Hockey: Life’s just gr-eight for dominant Budgies A

Longtails 0-8 Budgies A

In a Women’s A game of high energy, Budgies never lost their momentum.

Early on an attempt at goal by Budgies’ Francesca Cacace was well defended by the Longtails but it was not long before the first goal was scored.

Budgies’ Jasmine Patterson struck in the seventh minute — and she added field goals in the 13th, 24th and 30th too.

Sandwiched in between this was Yvonna Osborne’s goal in the 26th minute.

Patterson wasn’t done yet, either. A penalty corner was awarded to Budgies executed by Cacace, who found Patterson who in turn slammed home her fifth to end the first half 6-0 up.

Budgies’ Keishae Robinson converted a field goal in the 48th minute before team-mate Tse Minors wrapped up the 8-0 victory.

The Longtails played a good game but were unable to take their chances.

Ravens 3-1 Bluebirds

This Women’s B match started with both teams passing well and displaying attacking set-plays.

A tight game looked on the cards, with plenty of talent on both sides.

However, in the fifth minute Ravens’ Mollie O’Donnell opened the scoring to set the tone.

 Bluebirds’ defence, though, initially held firm against a mixture of young players assisted by the more experienced national team players.

The battle continued until a foul in the ‘D’ saw a penalty corner awarded to Ravens.

Megan Troake stepped up to convert the chance beautifully in the 23rd minute and the first half ended 2-0 to Ravens.

After a spirited pep talk by the Bluebirds coach, a more energized team took to the field.

Both teams created a number of menacing balls through the ‘D’ but were unable to find the back of the net.

That was until Bluebirds’ Laura Bardgett hared down the right and passed  inside to Jo-Ann Smith.

Smith ran on to the ball and slammed home to the right of the Ravens’ keeper.

At 2-1, the momentum
of the game looked set to shift.

However, just one minute later Ravens’ Isabella Boonstra scored a field goal just inside the circle.

Even though Bluebirds continued their attack, they were unable to change the score and the game ended 3-1 to Ravens.

Swallows 4-1 Wildcats B

Liz Stewart and Jen Hale were among the scorers in Swallows’ win in Women’s B.

The Wildcats had their chances but didn’t convert when the ball got into the ‘D’.

Swallows 4-1 Longtails B

Swallows’ Julie Haggarty scored a field goal in the ninth minute to get the Women’s B match off to a flyer.

But Longtails hit back through Laura Hope, who netted in the 21st minute on a breakaway.

Swallows, though, proved too strong and Joanne Heaney scored a field goal in the 41st minute before  Saki Perinchief added another field goal. Swallows’ Sara Perdichizzi slipped in a field goal on the edge of the left post seconds before the whistle.