Tough contests wow Perth Hockey Stadium crowd

­­­After a goal-fest that was round one of the Ric Charlesworth Classic, round two at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University on Wednesday 10 march saw teams clash in a double-header of energetic, hard-fought matches.

The women’s Outbacks and Suns started the round with a strongly contested tussle, with both sides having plenty of opportunities in their respective offensive areas, but  both defences played clinical defensive hockey negating scoring chances.

Jemma Buckley broke the deadlock late in the first, with a shot from a penalty corner confusing defenders and making its way past the keeper to open the scoring of the match.

The Suns looked to fight back, with a strong second quarter played in the majority of their half resulting in multiple scoring opportunities, but they were unable to make it past the Outbacks experienced defensive unit.

The Outbacks made it two to nil in the second, through an easy shot from Georgina Dowd, sinking the struggling Suns who are yet to claim any points in this year’s tournament.

In the men’s, the Breakers and Suns came firing out the blocks early, with a fast-paced high contact contest wowing the crowd at Perth Hockey Stadium.

Kyle Potter of the Breakers opened the scoring in the first, with the side looking to overcome the underdog stigma they have by defeating the 2020 champions in the Suns.

The Suns quickly replied in the second quarter, with a great goal by young star striker Dane Gavranich levelling the sides with the contest heating up.

Patrick Andrew of the Suns in extra time of the second quarter put the Suns up with another fantastic goal off immense attacking pressure for the Suns, putting the Breakers on the back foot.

The Suns, who look to be the team to beat, continued to pile on the goals and sent the Breakers packing without securing a point in the tournament thus far.

Final Scores

Women’s Outbacks 2 def. Suns 0

Goals

Breakers – Jemma Buckley (13’), Georgina Dowd (22’)

Men’s Breakers 2 def. by Suns 6

Goals

Breakers – Kyle Potter (12’), Chaz Davies (60+')

Suns – Dane Gavranich (22’) (34’), Patrick Andrew (30+’), Joe Welch (33’), Alec Rasmussen (42'), Matt Bird (54')