Mid-week action sees a feast for fans

An unexpected round of hockey this week has given WA hockey fans an opportunity to cram in some last-minute All Flags Premier League action before a general bye this weekend.

Round two for the women and round five for the men commenced this week, after a COVID lockdown resulted in the postponement of matches from earlier in the season.

Westside Wolves women’s side edged their way closer to the top of the table, with a thrilling victory over YMCC on Tuesday evening.

YMCC were able to convert the one penalty corner they were awarded through Tara Fitzpatrick at the 25^th minute, but a strong Wolves side proved too good, coming back from trailing 0-1 to win the game 3-1.

All three goals scored for the victors were field goals, Eliza Rakich after 26 minutes, Candyce Peacock at 45 minutes and Teagan Gmeiner in the last minute of play.

Wolves (12 points) is now second on the table one point behind Hale (13 points), with the entire women’s competition remaining closely-fought coming into the remainder of round two’s matches.

A tight top five teams in the women’s competition means that with just one win and depending on other results, Victoria Park, currently in fourth position, could possibly jump to the top spot of the ladder.

North Coast Raiders women’s side were able to snatch their second win since Saturday, when they got the upper hand over Suburban Lions on Wednesday evening.

A 3-1 win for the side was thanks to two goals from Robin Walsh at the 10^th and 43^rd minutes, as well as a field goal for Raiders star Shanea Tonkin. 

Thursday will continue the action, with a game to take place between the Westside Wolves and YMCC men at a Lemnos Field derby.

Just one point separates the two sides on the ladder, both sides having won five of their nine matches played.

Wolves are currently the favourites to win, after a big win last weekend against Melville, who came off the pitch without a win for the first time in 2021. 

In the women’s All Flags Premier League, UWA are set to host Melville, both sides sitting in sixth and seventh positions respectively.

While University of WA will have the home-ground advantage, both sides are looking strong after wins in their matches at the weekend.

The remainder of the postponed matches are yet to be confirmed and will be announced in the coming days.