Thundersticks pip 21s in fiery match-up

The Perth Thundersticks Men’s squad defeated the WA Under-21s Men’s State Team 3-2 in a fierce contest at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

A composed Under-21s side opened the match with a goal to Brodee Foster within minutes of the start of the match through great open play by the side.

The Thundersticks drew level with the budding young stars, with a penalty stroke to Thunderstick Coby Green seeing the sides meet at a 1-1 deadlock.

Under-21s coach Jamie Dwyer opted to pull the keeper in the third quarter and it proved to be the right move, with a fantastic ball by Angus Adamson off of attacking play leading to a James Collins goal three minutes into the third quarter.

The Under-21s continued to press with a 2-1 lead, but missed their chances and the Thundersticks rebounded through a goal to Jack Hayes.

Daniel Robertson delivered the final blow to the Under-21s, with a save off of a penalty corner rebounding to Robertson who put the ball in the back of the net with four minutes to go.

Under-21s star Tom Keating said that the experience against a strong Thundersticks squad was invaluable to his side heading in to the Under-21s National Championships.

“I think we went well in that match considering it was our first hit-out as a team together and the 3-2 score-line is a promising sign going forward,” Keating says.

“We’re looking really strong heading in to the Championships, we’ve got a good core of boys who are also in the Australian Under-21s squad as well as some great youth coming through so I think we’re confident we can perform well.”

The Thundersticks meet the Under-21s again on Wednesday 16 June, with the Women’s starting at 6:00pm and the Men’s at 7:30pm