Perth Thundersticks secure emphatic double-header victory on the road

The Perth Thundersticks have staked their claim as a force to be reckoned with in this year’s Sultana Bran Hockey One season, with the men’s and women’s sides both claiming strong victories on the road in Melbourne to take the franchise’s tally to four wins from four matches.

Fresh off a 3-1 victory over the Adelaide fire at home, the Perth Thundersticks women’s team were high on confidence heading into their match against HC Melbourne.

The Thundersticks snatched a 2-0 victory late in the piece, with Georgia Wilson and Line Malan scoring two goals in the final term after a scoreless tussle up to the final moments of the match.

Star Hockeyroo Penny Squibb made her return for the side and was delighted to reap the rewards in her side’s first game on the road for 2022.

“It was really pleasing to come away with a victory in that match, we always knew that it was going to be a tight one,” Squibb said.

“We had to believe in our process and that we could reap the rewards if we stuck to our guns.

“The message from Phil (Hulbert) was to keep doing what we’re doing and that there would be periods that they may be on top, but that we are good enough to get stuck in and get back in front.”

Although she’s represented her nation at the highest level, representing WA in the white, black and gold never gets old for Squibb, with a close group the key to successful performances thus far.

“Personally, I just love playing for WA,” Squibb said.

“We are a really close group of girls and it’s always just a heap of fun being out there as a group.

“In the end, it is about going out there and enjoying yourself, win lose or draw and if we do that, our hockey will benefit from it.”

The men’s side claimed an emphatic victory and made it two wins on the trot to start their season with an 8-5 win highlighting a potent attacking effort.

Kookaburra Tom Wickham had a day out for the side scoring four, while Cam Geddes added two and Liam Flynn on his return from injury also found the back of the net twice in his return.

Flynn was ecstatic with the victory in a successful individual return for the star striker.

“It was a lot of fun to be out there today – obviously I missed the first round but to take home the points on the road was really pleasing,” Flynn said.

“Melbourne have a heap of talent in their squad but we knew we had to just stick to our game plan and the chances would come.

“The message from David (Guest) after a hot start by Melbourne was that we had to keep the pressure up and we knew there would be an opportunity for us to capitalise.

“It’s always nice to hit the scoreboard personally, but for us to score as many as we did as a team was a credit to our system.”

The Perth Thundersticks return to Perth for their next clash against the Brisbane Blaze on Saturday 15 October at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University. Get tickets.

SCORES

Women’s Perth Thundersticks 2 defeat HC Melbourne 0

Goals:

Perth Thundersticks – Georgia Wilson (52’), Line Malan (57’)

Men’s Perth Thundersticks 8 defeat HC Melbourne 5

Goals:

Perth Thundersticks – Tom Wickham (28’) (28’) (19’) (19’), Cam Geddes (26’) (40’), Liam Flynn (45’) (56’)