Big scare for table toppers

WHILE HC Melbourne left Hobart last night with five points banked and a 5-2 winner, it certainly got more than it planned for against a plucky Tassie Tigers women’s side.

Trailing 3-0 in the final quarter, despite forcing five penalty-corner opportunities and a string of brilliant transition plays, the Tigers gave the undefeated league leaders an almighty fright.

Molly Haas got the last touch after three consecutive shots on target and a period of sustained pressure and duly converted to bring the scores back to 3-2 with nine minutes left to run. Midfield trio Sarah McCambridge, Amelia Spence and Katerina Lacina did a power of work despite being outnumbered all day, while defensively the Tigers did a terrific job to protect their defensive circle.

In the end, the class of HC Melbourne’s Madi Radcliffe, a Hockeyroos debutant in 2016, was telling as she nailed two late goals of international quality. Those final conceded goals brought a cruel ending for the Tigers girls and coach Luke Doerner.

“Yeah it was another game with lots of positives and the girls were able to go harder for longer and at times our attacking play caused a lot of problems for them,” Doerner said.

The Tigers were unlucky not to convert some penaltycorner opportunities, with the HC Melbourne goalkeeper pulling off some blinders.

McCambridge has endured many difficult campaigns with the Van Demons and believes there are many positive signs among the young squad.

“I’ve loved the endeavour from all the girls. We have fought hard each match, and we continue to take steps forward and put in a better performance each time we play,” McCambridge said.

The final match of the season will see the Tigers host the Perth Thundersticks next Saturday, in what will be vice-captain Nicole Geeves’ 149th cap.