Today Victorians took on a very determined Civil Service side at their home ground. This was their first match since the beginning of December. Having already lost to Civil Service this season, Victorians wanted to reverse that result. The game started brightly with both teams playing expansive hockey. The defence of Kirby O’Donnell, Ruth McMillan, Emma Walker and Katherine Welshman were kept busy but were up to the challenge. Lucy Pollock was also in good form keeping the attack of Service at bay.
The midfield of Rebecca Blundell, Jenny Hayes and Hannah Irvine worked hard and set up a number of attacks for the forward line of Rebecca Cowden, Rachael McMillan and Danielle Hamilton. The Service keeper was in excellent form and kept a clean sheet up until half time.
The second half started off a lot quicker with Rachael McMillan in the attack providing some excellent runs and chances and within a few minutes one of these attacks ended up with Hannah Irvine putting an unstoppable shot pass the helpless Service Keeper. This pattern continued with both midfields trying to gain the upper hand. Kimberly Porter and Anna Lockhart were introduced to the attacking line. The game ebbed and flowed with Pollock having to carry out some excellent saves to keep the Service attack at bay.
In the 58th minute Service got the break; a high ball into the circle picked up and deflected passed Pollock who had no chance with this. Victorians continued to attack to get the winner
and kept Service back, this continued and with the introduction of Rachael Cranston into the forward line to give most needed fresh legs. With only a few minutes left Cranston picked
up a ball in the circle and with the keeper advancing, she lifted the ball past her into the net. Service came out all guns blazing and went for the equaliser. The game finished minutes later
on a high tempo with both teams giving their all.
Final score 2 - 1 to Victorians

Player of the match Lucy Pollock

Team Lucy Pollock, Kirby O'Donnell, Katherine Welshman, Ruth McMillan, Emma Walker, Jenny Hayes, Rebecca Blundell, Hannah Irvine, Rachael McMillan, Rebecca Cowden
Danielle Hamilton, Rachael Cranston, Anna Lockhart, Kimberly Porter