Victoria Vipers outclass Darwin Airport Resort Territory Pearls, 5-0: Women Hockey Recap
The Victoria Vipers thrashed the Darwin Airport Resort Territory Pearls by 5-0 at Women’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) in Darwin. Stephanie Riordan played a vital role in Vipers’ victory by contributing four in a total of five goals of the match.
The match began according to the expectation as the Vipers stole an early lead in the fourth minute of the first half, when Stephanie Riordan put her team ahead of the opponents by scoring a beautiful field goal on the pass from Claire Messent. But after
that Victoria Vipers had to wait for a long time because Northern Territory Pearls showed good control over the ball and created their own chances.
Pearls fought toe-to-toe with the Vipers and their goal-keeper, Elizabeth Duguid, who also is a member of the national hockey team, made some wonderful saves. The defence of the Pearls proved very solid in front of the Vipers’ attacks and they did not allow
them to score further goals so easily. Vipers came across an opportunity when they were awarded a penalty corner in the 30th minute, but they failed to convert it into the goal. However, in the dying moments of the first half, Vipers succeeded in
doubling their lead when Renee Trost scored a splendid field goal. First half ended at 2-0 to Victoria Vipers.
In the second half, Victoria Vipers made almost the best start as they were awarded another penalty corner in the very starting moments of the second half, but they remained unlucky to convert it into their third goal. The shot was well executed, but the
ball hit the side of the net and came back.
Northern Territory Pearls also continued their efforts and showed a lot of hard work, but they could not match the class of Victoria Pearls, who on the other side were playing top class hockey. Pearls were awarded a number of penalty corners, but they could
not manage to change those corners into goals. The match entered into its last phase with same score on the board, then came the last five minutes of the match.
It seemed like a thunder in the shape of Stephanie Riordan who already had scored the first goal of the match. But this time she was on a roll, scoring three goals in a very short span of five minutes. The first of the three came in the 65th minute,
the second in the 66th minute and the last one in the last, 70th minute of the match. The match finished at 5-0 to the Victoria Vipers, who are regarded as the most favourite for the title.
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