AHL Round Two
In a top of the table battle at the Marrara Hockey Centre in Darwin, the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers beat New South Wales in a tight game to gain crucial points leading into the finals week in Adelaide from 29 May.
Sunday 23 May 2010
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers 2 def NSW Arrows 1 (half time 1-1)
NSW Jade Close 4m FG, QLD Marnie Hudson 6m FG, Emma Paterson 50m FG
This crucial match showcased numerous current Australian representatives all vying for national reselection.
It was a tight match from the start but it was NSW who opened the scoring with a spectacular goal by Jade Close from a back stick shot at goals in the 4th minute of the game.
The OAMPS Queensland Scorchers were quick to respond with fast footwork by Marnie Hudson with a field goal from close range minutes later.
Both teams were composed giving little away as they settled into the match.
Some good matchup across the field provided spectators with a closely contested and highly skilful game.
Some great ball movement around the attacking circle gave the OAMPS Scorchers some good opportunities to convert but NSW Arrows were tight in defence and denied their advances.
The scores remained tied going into the second half when the Scorchers came out firing with a 10 minute assault on the NSW defence securing 4 consecutive short corners. Arrows goalkeeper and Australian representative Toni Cronk was on her game leaving the Scorchers scoreless.
The game was tight with both teams having opportunities to score but with only six penalty corners in the match opportunities were scarce.
It was Queensland who struck first in the 50th minute, with a hard hitting field goal by Emma Paterson.
NSW fought hard to respond, but were short on time leaving the Scorchers on top with a final score of 2-1.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers Coach Margaret Dilger was happy with her side’s collaborative performance.
“It was a good game and we had 16 players that’s all contributed to the win” she said. “We are very happy to come away with the points”.
“Jane Bennet was a standout, especially to back up (her performance) after yesterday’s game.” said Dilger.
NSW coach Anthony Thornton, was pleased with the Arrows game but was disappointed with the results. “It was a good contest, but we did what we were aiming to do, that was to improve from yesterdays performance,” he said, “We played better today but it was a disappointing result”.
This result means there could be changes in the tournaments leader board with games still to be played to determine whether NSW will hang onto first place.
Saturday 22 May 2010
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers 2 def ACT Strickers 1 (half time 1-0)
QLD Amy Korner 14m FG, Amy Korner 66m FG; ACT Nicole Arold 65 m PS
The OAMPS Queensland Scorchers and ACT Strikers battled it out during the first game of round two of the Australian Hockey League at the Marrar Hockey Stadium in Darwin.
The Scorchers took control of the match early in the first half dominating most of the attack but failing to capitalise on their opportunities.
The ACT Strikers defended strongly throughout the half against constant pressure from the Scorchers forward line.
The OAMPS Queensland Scorchers remained composed and strong both in attack and defence, and their persistence was rewarded in the 14th minute with a field goal from Amy Korner.
A few unforced turnovers in the Strikers defensive half put ACT on the back foot, but they held on to keep the score at 1-0 at the half time mark.
The Strikers came out stronger in the second half, evening the score to 1-1 after a stroke was awarded as a result of a high tackle in the Scorchers defensive zone.
ACT Striker and Australian representative Nicole Arold stepped up and slotted a confident stroke to even the score in the 65th minute of the game.
A hard fought goal scored by Queensland sealed the match in the 66th minute of the game with Scorcher Amy Korner scoring her second goal of the match from a quick shot on goals at close range.
“The girls struggled with the heat and steamy conditions” said OAMPS Queensland Scorchers Coach, Margaret Dilger.
“It was a hard fought win and it was pleasing to see the girls fight all the way to the end” Ms Dilger said.
The Strikers were disappointed with the loss but coach Anthony Farry conceded that the better team won.
“We had too many unforced errors that let us down” Mr Farry said.
Queensland faces the New South Wales Arrows tomorrow at the Marrara hockey stadium in Darwin.
For more information on the second round of matches in the Women's AHL head to the Hockey Australia website.
