Pink Batts keep red hot form

A SURGING second half has helped the GCC Pink Batts remain unbeaten in the Iron Jack Challenge.

Shaun Alexander of Pink Batts against SQPS Scorers in Iron Jack Challenge mens hockey at Clyde Park, Friday, February 28, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

HOCKEY: The GCC Pink Batts have continued their strong start to the Iron Jack Challenge, recording their second win from as many games.

They were forced to do it the hard way in their clash with the SQPS Scorers, launching a comeback to claim a 5-2 win.

The stick of Kane Bradford was unmatched through the opening stages of the game, putting one in the back of the net in the sixth minute, before doubling the advantage just 12 minutes later.

Unfortunately for the Scorers side looking for its maiden win of the year, Bradford was unable to convert the bonus goal on either field goal, leaving the door ajar for the Pink Batts.

Kane Bradford of SQPS Scorers against Pink Batts in Iron Jack Challenge mens hockey at Clyde Park, Friday, February 28, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

They left their run until the second half, but were able to level scores at 2-all in the 47th minute when Josh McPaul scored and converted the ensuing attempt.

It was again McPaul in the thick of things, with his 62nd minute strike and subsequent conversion pushing the Pink Batts ahead 4-2, before Will Ready capped things off with a last minute goal.

Scorers coach Greggy Dean said his side showed plenty of poise to establish an early lead, but was unable to put the brakes on an experienced Pink Batts team that built up confidence as they game went on.

"There was a lot of things we did well early," Dean said.

"We stuck to our structure, however they were able to break that down as the gam went on with a bit of fatigue setting in.

"We lost our position and they were able to come over the top of us and get the biscuits.

"Our confidence was high heading into halftime, but the other team has a bit more experience as opposed to us.

"With a young side we don't have as much experience in closing a game out."

Scorers take on Pink Batts

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The Pink Batts confirmed their status as the best finishers in the game, converting on two of their field goals, an area Dean said his side must improve on.

"I think we had a conversion attempt where we didn't score the goal, but were a bit unlucky not to get nother attempt," he said.

"That could've changed the momentum of the game, but hopefully we can learn from that experience.

"That's not to take anything away from Pink Batts. They took their opportunities and took the momentum of the game."

The evening's other fixture saw Stafford's Strikers stage a dramatic turnaround in defeating the HSR Hot Shots 2-1.

The Strikers were soundly beaten to the tune of 8-0 in their season opener, however they were able to recover from the loss to get on the board.

It was the Hot Shots that struck first early in the contest, with Corey Guse giving them the lead inside four minutes.

Just before the halftime break, Matthew Tarlinton helped to level proceedings, giving his side a big boost.

Then, a minute out from the end of the third quarter, Elijah Matthewson converted a penalty shot in what turned out to be the matchwinner.

STANDINGS: GCC Pink Batts (2-0), Stafford's Strikers (1-1), HSR Hot Shots (1-1), SQPS Scorers (0-2)

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