Tigers upset Park in women’s A-grade hockey

An undermanned Tigers outfit has caused an early season upset in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s A-grade competition after notching a gallant 2-1 win over Spencer Park on Saturday night.

Park, who have been boosted in the off-season by the recruitment of Manypeaks defender Annie Judd and talented player Ash Evans among others, appeared in the box seat to claim their first points of the season despite missing star Emma Benson.

Despite only fielding 10 players for the entire 70 minutes, Tigers were extremely brave throughout the round 1 contest and defended with vigour in the first half.

Tigers speedster Georgina Lilford almost broke the deadlock with a brilliant run from halfway as she beat several defenders and Park goalie Erin Trotter but her tired shot on goal was just wide.

Park dominated possession in the final 10 minutes of the first period and won two of their three penalty corners for the half but they wasted their opportunities and went into half time level at 0-0.

Tigers were again defending for their lives early in the second half as Park won an early penalty corner but they didn’t look threatening from the set piece.

Against the run of play Tigers raced the ball to the opposite end where striker Cionne Fage and fellow youngster Tamara Lowry combined to score just seven minutes into the last half.

Moments later Park got an immediate equaliser, however, as Rachael Goetze flicked in Park’s first goal of 2016.

As the game began to open up, Tigers took advantage with their pacey forward line again getting through Park’s defence, Fage setting up Lilford with a terrific run and through ball, and Lilford happily slotting home their second goal.

Tigers had won the momentum back and won three consecutive penalty corners as they searched unsuccessfully for a third goal.

Park tried desperately to get back on level terms but Tigers goalkeeper Bonnie Crook along with their defensive line, led by Renae Hordyk and Hollee Worrell, were terrific in denying them.

Lilford and Fage were terrific up front for the winners along with Lauren Hortin in the absence of star midfielder Georgie Powis.

Park were left to rue their wasted opportunities in front of goal, including six missed penalty corners, but they were best served by Evans who was among six new faces in their opening round team.

In the other fixture, North Albany scored a 1-0 win over defending premiers Manypeaks.