The SmokeFree WA Diamonds are Australian Hockey League champions once again after defeating the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers 3-1 in the grand final in Adelaide.
The win is WA’s fourth title in six years, while for Queensland it is heartbreakingly their fifth successive loss in the AHL grand final.
With Queensland entering the match as slight favourites, things began according to plan when captain Madonna Blyth scored at the 14 minute mark to set up an early lead.
However showing the trademark of a good team, WA remained in the contest, drawing level following a penalty corner conversion by WAIS athlete Lisa Eglington just prior to half time.
As the clock ran down in the second half the match seemed destined to go to extra time, however when WA were awarded a penalty corner much to the dismay of Queensland captain Madonna Blyth, they made the most of their opportunity and grabbed the lead for the first time in the match thanks to star defender Kobie McGurk (AIS-WAIS).
With plenty of time still remaining Queensland threw everything they had at WA to get themselves back in the game. However an impressive goal against the run of play to AIS-WAIS scholarship holder Ashleigh Nelson with only six minutes remaining, her ninth for the tournament, sealed the victory for WA.
In addition to the AHL crown for Neil Hawgood’s (WAIS women’s hockey coach) side, Ashleigh Nelson was named 2010 AHL Player of the Finals, and earned competition top scorer honours with nine strikes.
– Hockey Australia
