THE Lithgow Zig Zag Premier League Hockey men’s team warmed up nicely in front of goal before their upcoming elimination final with a 10-0 thumping of Bathurst City in the last round of regular competition.
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Zig Zag dominated most of the match that was played in bitterly cold conditions with City only putting pressure on the home side a couple of times in the game.
At half time the score was 4-0 with Lithgow scoring some early goals before Bathurst steadied the ship and limited Zig Zag’s opportunities .
The second half started with a more determined effort from Bathurst but it was not to last.
Lithgow came home strong in the final 20 minutes to put another six goals past the City side.
Up front Eli Shirt scored three goals with Dean Sheppeard, Luke Sheppeard and Chris Williams getting doubles.
Zig Zag coach Mark Sheppeard was happy with the team’s performance and their position at the end of the season with an already guaranteed finals spot going into the City game.
“I switched a few fellows around today.
“We had the opportunity to do that because we had fourth spot wrapped up and I wanted to try a few things for next week.
“If we can get past St Pats, Panthers are always hard to beat then there is Souths.
“Anyone in the top four can win it. Its that close.”
Sheppeard brought up one fact that could stand them in good stead for a longer run in the finals series.
“All these guys in this side bar one are Zig Zag juniors we have brought through.
“They are a pretty classy side.”
“We have had a lot of injuries and stuff through the year.”
“To finish where we have is good.
“I was happy to make the top four.
Bathurst City went into the final round match needing a win to ensure it would avoid the wooden spoon.
Despite being on the wrong end of the scoreline City did manage to avoid last place as the Dubbo Lions went down the same afternoon.
With four regulars missing and goalkeeper Kris Grant playing on the field, City couldn’t match Zig Zag.
“They scored three quick goals but then we played really good after that. The first half was very even, then they got one more just before half-time,” City’s Mal Willott said.
“Second half we played great until the final 15 minutes. It was still 4-0.
“That’s when they started to roll on with it.”
Lithgow Zig Zag 10 (E Shirt 3, L Sheppeard 2, C Williams 2, D Sheppeard 2 and B Kelly) defeated Bathurst City 0.