The OAMPS Queensland Scorchers are now the only undefeated team at the women's AHL tournament after handing the Canberra Strikers their first defeat.
Results round 4 AHL
NSW Arrows ÔÇô Southern Suns 5-1
OAMPS
NT Pearls ÔÇô Wrest Point Tassie Van Demons 5-1
In other matches, the NSW Arrows proved they are a real competitor at this years tournament by demorisising the Souther Suns, the SmokeFree WA Diamonds recorded aclose victory over the Victorian Vipers and the NT Pearls recorded their first win of the tournament.
The SmokeFree WA Diamonds started off today's matches by continuing their good form since their round 1 surprise defeat to the NSW Arrows, hanging on to beat the Victorian Vipers.
The first half was dominated by the WA side however the Victorians defended strongly and some wide shots at goal resulting in only a 1-0 score line at half time.
The right side for the Diamonds was particularly strong in attack through forwards Lisa Pamenter and Ashleigh Nelson, with a cross from right wing to Sian Smithson resulting in the first and only goal at the 11 minute mark.
Despite conceding a goal, Kary Chau and Stacia Joseph were strong in defence for the Vipers, with Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachel Imison also putting in a fine performance.
Ashleigh Nelson found lots of space in the second half for the Diamonds and set up two penalty corners and had various shots at goal. The Victorians swamped their defence, causing headaches for the WA midfield and strikers.
However despite the Vipers strong defence, a number of costly turnovers occurred during the second half despite the efforts of Renee Trost and Hannah Cohen.
In the last minute WA player Hope Munro waited patiently in the corner to run time down and elegantly orchestrated one last penalty. An error at the top meant the score stayed at 1-0.
WA will be happy with the points but will need to improve again when they take on tournament favourites the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers tomorrow.
The NSW side also came out firing in the first half of their round 4 match against the Southern Suns and surprised many by setting up a comfortable lead, scoring six goals in the first half.
The strong NSW forward line was too good for the Suns in the first 20 minutes of the game with Megan Rivers dynamic in front of goals and Alison Bruce solid in defence throughout the day.
The first goal was scored within 3 minutes of the start when Rivers found her way through the Sun's defence. The second was set up by Rivers who brought the ball along the back line, setting it up for Kellie-Lee James who scooped the ball beyond the reach of the goalie.
A few minutes later a penalty corner gave Kate Hollywood their fourth, with Ebony Barber and Rebecca Sanders adding to the scoreboard.
The second half was quiet for the Arrows and the Suns attacked their circle sporadically. Sarah Lange made the most of a deflection off the goalies pads and
The Arrows worked hard early for their goals and were able to rest on their laurels for the second half. Their performance today shows that they will be true contenders for this year's championship.
The only undefeated teams at the AHL were the next to do battle today as the Queensland Scorchers and the Canberra Strikers went head-to-head to preserve their winning streaks, with the Scorchers emerging victors.
Although the Strikers looked dangerous across the field, it was a free hit from the right side that allowed Scorcher midfielder Madonna Blyth the first goal of the match.
With lots of hits across goals and eager attackers, the Scorchers had numerous chances to gain a real edge on their opponents. However it was the Strikers who looked more dangerous in attack, although they were unable to transfer their momentum onto the scoreboard.
The Strikers were finally rewarded for their hard work in the 42nd minute with a back-of-the-stick sweep across goals from Charlotte Harrison to Krystal Forgesson who followed through to push the ball into the back of the net.
With frequent breaks down the field, Striker dynamite duo Charlotte Harrison and Sarah Young were keen attackers who tried valiantly to get the Strikers back in the game however the Scorchers outfit proved too strong.
Another penalty corner to
The good news continued for
NT Pearls off the Mark in a fantastic display of goal scoring against Wrest Point Tassie Van Demons
The final match of the day saw the Pearls in control of the match from the first whistle to record their first win of the tournament.
The Northern Territory Pearls and Wrest Point Tassie Van Demons were both keen for a victory, with both teams yet to win a match.
The Pearls played most of the game in their attacking half, but that's not to say the Demons didn't put up a good fight.
Star player Mayumi Ono of NT was the first to mark the score board with a penalty corner goal that saw her benefit from perfect positioning after a deflection from the goalies pads.
Both teams played consistently down the middle, but the Demons managed to move the attack to their end and scored an equaliser in the 23rd minute. With the first attempt saved by NT goalie, persistent Demon Jackie Jones replied with a strong hit that sailed across the line.
The Pearls started their climb up the tally with
Only three minutes into the second half, Olivia Chiu scored a deflection goal that gave NT somewhat of a breather. And to put icing on the cake, Samantha Gale and Aimee Clarke put in NT's fourth and fifth game decider goals.
Demons player Eloise Duay was all over the field defending against the Pearls, but unfortunately this was not enough for Tassie to defeat NT.
The NT Pearls will now be looking to build on this momentum for the remainder of the tournament.
Source: Hockey
