Diamonds Make Sparkling Start to Finals Week

The Smokefree WA Diamonds took on NSW Arrows in the third game of Round 7 in the match of the day. The winner of this match would secure top spot heading into the finals round of AHL.

The Diamonds controlled the game from the outset with the experienced AIS-WAIS pair of Kim Walker and Kobie McGurk leading the charge. They did not have to wait long for their ascendency to pay off with Ashleigh Nelson (AIS-WAIS) converting from a penalty corner in the fourth minute.

Ten minutes later Nelson repeated her good work and once again scored from a penalty corner to double the Diamonds lead and seemingly put them in complete control of the game.

The Arrows were working hard, again playing without the services of star play Casey Eastham. Their work was looking as if it would pay off when they were awarded a penalty corner of their own. The direct shot created a difficult rebound for Kate Hollywood and she could not control her shot and it sailed over the goals.

WA started the second half with much the same pattern of play and continued to control the midfield and seemed to be under little danger at the back. The Arrow showed plenty of work rate and enthusiasm but could not break down the disciplined Diamonds.

The Diamonds at times were wasteful in attack but managed to convert a third goal when a Fiona Boyce cross took a nasty deflection and ended up in the back of the net.

The last minutes produced some fast and free flowing hockey as the Arrows chased the game. They did manage to pull a goal back, after some great skill by Megan Rivers along the backline resulted in a tap in by Bianca Netzler.

A series of attacks from the Arrows would follow this goal however they were unable to penetrate the sound Diamonds defence and the game finished 3-1 in favour of the WA side.

Neil Hawgood, coach of the Diamonds said “It was pleasing we were able to control the game in the manner that we did, and this is a major positive going into the next phase of the championships.”

Earlier:

The Smokefree WA Diamonds and Canberra Labor Club Strikers produced well contested, flowing hockey to start their match.

At the 10 minute mark Fiona Boyce, for the Smokefree WA Diamonds, made a great trap from a long corner hit and produced a sliding finish from close range.

Following this first goal, WA gained control but, despite having much of the play, did not threaten to score again in the first half.

The ACT defence, led by number 21 Anna Flanagan, held strong and repelled numerous attacks. It was a midfield battle for the remainder of the first half with neither team able to get the upper hand.

The second half began much the same way, with both teams contesting the ball. ACT had an early chance via a penalty corner but the WA keeper produced a great save.

In the 49th minute AIS-WAIS athlete Shelley Liddelow converted a penalty stroke for WA and followed that up three minutes later with her second for the match, finishing off a goal mouth scramble.

A minute later WAIS scholarship holder Chantelle Ciallella produced the goal of the game with fantastic shot from an acute angle.

ACT scored a consolation goal from a penalty corner with three minutes remaining in the game to end the match 4 goals to 1.

The Australian Hockey League continues all this week at the Pines Hockey Stadium culminating with the finals on Saturday 5th June.

– Hockey Australia