AFTER six rounds, Lithgow Workies Panthers sit on top of the Premier League Hockey table and continued their unbeaten run with a hard fought 2-0 win in the local derby against Zig Zag.
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Unfortunately, both sides were without a number of their young representative stars who were on state duty but this gave the chance to give some of the younger players a good run in their first year in premier league.
There was nothing between the two sides in the first half with the Panthers' Keely Newham and Ziggies' Beth McGrath outstanding.
The Panthers' attack looked looked dangerous and were rewarded following a couple of raids on the Ziggies' goal when Chevvy Van Veen powered home a shot to put her side 1-0 up just before the break.
The second half was similar to the first with the senior players in both sides showing the way.
Panthers' second goal came from the stick of Amanda Saladine who drew the defence wide and then smash home a 'tomahawk' shot giving goalie Kim Northey no chance.
Play went from one end to the other with the bell sounding to give Panthers a 2-0 win.
Panthers had a host of good performers with the three pronged attack of Roxsanne Van Veen, Sarah Dicker and Amanda Saladine always dangerous while Keely Newham was strong throughout.
For Zig Zag, Kate Young who has returned to Lithgow hockey, Sam Hill and Beth McGrath gave their best for the entire game.
Both coaches had nothing but praise for their young players who are debuting this year saying:
Panthers' coach Greg Banning: "It was a good win considering that we had a number of our key players out.
"I could not ask more from the youngsters that came into the side, they were not intimidated by playing at this level and they will have learned a lot from playing with our senior players."
Ziggies' Coach Graeme Collins: "To match the better sides, we have to have all our best players on board.
"I was pleased with some of our older players who have joined the side this year and the more match practice they will get, the better they will be.
"Panthers who are very good side made more of their chances and that's why they took the points."
See competition ladder Page 21.