Storm concedes five goals in fifth straight loss

THE Southern Storm slumped to its fifth consecutive loss in the National Hockey League this season.

The latest disappointment was a 50 defeat to Midlands in a bottomofthetable match in Wellington yesterday.

Despite the lopsided score, the game was closer than the margin suggests.

The Storm conceded two late goals after star midfielder Tessa Jopp received a green card in the 58th minute.

Coach Matt L’Huillier felt his side lacked a competitive edge, though.

‘‘Midlands were pretty desperate — and we probably didn’t match their desperation.

‘‘We didn’t win as many 5050 balls as we have in the previous games.

‘‘We still have two games left in pool play and a playoff game as well, so we will be fighting and doing everything we absolutely can.’’

The opening goal came early in the second period, when Alia Jaques scored from a penalty corner.

Georgia Morton slapped a shot past the Southern keeper Ginny Wilson to extend the lead just before halftime.

Amy Robinson effectively sealed the victory when she scored from a penalty corner in the 41st minute.

Jopp’s departure to the green card suspension ushered in two more goals as Robinson and Jaques added to their personal total.

It was the Storm’s heaviest defeat since its 91 loss against Canterbury in Dunedin earlier this month. The team has not won a game in the National Hockey League since 2014, when it beat Central 21.

It plays Auckland today before completing the roundrobin phase with a match against defending champion North Harbour on Saturday.

In the other women’s games, Northland prevailed 21 in a shootout against Capital, Auckland beat Central 32, and North Harbour pipped Canterbury 43 in a shootout after neither side produced a goal in regular time.

The Southern Dogs fared much better than the Storm yesterday. The team secured its first win of the tournament — a 32 victory against Midlands.

The Dogs have been creating plenty of opportunities, but had scored just one goal in the four previous matches.

It took nine minutes to double its tally. Malachi Buschl scored from a penalty corner.

Midlands replied through Stirling Milicich a couple of minutes later. But Jack Gilbert sealed the win with goals late in the third and early in the fourth period.

Midlands got a late consolation through Mark Weber.

The Dogs’ next assignment is against Capital tomorrow.

In other games, Central upset Canterbury 43 and Auckland beat Capital 20.