ORANGE Ex-Services coach Mitch Kennewell sent an ominous message to the rest of the competition after the blue and golds’ 2-0 win over Lithgow Zig Zag at the Orange Hockey Complex on Saturday - his side can get better, much better.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ex-Services debuted its new, blockbuster line-up in Saturday’s season opener after having the bye in round one, dominating the women’s Premier League Hockey clash from start to finish to claim the two goal victory.
“It was a very good way to start the season, with a few home games to start the year it was important to get off to a flyer and we did,” Kennewell said.
“I thought the girls played really well, although there is still plenty we can work on. We can definitely improve, and I think we will as the side gets more time together.”
Goals to Chloe Barrett and Jade Williams either side of half-time sealed the win for Ex-Services.
Barrett opened the scoring in the eighth minute, tapping in a reasonably simple chance to score her maiden goal for the blue and golds after an off-season move from Kinross-CYMS.
“It was actually a really nice bit of lead up work,” Kennewell said.
“There was several sharp, quick one touches through the midfield and it ended with Chloe just having to tap it in, she’s a great finisher and she doesn’t miss those ones.
“Then Jade scored after half-time, she cleaned up after some scrappy stuff in the circle.”
Kennewell highlighted several of Ex-Services’ new faces - Barrett, Ellen Van Hoek and Madie Smith in particular - as stand outs in the win.
“They all fitted in very well, they slotted in great and looked like they had been playing with us for a long time,” Kennewell said.
“I think with a bit of work on our fitness mainly, we fell off a bit toward the end of both halves, and more time to get our set plays and short corners right we’ll get much better.”
ORANGE EX-SERVICES 2 (Chloe Barrett, Jade Williams goals) def LITHGOW ZIG-ZAG 0
