 53rd minute when a well weighted pass found an unmarked Jason Gabriel for an open goal.

Once again however the goal seemed to spur the Blades on three minutes later they re-established their two goal advantage after a repeat of an earlier variation found Wilson again for his second tap in of the game.

In the final minute Queensland were able to increase their lead with another goal to Ian Schulz, giving them a 4-1 lead.

The Blades completed an inconsistent first weekend with a sound win, whilst the NT Stingers will be pleased with their efforts but know they must improve in key areas if they are to challenge for the title.

The OAMPS Queensland Blades will compete in Round 2 of the AHL later this month in Canberra.

For details from all matches in Round One in Adelaide and Sydney, and fixtures for Round Two, click on to Hockey Australia's website.

THUNDERSTICKS AND BLADES NOT ABLE TO BE SPLIT

WA SmokeFree Diamonds drew with OAMPS Queensland Blades 1-1(0-1 Half Time)
Goals: QLD - Whetton 18m FG; WA - Mitton 62m FG

The OAMPS Queensland Blades took on the Smokefree WA Thundersticks in game two of round one of the Australian Hockey League in Adelaide. The Blades would be looking for an improved effort after their first game loss, whilst the Thundersticks were keen to impress again after a dominant performance the previous night.

Both teams gained critical midfield links with Kiel Brown and Rob Hammond playing for the first time this season for their respective sides.

The match started at a high tempo with plenty of skill and team work on display. With many of the nation's best players on the pitch every possession was contested and hard fought. The Blades had the best of the attacking early with two shots flying just past the outside of the post.

In the 18th minute the Blades were rewarded shot was deflected into the net on the dive by Jacob Whetton giving the Blades a one goal advantage.

Neither side were able to add to this score prior to the break and the first half would have given both coaches plenty to think about.

The second half followed much the same trend with two very evenly matched teams. Although both teams were creating plenty of options, they struggled to create good opportunities in front of the goal.

It wasn't until the 62nd minute that a golden opportunity fell to Trent Mitton after a great pass from Thundersticks captain Fergus Kavanagh. Mitton placed the ball in the corner to tie the scores.

The game would finish a 1-1 draw, however it was a very entertaining game and a high level of skill was on display pleasing the Adelaide crowd.

Blade's coach Matthew Wells said he was pleased with the improved performance of his team, however felt they are still a long way from where they would like to be. He added the contest was great for his side and they need to lift another gear in the next match.

The Blades will finish round one tomorrow against the NT stingers, whilst the Thundersticks will take on the OAMPS Southern Hotshots in the other match.

For details from all matches in Round One in Adelaide and Sydney click on to Hockey Australia's website.

HOTSHOTS BLUNT BLADES IN THRILLER

OAMPS Southern Hotshots 3 def OAMPS Queensland Blades 2 (2-1 Half Time)
Goals: SA - Hughes 21m PC, Wickham 31m PC, Schubert 38m PS; QLD - De Young 19m PC, Knowles 70m PC

The OAMPS Southern Hotshots took on the OAMPS Queensland Blades in Round One of the Australian Hockey League in Adelaide.  The Hotshots were keen to put on a good show in front of a vocal home crowd.

The game started evenly with both teams looking to attack at every chance.  Playing in front of his home crowd Grant Schubert seemed particularly determined to put on a good showing.

The Blades were first to score after creating a penalty corner and Liam De Young deflecting the ball high into the net.

The OAMPS Southern Hotshots responded very quickly and managed to earn their first penalty of the game. A well executed set play resulted in Scott Hughes levelling the scores.

The Hotshots would take the lead not long after, once again converting from a penalty corner situation. Young striker Tom Wickham able to put the simple finish away after a nice pass from the top of the circle.

The second half commenced in light drizzle with the Hotshots eager to attack once again. They were rewarded when Grant Schubert somehow found himself open in the circle. The challenge by Queensland's, and the Kookaburra's goal keeper, Nathan Burgers was deemed to be illegal and Schubert converted the Hotshots third goal from a penalty shot.

With less than one minute on the clock Mark Knowles scored for the Blades when he slammed home a powerful shot from yet another penalty corner.

The Hotshots only seemingly had to play out the last 20 seconds, however the Blades managed to win the ball back and remarkably earn a penalty corner as the siren sounded.  Unfortunately however, they were denied by good defence work and the Hotshots held on for the victory.

The Hotshots will be looking to back up their good work with a win tomorrow against the Northern Territory Stingers, whilst the Blades will be out to improve their performance against the WA Thundersticks in a 2009 Grand Final replay.

For details from all matches in Round One in Adelaide and Sydney click on to Hockey Australia's website.

information supplied by Hockey SA