NT trounce ACT, NSW defeat SA in U-21 Australian Women’s National Hockey Championship
The women’s hockey squads of Northern Territory (NT) and New South Wales (NSW) overpowered Australian Territory (ACT) and South Australia (SA) by 4-0 and 1-0 respectively, in the Day-6 matches of the U-21 Australian National Hockey Championship being held
at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham.
Both ACT and NT were due to win the game in a hunt for the top four positions. However, it was the day of NT which rendered an outstanding performance and won the maiden fixture.
The ACT attackers carried out back-to-back attacks against NT in the very early minutes and earned a couple of short-corners. Audrey Smith, the custodian of NT's side, made crucial dives to clear the ball from the danger-zone.
The ACT's team earned three back-to-back short-corners, but failed to convert anyone of them.
In the counter-attack, Elise Bottcher managed a goal from the field and established first lead of the game in the 10th minute. Incredibly, it was the only goal of the first period and both the teams moved into the second half with NT holding a
single goal lead.
The second half completely belonged to NT which obtained another three goals, while holding ACT at bay in the thirty-five minutes. With five minutes into the second half, Brooke Peris accounted for a goal through the field effort and doubled the tally.
Jess Strawbridge and her team-mate, Aleesha O’Connor, scored one goal each in the 52nd and 59th minutes of the match and sealed a commanding 4-0 victory.
In the other game of the day, NSW scored one goal while holding SA scoreless and won the game at 1-0. They started their wonderful form and continued their winning-streak.
As per the expectations, the team from New South Wales commenced the game in fast and furious style, but they could not make many goals. The Southern squad showed impressive defence throughout the game, but they were unimposing at the offence.
After missing many chances, Cara Simpson took the ball inside the defensive circle of SA and unleashed a powerful shot to the roof of the net. Simpson’s goal was the only score of the match that made the victory possible for NSW.
The Southern team failed to touch the scoreboard throughout the two rounds and lost the game at 1-0.
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