Diamonds Downed but Not Out in AHL

Published On: 3 April 2009

WAIS athlete Kim Walker in full flight for the WA Diamonds

The WA Diamonds have suffered their first defeat of the 2009 AHL season after the NSW Arrows claimed a 2-0 win in Melbourne yesterday to book top spot in the competition heading into the semi-final stage.

The Diamonds will now face the Queensland Scorchers on Saturday for a spot in Sunday’s showpiece final. In the other semi-final, NSW will be a firm favourite to book its spot in the grand final when they play against the Canberra Strikers.

The Diamonds have shown throughout the 2009 season that they will be the team to stop for the title, progressing through undefeated until the last round robin match, where they came up against a talented and motivated NSW side that is looking to break WA’s strangle hold on the competition.

The early exchanges were fast and furious with the Diamonds defence on guard, but it was left stunned on eight minutes when NSW midfielder Belinda Brooks broke the deadlock following a crafty penalty corner set piece.

WA Diamonds battled hard but couldn’t make an impression on the scoreboard before the half-time break.

The Diamonds matched NSW for intensity in the second period but couldn’t find a route to goal, and it was made to pay on 62 minutes when Emily Hurtz fired home the decisive second strike that wrapped up a win and top position for the Arrows.

The Diamonds will be motivated however, knowing that a shot at redemption with a far greater reward looms on Sunday, should they progress past a spirited Queensland outfit that has proved in finals week, that they will be no pushover.