Impressive Bridley doubles up

TASMANIA had mixed results on day seven of the national boys’ and girls’ under18 hockey championships in Hobart.

The girls’ side achieved its fourth-consecutive victory, ensuring it will also play off for fifth position tomorrow. Tasmania outclassed the ACT with DiamondBacks striker and dual Australian under-16 representative Phillida Bridley taking her goals tally to five for the tournament.

Bridley struck in either half from penalty-corner opportunities, while NorthWest Graduates midfielder Annie Scutt added the side’s second goal on 51 minutes.

It took the ACT until the second half to register its first shot on goal, with OHA’s Laura Spandler awarded the player of the match.

Tasmania will now face New South Wales at 9am tomorrow to decide fifth and sixth position, having scored 12 goals and not conceded any in their past four matches.

The Tasmanian boys endured a horror first half, falling 9-0 to New South Wales, as they rested key individuals ahead of tomorrow’s bronze medal match against Western Australia at 1.15pm.

Tasmanian reserve goalkeeper Eugene van Niekerk was courageous on the last line of defence, facing 16 shots in the first half before the home side strengthened after the interval.

Joshua Commins, 15, was among a host of locals to earn their first starts of the tournament, alongside Angus Yeates, Tom Bax and Jacob Rugless. Other results: Boys: SA d ACT 4-0, Qld d NT 9-1, Vic d NSW B 3-2, Pakistan d WA 2-0. Girls: Qld 2 d NT 3-0, NSW B d SA 3-1, WA d Vic 5-1, Qld d NSW S 1-0.