Despite two losses and the rising star of undefeated Bathurst City, Souths coach Damien Carter feels Lithgow Panthers are still a threat in the 2017 Hockey Premier League.
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Particularly with the addition of state player Abby Wilson.
Last Saturday the Souths experienced firsthand what a Lithgow Panthers line-up with Abby Wilson can do. The Souths suffered a blistering 11-2 defeat.
“We played a well structured game on Saturday,” Panthers coach Cheryn Van-Veen said.
“Our passing was on point with some pretty hockey being played. Abby Wilson was on fire.”
Panthers began its title defence with a 5-0 victory over Ex-Services, before suffering rare back-to-back losses at the hands of St Pat’s and Bathurst City.
Wilson did not take part in those games due to her state duties, but when she was back in purple against Souths she made a big difference. She struck five times and helped manufacture a host of other attacking raids.
“They are a frigging good side, but without Abby Wilson I might take seven of the goals they got against us off them. If she didn’t score them, she set them up,” Souths coach Damien Carter said.
Following that win Panthers are third on the ladder behind Bathurst City and a resurgent Confederates. They now have the best attacking record in the competition.
“Lithgow played great,” Mr Carter said.
“They spread you, they pick your weakness. They are definitely still a threat.”
