WWHA: Nationals defeat Cougars by a goal in a hotly contested match at the weekend

In another competitive A-grade Warren Women’s Hockey Association match at the weekend, Nationals defeated Cougars 2-1 in fantastic autumn conditions. Nationals dominated early scoring two goals — by Mel Booth and Natasha Omodei — by the half-time whistle despite Cougars’ consistent circle entries. In an exciting end to the first-half, Cougars’ Elle Ryan managed to squeeze in a goal just as the half-time whistle blew. The rest of the match remained hotly contested however, no further goals were scored with the match ending with Nationals up by one goal. Incredible performances were had by Nationals’ Booth and Tracy Gibellini, and Cougars’ Ryan, who were all nominated MVPs. In other A-grade game, Violet Femmes score an easy win (3-0) after Robins were forced to forfeit due to a lack of players. In the B-grade games, Robins defeated Violet Femmes 1-0, while Cougars defeated Nationals 1-0. Goal scorers for B-grade were Robins’ Bianca Steyn and Cougars’ Joanne Ramiro. Match MVPs were Robins’ Geri Moore and Steyn, Violet Femmes’ Claudia Tschopp, Cougars’ Katie Crosby and Ashleigh Terrigno and Nationals’ Sydney Gibellini. Next week’s fixtures (double header): Saturday May 27 A-grade: Violet Femmes v Cougars (2pm) and Nationals v Robins (3.30pm). B-grade: Violet Femmes v Cougars (12.30pm) and Nationals v Robins (12.30pm). Sunday May 28 A-grade: Robins v Cougars (9am) and Nationals v Violet Femmes (10.30am). B-grade: Nationals v Violet Femmes (9am) v Robins v Cougars (10.30am).