WA Diamonds Continue Finals March
In the first game of the pool matches the top of the table Smokefree WA Diamonds took on the Darwin Airport Territory Pearls on another cold and overcast day at the Pines Hockey Stadium.
The Diamonds started the game with plenty of composure and dominated the early proceedings thanks to the AIS-WAIS midfield duo of Fiona Boyce and Kim Walker.
The Pearls fought hard to hold the dangerous Diamonds at bay led gallantly at the back by Heather Langham.
After only eight minutes the Diamonds pressure paid off with AIS-WAIS athlete Ashleigh Nelson converting after a great team build up from her team.
This would start a disastrous two minutes for the Pearls as Nelson scored again within 30 seconds of her first goal, and WAIS athlete Chantelle Ciallella converted a penalty corner to make it 3 nil after only nine minutes.
The rest of the first half was played on the terms of the WA team who consistently held the ball for long periods of time denying the Pearls any quality possession. To the credit of the Pearls however they were able to hold out the powerful Diamonds and the score remained 3-0 as they headed to the break.
As the second half commenced the Pearls looked more focused and lifted the pressure on the WA backs trying to create some quality chances. Although the pressure was higher it was rare that WA were troubled as they again settled into a nice rhythm and tempo.
In the 40th minute the Diamonds put the game beyond any doubt as Ciallella scored her second, a classy touch past NT goal keeper Barbara Weinberg.
The Diamonds would score again in the 59th minute this time through AIS-WAIS scholarship holder Shelly Liddelow after a great outlet from full back Kobie McGurk (AIS-WAIS) resulting in a counter attack and simple finish.
Smokefree WA Diamonds coach Neil Hawgood (WAIS women’s hockey coach) said “We had a great start to the game however we dropped of in the first period of the match. I was pleased with how we finished the game off returning to some of our best form.”
– Hockey Australia
