New South Wales Arrows edge past OAMPS Queensland Scorchers by 1-0 to move into AHL Finals
Following a brilliant show, New South Wales (NSW) Arrows defeated OAMPS Queensland Scorchers in the pre-final contest of the Australian Hockey League (AHL) played in Darwin, on June 03. The NSW got the go-ahead in the very early minutes and held back
the lead until the final horn of the time-completion. With the victory in the hands, the NSW moved into the finals of the league and will face OAMPS Southern Suns on June 04, 2011.
It is vital to mention here that the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers failed to get a berth in the finals of the league for the first time since 2004. They will face WA in the third place play-off game.
The players from NSW Arrows started the game in quite mature way and dominated the field with the ball possession from the very early minutes. With four minutes into the game, they obtained first and only goal of the game putting opponent Scorchers
under heavy pressure. Hollie Webster managed to get the ball inside the circle and unleashed a powerful shot.
After conceding a goal, the Scorchers stormed back and earned a short corner. However, Yasmine Phillips made a dive to save the crucial hit and kept back their single goal edge.
In the later time, the NSW Arrows obtained another short corner, but failed to expand the lead. Kellie White found her alone before the cage, but her shot went wide and they missed a golden chance to double the tally.
Kate Jenner, the defending player from NSW Arrows was at her best despite she was contesting the game after a short rest due to injuries. In her guidance, the NSW Arrows’ defence-line displayed impressive performance onto the field and denied loads
of efforts from the other side.
In the concluding minutes of the first half, Jenner was awarded a green-card that gave Scorchers a chance to make a comeback into the game. However, the Scorchers failed to come into the score-net. At the end of the first half, NSW Arrows were sitting
at the top with a solitary goal advantage.
The duo sides showed brilliant defence in the second half of play and gave rare chances to their opponents throughout in the 35 minutes. Toni Cronk, the custodian of the NSW denied numerous efforts from the other side and kept opponents off the scoreboard.
With the time-completion, NSW Arrows won the contest and moved into the finals of the league against OAMPS Southern Suns.
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