Mixed Results for WA Thundersticks in AHL

The Western Australian Smokefree Thundersticks has had mixed results in Round two of the Men’s Australian Hockey League with a 4-3 win over the Tassie Tigers in Melbourne followed by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts Victoria.

The Victorian Vikings extended their winning run to five in the AHL series with a grinding 2-1 victory over the WA Smokefree Thundersticks at the State Hockey Centre (Melbourne) on Sunday.

In an even contest throughout, much of the credit for Victoria’s victory could have been attributed to goal-keeper George Bazeley, who pulled off several wonderful saves.

WA started powerfully and dominated play for the first 10 minutes and it was against the run of play when Victoria’s Paul Mackinnon put the home side in front.

WAIS scholarship holder Ian Burcher made the most of a penalty corner opportunity ten minutes later, restoring parity as WA looked for a second round two win.

The game see-sawed there-after and scores were level at the break.

WA attacked with purpose after the break but couldn’t find the net. 14 minutes into the second half, a terrific piece of work by Victoria’s Richard Lane resulted in Russell Ford scoring from the spot and putting the Vics in front.

WA continued to work hard and unlucky not to be rewarded very late in the game when, once again, Bazaley in goals came to the rescue.

Earlier:

The Thundersticks dominated the early play of their clash with Tasmania with striker Trent Mitton (AIS-WAIS) opening their account in just the second minute of the game. The Thundersticks continued to attack and it didn’t take long for Greg Hearn (WAIS) to double the lead for WA.

The Tassie Tigers mounted some promising attacks but couldn’t get past the experienced Thunderstick’s back line.

With a goal already to his name, WAIS scholarship holder Trent Mitton doubled his tally in the 27th minute putting plenty of scoreboard pressure on the Tassie Tigers.

The defence of the Tassie Tigers continued to be exposed late in the first half and Greg Reece took full advantage in the 32nd minute, putting in the Thunderstick’s fourth goal for the half and seemingly putting the result beyond doubt at 4-0.

However, the Tassie Tigers hit back almost immediately when striker Tim Deavin slotted home the first goal of the game for the Tassie Tigers, giving them some hope going into the half-time break.

The second half was more evenly matched than the first, with both teams continually creating chances up front.

The Tassie Tigers were starting to look dangerous and gaps were starting to emerge in the Thunderstick’s defence. The Tigers scored two goals in as many minutes and were right back in the game, trailing by only a goal with over 15 minutes to play.

However, the experience of the WA Smokefree Thundersticks saw them hold off the charging Tassie Tigers for 4-3 win.

– Hockey Victoria