Thundersticks Defeat Territory 3-1 in AHL

The WA Thundersticks defeated Nothern Territory 3-1 to continue its AHL charge in Finals Week in Sydney.

Western Australia controlled the game from the outset, maintaining possession well, passing the ball at speed and executing difficult skills with ease.

The team from the west pressed aggressively and their hard work paid off seven minutes in, the Stingers full back misplacing a pass straight to Western Australia forward Sam Pike who ran into the circle before unleashing a thunderous tomahawk into the goal. Dominant in all areas the Thundersticks put together several impressive passages of play.

Fantastic individual skills earned Western Australia a penalty corner in the 16th minute. The first shot was saved well but Andrew Jacobs was on hand to knock in the rebound following a scramble at the far post. The score at half time Western Australia 2 Northern Territory 0.

After half time Northern Territory came out fighting and earned a penalty corner not long after play had resumed, a powerful shot from Travis Carroll rattling the post.

Despite the Stingers best efforts Western Australia looked comfortable in possession, moving the ball around the field crisply and playing the game at their tempo.

In the 53rd minute good stick skills presented Western Australia with a great chance finding Craig Boyne on the far post to tap in for the team’s third goal. Reward for the time spent in possession of the ball.

The game began to fade out as the Thundersticks were content with a three goal lead, the Stingers unable to break down a solid defensive structure.

A never say die attitude from the Stingers meant they continued to push forward in search of a consolation goal. A nice reverse stick trap from Ben Poulton in the circle presented the Stingers with one last chance, Poulton passed to Jason Gabriel who scored with seconds left on the clock.

The final score Western Australia 3 Northern Territory 1.

-Hockey WA