BATHURST sisters Tamsin Bunt and Bec Lee went head-to-head for the Open Women's Indoor National Championship bronze on Sunday, with the younger sibling earning bragging rights.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lee’s ACT side triumphed 3-1 over Bunt’s defending champion NSW squad in a hard fought playoff for third at Goulburn.
NSW were unable to get revenge on the ACT women following their 4-3 defeat during the tournament’s pool stage.
The bronze medal game was a memorable match for Lee who scored the crucial second goal for the blue and golds.
ACT took a 1-0 lead into the break and doubled their advantage thanks to Lee’s goal from the field.
NSW struck back through a Nicole King penalty goal with five minutes to go but a late ACT goal sealed the result.
Bunt had nothing but praise for the victorious ACT side.
“They were very strong. They’ve played together for a while now. They do a lot of training together and have a great competition running there in Canberra. ACT always come out and play some of their best hockey against us.
“We had a lot of ball in the opening half. We just couldn’t put it in the back of the net. Whether it was a shot off the post, a missed penalty corner or a missed trap we just didn’t take our chances.
“With five minutes to go we felt we were still in it and we could force a draw and a shoot out. We took our goalkeeper off towards the end to give us an extra field player.
“They then got a late penalty corner and that gave them a straight shot at the goal.
“We were the team to beat after winning last year and all the teams seemed to bring their A-game against us.”
Sunday’s bronze medal game was the first time Lee had scored all tournament.
“It’s good for our mum as well because when she watches on she has a tough time knowing who to cheer for,” Bunt laughed.
The tournament was effectively a warm-up for Bunt as she prepares for the upcoming Indoor Hockey World Cup in Germany.
“I leave for Europe on the 20th so it was a perfect warm-up for me. It’s ideal preparation because I was able to play against the girls who will be playing alongside me over there,” Bunt said.
“I’ve got my fitness going strong at the moment so I feel ready for it.”
Bathurst’s representation in the national indoor scene continues on Tuesday.
Sarah Watterson lines up for NSW in their Under 21 Women's Indoor National Championship campaign, also taking place at Goulburn.
NSW will open their indoor campaign against rivals Queensland at 3.30pm.
