St Pat’s on the back foot from start

The match was a catch up game from earlier in the season and 2010 grand finals St Pat’s, who sit in third on the ladder, were expected to account for the visiting Orange.

However, St Pat’s found themselves on the back foot early as 10 minutes into the game as Kinross-CYMS scored off a penalty corner play.

Pat’s goalkeeper Karen Fieldus saved the first shot, but Rachael Divall was able to get the rebound and put it away.

St Pat’s were able to score the equaliser with 14 minutes remaining in the first half.

It proved to be the final score of the match.

Kirralee Naylor stole the ball off a defender, carried the it down the sideline and crossed to Kristy Conroy. She then sent it flying past the goalkeeper’s head.

Pat’s had their opportunities to win the game, but goalkeeper Amy Symons kept them at bay making saves. She deined both Conroy and Claire Watts.

Pat’s had four short corners in a row and after Kinross-CYMS captain Katie Pullbrook broke, the Orange side only had four defenders to try and shut down another of the Saints’ set plays.

However, Pat’s were still not able to get the ball passed Symons.

Kinross-CYMS also had their chance to post a match winner.

A quick break had Pat’s under pressure but Fieldus made a sharp diving save.

Kinross-CYMS coach Peter Shea was happy with the way his team played, as they had a double header in Bathurst.

“Of course we would have liked the score to be 2-1, but we were under a lot of pressure. Our defence was very composed and we created opportunities. For where they are on the competition ladder we did very well. We played two top teams and to come away from the weekend with points was pleasing,” he said.

St Pat’s coach Daniel Casey was not as pleased as Shea, but “some points are better than none”.

“It was a frustrating game, from a coaches point of view. Both sides played good hockey. Again in patches we are playing really well. I just think we need one game to string it all together, to get our passes together and score goals,” he said.

Pats are sitting third on the ladder, but have only scrapped in points the last three weeks. Three weeks ago Pats drew with Souths, last week they only won after a penalty stroke on full time against second last placed Cougars and yesterday they managed a draw.

“We are struggling at the moment, but still sitting in the top five, so it is nice to be struggling but be in this position. We will pull it together, one game and it will change our season,” Casey said.

ST PAT’S 1 (Kristy Conroy) drew KINROSS-CYMS 1 (Racheal Divall)