By: Hockey Tas

Women’s TAS Wrest Point Van Demons drew with Victorian Vipers 1 - 1
(Half-time 0 - 0)

Goal Scorers:
TAS – Sofie McLeod FG 42nd min
VIC – Stephanie Riordan FG 48th min

A drew was a fitting result to a hard fought match between the Tas Wrest Point Van Demons and the Victorian Vipers in the second match of the Australian Hockey League Round 1 in Hobart. With both teams after important points it was a slog for most of the game.

Midfield battles and great work by defenders and goalkeepers was a feature of this match.  Van Demons Captain and defender, Nicole Geeves, was a pillar of strength not only in defence but as a leader to her team.  She was well backed up by Harriet Moore who is clearly relishing her role as import goal keeper for the Van Demons.  

The Victorian Vipers worked equally hard with the Hockeyroos star, Georgia Nanscawen working hard with Stephanie Riordan up front.  

The half time break arrived with a nil all deadlock but it was in the second term that the Van Demons thrilled the partisan crowd with a breakthrough goal from Sofie McLeod, deflecting a purposeful penalty corner strike from Nicole Geeves.  

As is often the case, the Vipers fought back strongly and it was only a few minutes later that Stephanie Riordan, in perfect position in front of goal, slapped the Viper’s equaliser in.

Van Demons, Sofie McLeod and Nina Khoury were hungry for possession and continued to worry the Vipers but few opportunities arrived for the Van Demons.  A late penalty corner for the Vipers was their last opportunity to take the lead but no conversion mean both teams had to settle for sharing the points.

The VIC Vipers have their toughest game of round 1 tomorrow against the NSW Arrows while the Van Demons will get a feel for where they stand after their match against the Canberra Strikers.