MOLLYMOOK’S Kalindi Commerford and her Wesley South Perth (WASPS) have gone back to back in Hockey WA’s Premier Women’s competition, fighting back from a one goal deficit at half-time to defeat Suburban Lions 2-1.
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With more than 3000 supporters in attendance, it was the Kathryn Slattery-led WASPs that came away with a hard fought win, spoiling the fairy tale for a Lions team that had only recently returned to the top flight of women’s hockey in WA.
Slattery said the message from the coach Chris Munro at half time was to control the game and capitalise on opportunities.
“We spoke about doing the basic things – winning the 50-50 contests, our work rate and making the most of our individual skills,” Slattery said.
“We ground out that game like we have done for much of the season and I couldn’t be prouder of the girls.”
In a cagey opening salvo, both teams looked to capitalise on free-flowing hockey that provided numerous chances.
WASPs national representative Steph Kershaw and Slattery looked dangerous early, earning several penalty corner chances.
Slattery found the back of the net herself, from a variation back to the injector, however it was turned over based on the first shot not being lower than the backboard.
As Lions looked to impose their will on the match, Kershaw found herself dispossessed at the top of the circle and Lion Jolie Sertorio capitalised, breaking to the left before wheeling around and finding the goal corner with a strong strike.
WASPs found themselves defending late into the first half, including a stick save by Slattery off a Prost penalty corner hit.
WASPs attacking intent was evident returning from the break, Rina Endo tying scores up at 1-all seven minutes into the second half with a crafty goal from a long corner.
With 18 minutes to go, WASPs scored again – this time off a penalty corner injected by Slattery to Airlie Ogilvie, who passed to Kyra Flynn for a shot and sharp deflection from Jordan Edwards to beat Lions keeper Jocelyn Bartram at the far corner.
Lions were unable to pierce through the WASPs defence despite good attacking options.
Lions player Madi Ratcliffe was named Best and Fairest of the grand final.