Scorers move closer to decider
HOCKEY: As teams enter the back half of the Club Glenvale Challenge, the race for spots in the final is starting to heat up.
The SQPS Scorers maintained a share of top spot with a 3-1 defeat of Stafford’s Strikers at Clyde Park.
Erin McCurley-Ault got proceedings underway midway through the first quarter, capitalising on a loose ball in the circle to strike first, subsequently converting the bonus attempt at goal.
In the moments prior to halftime, Heidi Phillips made no mistake from a short corner, extending the lead to 3-0.
The Strikers had their finest moment in the third quarter, with Stella Suey backing up a saved Erin Gilbar shot to get her team on the board.
While happy to secure the win, Scorers coach Elke Swain said there remains room for improvement as they look to secure their spot in the top two.
“It wasn’t our best game, but we’re happy to come away with the points,” Swain said.
“There is room for improvement with the team in terms of getting our back to basics on track and adapting to different styles of play.
“It helps with our experienced players out there, and the younger ones have been able to learn from them.
“They’re definitely trying things and backing themselves a little bit more than they did at the beginning.”
Scorers goals fittingly came from prolific scorers in the Toowoomba competition, and Swain said short corners are proving to be a strength.
“We showed patience when the ball was getting through and had players in the right spot,” she said.
“The old girl (Erin) finished it off nicely and scored the one-on-one as well. It’s great to have the level heads in that situation.
“Heidi has scored every week so far. We’ll definitely keep working on those short corners with her and as Rangeville coach I’ll be keeping an eye on them when she plays against us.”
The CS Vixens share the lead at the top of the standings with the Scorers after a 3-1 defeat of Ruhle’s Rebels.
A double to Tannah Hood and another from Kirsty Tolputt helped to seal a healthy lead before halftime.
In the men’s division, the Strikers were able to turn the tables on the Scorers, coming away with a 4-2 victory and their first win of the season.
The Strikers scored first with a short corner unable to be cleared, before Sam Bullen produced a nice backhanded shot.
A scoreless second term was countered in the third as Garth Miller converted on a field goal to give the Strikers a handy break at 3-0.
Just when they looked comfortable, the Strikers had to again focus after Will Nielsen’s converted field goal cut the lead back to just one.
Miller was the man to seal the deal however, making up for a bungled short corner with a powerful finish.
The HSR Hot Shots kept their unbeaten streak alive, securing a top two spot courtesy of a 4-1 win over the AgEtal Farmers.
The Farmers remained within striking distance down 3-1 heading into the final quarter, before Brad Hobday’s strike four minutes from time saw them over the line.
STANDINGS
WOMEN: Scorers (3-1), Vixens (3-1), Rebels (2-2), Strikers (0-4)
MEN: Hot Shots (4-0), Farmers (2-2), Scorers (1-3), Strikers (1-3)