Sunday’s round of winter hockey delivered plenty of excitement, with Penguins notching their first win of the season in a stunning 3–1 upset over ladder leaders Vikings.
In the earlier match, Red Backs claimed a convincing 4–1 victory over DTS.
The Red Backs were quick out of the blocks, with Luke Cosgrove opening the scoring in the fifth minute.
Zac Williams doubled their lead in the second quarter, before DTS clawed one back just before half-time with Michelle Cronin finishing neatly at the right post.
Despite DTS applying sustained pressure in the third quarter, they were unable to break through the Red Backs’ defence.
A penalty corner early in the final term saw Cosgrove and Williams combine beautifully, with Williams slotting his second to put the result beyond doubt.
Tom Wills added a late goal to cap off a strong performance for the Red Backs.
In the afternoon’s second match, the Penguins showcased flair and determination to topple the highly-fancied Vikings.
Solomon Islanders Juninia Mahika and Melwyn Makana were instrumental in the win, both producing moments of brilliance in front of goal.
Juninia opened the scoring early in the second quarter, only for Andrew Pratt to equalise for Vikings just before the break.
Despite dominating possession and earning multiple penalty corners, the Vikings were continually denied by Penguins goalkeeper Chris Hosken and defender Josh Dunk, who were rock-solid at the back.
Makana broke the deadlock early in the final quarter, using his pace to get behind the defence and delivering a powerful strike from the left of the circle into the side netting.
Tim Roberts sealed the win for Penguins with a late goal, sparking celebrations for their first win of the season.
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