WA Thundersticks Open Campaign with a Win

The SmokeFree WA Thundersticks and the Northern Territory Stingers played out an entertaining game to open the 2010 Australian Men’s Hockey League in Adelaide.

The Thundersticks settled first and managed to execute some nice passing patterns early in the match. They were rewarded with the first goal of the match.

Thundersticks captain and AIS-WAIS scholarship holder Fergus Kavanagh was able to lose his marker and found himself open to finish from the penalty spot.

WA continued to control much of the first half and much to delight of the crowd earned the first penalty corner of the match. The new format of penalty corner played during the Australian Hockey League is creating plenty of interest, however, thanks to some great defending by Joel Carroll WA were unable to convert.

The Thundersticks headed to the break with a 1-0 advantage but knew they had plenty to do if they were to secure the points.

WA striker Andrew Jacobs looked to help their cause when he converted the second goal for the Thundersticks in 41st minute.

The Stingers would look to fight back and, showing great character, managed to earn their first penalty corner of the match. Stinger captain and Kookaburra striker Des Abbott deflected home a spectacular goal from a well executed set-play.

NT would continue to press but were unable to convert and the game was put beyond their reach when Alastair Park scored the third goal for the Thundersticks after a clever pass from WAIS athlete Trent Mitton.

Fellow WAIS athlete Travis Taylor rounded out the victory for the Thundersticks after a great through ball from Kavanagh found him with only the NT keeper to beat, giving the Thundersticks a convincing and well earned 4-1 win.

Thundersticks coach David Bell said he was pleased the team were able to secure maximum points in the first round and acknowledged the pressure and effort of the NT team.

– Hockey SA