THE 2014 Premier League Hockey men's competition swung into gear with defending premiers Lithgow Workmens Club Panthers starting as they left off as winners after defeating Zig Zag 6-0 in the local derby.
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The Panthers again looked sleek and dangerous with their precision teamwork worrying the Zig Zag defence and by the break led 2-0 after Al Alderson and Dave Marshall converted short corners.
Things did not get any better for Zig Zag in the second half with a further four goals being scored by Trent MacDonald, Travis and Jarrod Cameron and Nic Milne.
The second half became a little heated with Ziggies' Michael McCann receiving a red card after running a distance to become involved with a 'push and shove'.
Both goalies, Adrian Baker (Panthers) and Luke Thurtell (Ziggies) had big games with Thurtell under pressure for most of the match.
Baker is only in Year 11 at school and will be the permanent goalie while Mitch Britton is unavailable.
He showed that he can handle the step up in class and has one of the best goalies in the state in Michael Millar to coach him.
The old firm of Dave Marshall, Trent MacDonald, Travis Cameron and Al Alderson stood out in what was a very good team performance while Joe Radburn, Matt Winterbottom and Ben Kelly were Ziggies' best.
The Panthers coaching duties in 2014 will be shared by some of their senior members, while Zig Zag will be under the guidance of Mark Sheppeard who will be assisted by Don Wolfenden.
There are a number of new young faces who will be blooded in both sides with the Panthers welcoming goalie Adrian Baker, Dean McMahon and Tom Piggott while Michael Millar returns after retiring earlier.
Zig Zag's new boys are Hunter Metcalf and Brandon Lloyd.
Marshall said: "It was a good first up performance with our passing and running into spaces good for this time of the year.
"The youngsters who have come into the side showed that they will be an asset and hopefully will learn from playing with our more experienced players."
Ziggies' assistant coach Don Wolfenden said: "It was a disappointing start to the competition, but the Panthers are a good side and if you don't shut them down early they will make you pay.
"We played well in patches, but to win in this competition you have to be at your best for the entire match.
"There is a couple of good young players coming through and once we get our combinations going, we should be one of the top sides in the competition."