New South Wales Arrows beat Canberra Strikers, 2-1 at Women’s Australian Hockey League
The New South Wales (NSW) Arrows finally managed to crush down Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Canberra Strikers by 2-1 in a game with a nail-biting finish, played at Women’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) in Darwin and still have lively hopes for reaching
into the finals.
NSW Arrows, embodied with 12 players and having international level experience, while playing for the national women’s team, were rated as hot favourite for the match, while on the other side Anna Flanagan was the only national team player.
Having won the last match over Queensland, Canberra Strikers too were determined for their best show and they did not let the things easy for Arrows. NSW Arrows started the first half well, but found it very difficult to open their account. They had access
to Strikers’ circle on a number of occasions, but remained unlucky in making these efforts complete. ACT Canberra Strikers displayed a very solid defence throughout the first half and did not allow Arrows in making any kind of damage.
In the last 15 minutes, Strikers too played attacking hockey and almost came near scoring the opening in 20th minute, but a great tackle from Eliza Brazel killed their hopes. However, in 24th minute, Katie Glynn did it for the Strikers
on a penalty corner. After that Arrows made very daring efforts, but luck was not with them and the first half finished at the same score, 1-0 to ACT Canberra Strikers.
Although the Strikers managed to maintain their lead in the first half, but on the other side, stats told a different story, in the favour of NSW Arrows. NSW Arrows had run into the circle through their defence-line on 25 occasions while the Strikers could
only make five circle penetrations. It was just a matter of time that the NSW Arrows could not open their account.
In the second half, still there was a tough fight for NSW Arrows, but after five minutes of the start they eventually succeeded in making it through to the net. Emma Cobbin scored the first goal for NSW Arrows and levelled the score, a beautiful field goal.
However, all of a sudden things changed in favour of NSW Arrows and the Strikers remained stunned. Five minutes after the first goal by Emma, Hollie Webster did it again for the Arrows and put them ahead of their opponents by scoring an excellent field goal.
Canberra Strikers continued their fight, but they did not come back in the game. The match finished at scores 2-1 to NSW Arrows.
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