Wonder goal after siren snatches a draw for DiamondBacks

AN incredible reverse-stick goal after the final siren from Philly Bridley has given DiamondBacks a thrilling 2-2 draw with OHA, on a day when Derwent and NorthWest Graduates got their hands on silverware.

The Ships edged the Maroons for scoring opportunities, but DiamondBacks keeper Cami Vaughan stood tall in arguably her finest Premier League performance to keep her side within touching distance.

Both sides traded early goals, Emily Donovan scoring for DiamondBacks before OHA went 2-1 up with goals to Julia Gunn and Tayla Brooks.

A string of strong penalty corner defence efforts and a swift counterattacking move late set the scene for Bridley to hammer home a tomahawk to signify how wide open the Premier League title race is.

“This game shows just how tight the competition is this year in the top four, so really it could be anyone’s game when it comes to finals,” Bridley said.

“It’ll come down to the one percenters and who wants it more on the day, but at the moment we’re working well as one unit and our midfield are linking up more, which helps.”

Bridley was awarded best afield honours but felt her side was best represented by Giselle Fernandez and Donovan, while OHA’s Brooks and Sofie McLeod caused trouble.

Graduates retained the Poddles Plate, a significant event in the women’s hockey calendar, with a come-frombehind 3-1 defeat of University.

The match always brings out the best in both sides and it looked like University would spring a surprise when Amy Chalberlain goaled before quarter time. But Graduates steadied when Josie Crowden slammed home two goals and Ash Arthur added a third.

Derwent overcame a onegoal deficit to claim the WellsGuest Cup 5-1 on aggregate with a strong second half against Canterbury.

Amelia Spence was best afield with two goals, while Molly Haas, Emily Rockefeller and Java Vickery also scored.