Thundersticks Defeated in AHL Final
The WA Thundersticks have won silver at the 2015 Men’s Australian Hockey League in Darwin, after going down 2-1 to Queensland Blades in the Grand Final.
It was a difficult test for the young WA side up against an experienced Queensland Blades outfit that remained undefeated throughout the 2015 AHL tournament.
For the WA Thundersticks, it is the second year in a row they have reached the Grand Final, but have come off second best. The tenth AHL title remains elusive for the Thundersticks, but will no doubt look to give it another crack next year.
The WA Thundersticks held on in the first half to take the game deadlocked at 0-0 to the major break.
The Thundersticks were dealt a blow when Cale Cramer converted a short corner in the opening minute of the third term to give the Blades the lead.
The Blades almost doubled their advantage with little over two minutes remaining in the third, but WA Thundersticks skipper Kiel Brown (WAIS) was on hand to make a goal line clearance with the ball up in the air to keep the Thundersticks in the match.
In the final couple of minutes in the third term, Trent Mitton (WAIS) looked to be the impetus and find a leveller up front, but the Blades defence stood firm.
Mitton would help get the breakthrough goal for the WA Thundersticks, when his run along the baseline in the opening minute of the final quarter was the catalyst for the Thundersticks to be awarded with a penalty stroke. Chris Bausor (WAIS) nailed his stroke to the left, levelling the scores.
Cramer would ultimately dent the hopes of the Thundersticks clinching the AHL championship. His shot on the reverse with nine minutes remaining proved the difference between the two sides.
“It was David and Goliath out there today, we did everything in our powers” said WA Thundersticks Head Coach Jason Butcher.
“They are a really classy team and there were moments where they got on top of us, but there were moments where we had as well.
“In the end, they finished things a little bit better than what we did today.”
“It does hurt, but that comes from the fact that we’re so invested in it and the boys were so brave.”
“The boys put their heart and soul on the line and that hurts when you come so close, but as I’ve said to them, the sun will come up tomorrow morning, you’ll feel disappointed but you’ll feel good about what you gave out there and how you represented the Thundersticks.”
“We’ve had an outstanding tournament and given ourselves every chance, above what anyone thought.”
“I’m just really proud of the boys. We didn’t do anything wrong and there’s nothing more we could have done.”
Tyler Lovell (WAIS) had pulled off a string of saves throughout the match, keeping the Thundersticks in the match for the full 60 minutes. The Kookaburras goalkeeper has been exceptional for the Thundersticks throughout the 2015 AHL campaign.
“He’s had an outstanding tournament. He’s a world class keeper and he’s been fantastic for us all tournament.”
Earlier, theWA Diamonds finished the 2015 Australian Hockey League in fifth place. The WA side defeated the South Australian Suns in their classification final.
The WA Diamonds came from one goal down to win 2-1, courtesy of goals from midfielders Georgia Wilson (WAIS) and Kate Denning (WAIS).
South Australia put WA under pressure from the outset, and were rewarded with a goal in just the fourth minute. Anna Busiko guided the ball on target, steering it into the back of the net.
The WA Diamonds bounced back after going down a goal.
Kathryn Slattery (WAIS) had a shot which went just wide; but not long after, Georgia Wilson scored the equaliser. The teenager showed great composure in front of goals, and took her chance well placing her shot into the bottom corner.
Kate Denning scored what proved to be the decisive goal early in the second term. Kyra Flynn (WAIS) drove a dangerous ball into the circle. Denning got a vital touch on it, deflecting it in to make it 2-1.
The WA Diamonds ran out the game in the second half to ensure they would finish the AHL in 5th.
-HockeyWA