Thundersticks Secure Spot in Semis

Published On: 4 October 2016

The WA Thundersticks have secured their place in the semi-finals after continuing their undefeated run on day five of the Australian Hockey League, defeating South Australia 3-0 at the Perth Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Despite the strong defensive pressure applied by the South Australian side in the first half, the Western Australians showed their dominance moving the ball down the pitch forcing the opposition’s goalkeeper to work hard to maintain a level score.

The Western Australians had several attempts at goal in the first half however were unable to convert.

Quarter three saw the Thundersticks come out with a new sense of urgency with Trent Mitton slotting their first goal three-minutes into the quarter, thanks to the play making of Tom Wickham.

Moving into the final quarter the game was still anyone’s for the taking. 

The South Australians caused a scare early on attacking hard and forcing a save from WA’s goalkeeper, James Richardson.

With three-minutes to go in the game, Chris Bausor sealed the win, converting a penalty corner. 

He then doubled his goal tally in the final seconds of the game to give his team a 3-0 lead and a semi-finals position.

The win against South Australia follows a number of wins for the Western Australian side from earlier in the week against Tasmania, India and the ACT.

Following their 4-0 defeat of Canberra on day one the Western Australian women’s hockey team, the Diamonds, have had mixed results.

Day two saw them take on Queensland with Kathryn Slattery and Melissa Luff helping their side to victory, scoring a goal each.

The next game was a Trans-Tasman clash with the Diamonds taking on the side from New Zealand, resulting in a 0-1 loss.

In the first quarter of the match New Zealander Catherine Tinney converted a field goal after which the Western Australian side were never able to recover. 

The WA Diamonds will next compete this afternoon against Tasmania, whilst the WA Thundersticks will take on India tomorrow evening to decide who will finish on top of the Men’s Pool B.