Classic start for Hockey WA's RCC

The 2021 Ric Charlesworth Classic has started in scintillating fashion with both men's and women's clashes resulting in draws across two hard-fought contests in front of a passionate crowd at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

The women's game started off strong, with both the Highlanders and Outbacks having chances early in the match; the stalwart defences of each ultimately proving too strong.

The Outbacks looked to stamp their name on the competition once again, with a plethora of chances unable to hit the back of the net, with star Highlanders goalkeeper Lizzie Duguid making some fantastic saves. Another stop in the final moments resulted in the sides being unable to be separated at the conclusion.

In the men's, the game started at an exhilarating pace, with some strong body contact leaving the sides bruised and battered after the first half.

The Outbacks new star addition, Liam Flynn, pulled the side ahead in the 33rd minute after a brilliant stroke off of a penalty corner.

Will Battistessa drew the Suns level 11 minutes later and the game turned up a notch.

Flynn proved to show why he was the Eric Pearce top goal scorer for the Premier League in 2020, scoring another fantastic goal and showing himself to be a handy acquisition for star coach Jamie Dwyer's side.

With both teams battling it out until the final moments, emerging star Dane Gavranich scored a fantastic goal for the Suns in the 59th minute, forming a stalemate between the two powerhouses.

The 2021 Ric Charlesworth Classic continues at Perth Hockey Stadium on Monday from 6pm with the final matches of Round 1 – featuring the women’s Suns v Breakers, in addition to the men’s Highlanders v Breakers – to be played.

Final Scores

Women's Highlanders 0 - Outbacks 0

Goals: N/A

Men's Suns 2 - Outbacks 2

Goals:

Suns - William Battistessa (44'), Dane Gavranich (59')

Outbacks - Liam Flynn (33') (58')

Remaining fixtures in the 2021 Ric Charlesworth Classic (click each link to RSVP to our Facebook events)

Monday, 8 March 
6:00pm – Women’s Breakers v Suns 
7:30pm – Men’s Highlanders v Breakers 
 
Wednesday, 10 March
6:00pm – Women’s Suns v Outbacks 
7:30pm – Men’s Breakers v Suns 
 
Thursday, 11 March
6:00pm – Women’s Highlanders v Breakers 
7:30pm – Men’s Outbacks v Highlanders 
 
Saturday, 13 March
3:00pm – Women’s Highlanders v Suns 
4:30pm – Women’s Outbacks v Breakers 
6:00pm – Men’s Suns v Highlanders 
7:30pm – Men’s Outbacks v Breakers 
 
Sunday, 14 March
12:30pm – Women’s Bronze Medal Match 
2:00pm – Men’s Bronze Medal Match 
3:30pm – Women’s Gold Medal Match 
5:00pm – Men’s Gold Medal Match