IT was a game of two halves in the Women's Premier League hockey clash between the Port City Piranhas and the Tacking Point Thunder Omni teams on June 23.
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Admittedly slower and more experienced, the Piranhas fought back in the second half but ultimately ran out of legs, going down 3-2 in Port Macquarie.
Piranhas coach and player, Angela van Zeeland, said the game was tough, strong and an overall good contest.
"We know they have a younger and fitter team, but we held their own," she said.
"They are a strong, well-rounded team but we had our moments.
"There's a little bit of experience in our side but there's no subsitute for speed, is there?"
These types of clashes are always good, competitive games played in the right spirit, but in the end the young stars of Omni shined.
Omni feature the likes of Annika Toohey, who recently competed in Tasmania with the NSW under-18 side for the national titles.
The 16 year old striker was the only player in the region to be selected for the Australian All Schools Team, who will take on South Africa’s best players in a three game series beginning on June 29.
She was one such player that van Zeeland warned her team to shut down.
"We wanted to try and hold the centre of the field, and try to eliminate Annika before she got the ball," she said.
"Our game plan is always to move the ball around rather than try and run it. But on the weekend it was a case of running out of time."
Omni raced to a 3-0 lead, but the second stanza saw two goals to the Piranhas through Chloe Wilson and Sarah Mathieson, each from penalty corners.
We wanted to try and hold the centre of the field, and try to eliminate Annika before she got the ball.
- Angela van Zeeland
"We put on a much better showing the second half but unfortunately just ran out of time," van Zeeland said.
Omni team manager Lou Currey praised her team, particularly the younger players who were given a chance in the top grade.
"We have two 14 year olds trying to develop their game, so they do have that pace that the experienced players may not have anymore," she said.
"Annika is a great player for example, so for the younger girls to be able to play alongside her as well as learn from the other experienced players ... it's great.
"It was a really good match, and a lot of fun as well. There was a good balance."
Piranhas are now in fifth spot while Omni move to second on the ladder.
The latter look ahead to June 30 where they will take on the Port City Makos and the Piranhas will clash with Wauchope Warriors.
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
