Strikers back on track after defeating Rockingham

The South West Strikers atoned for a recent loss to keep up their bid for a Promotion One finals spot with a handy 4-1 victory over Rockingham at the Bunbury Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

The Strikers took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to a goal by sharpshooter Georgina Dowd, who converted a long ball.

The home side then dominated the rest of the first half, with five penalty corners to two.

But a lively performance in Rockingham’s goals by brilliant goalkeeper Rebecca Ho, desperate defence by left half Lisa Rose coupled with some shaky finishing by the home side kept Rockingham in the game.

Meg Read added a second goal to the home side’s tally just before half-time.

A swag of Strikers’ penalty corners went begging thanks to the work of Ho and several off target shots.

A strong half-time lecture by coach Lawrie Tylor switched the South West side on with veteran Allyce Sewell repeating the early first half charge with a crisp goal to give the home team a healthy 3-0 lead, followed a few minutes later by Read’s second.

Complacency crept in with the visitors turning on the attack of their own, but they were foiled by a series of Amber Vivian saves in goals, with just one goal getting past.

This Saturday the Strikers travel to Perth to take on Old Guildford who they defeated 7-0 in Collie and 6-0 at Guildford Grammar School earlier in the season.