THE Premier League hockey local derby is always a game the fans wait for with great anticipation and a good crowd was on hand to see favourites Workies Panthers keep their unbeaten streak intact over Zig Zag.
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It was ‘welcome back’ for premiership winning coach Greg Banning who took over the role for the game due to the unavailability of present coach Ron Charlton.
Workies Panthers took the match 2-nil, but had to work hard to gain their win and stay on top of the competition ladder.
At halftime the scores were locked at nil all thanks to the outstanding saves by both goalies — Kim Northey (Zig Zag) and Jess Luchetti (Panthers).
Both sides looked dangerous at times with the momentum swinging back and forth.
At halftime, Banning told his players to get some width in their game and stop using the narrow corridor up the middle.
This started to work as Panthers upped the pressure on the Zig Zag defence and eight minutes into the second half, a perfectly executed short corner that went from Roxsanne Van Veen to Jess Waddell saw her slot the ball home for the opening goal.
Zig Zag went into defensive mode with virtually their entire side back in their own quarter which made it hard for the attack to make inroads through the traffic.
A good run by Maddy Haddon down the sideline saw her pass into Clare Bosman who weaved her way through the defence in the circle and score Panthers’ second goal.
The final stanza of the game was all Panthers as Zig Zag worked hard to hang on.
Their defence held firm with the final score of the match going to Panthers’ 2-nil.
The umpires points went to Zig Zag’s Sam Hill (4), Katie Dewar (3), Keely Hunter (3) and for the Panther’s Andy Gillard (2) and Jessie Waddell (1).
The Panther’s Players Player went to goalie Jess Luchetti (3), Clare Bosman (2) and Amy Capaldi and Amanda Saladine (1).
Bosman was a real stand out against her old side with her goal a reward for her 100 per cent effort and skills.
Others worthy of a mention were Katie Dowler, Lauren Judge and Roxsanne Van Veen for Ziggies and Kim Northey, Millie Leard and Janna Winnard.
There will be no hockey over the Easter period with Zig Zag at home for the next match on April 11 while the Panthers have the bye.
More photos from the local derby can be seen on the Mercury web page www.lithgowmercury.com.au.
