A LUCI Ferguson goal after the siren helped Orange CYMS salvage a 3-all with Bathurst City in a hotly contested women’s Premier League Hockey match on Saturday.
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After enduring a tough fortnight with a depleted squad, City had a number of its stars return for the third versus fourth clash at Bob Roach Field.
It showed as City pulled out to a 3-1 lead at half-time – a margin which could have been even greater if not for some big defensive plays from CYMS’ Kayla Russell and Courtney Hogan.
But CYMS, who waged an absorbing midfield battle with the defending premiers throughout the contest, fought its way back.
When Ferguson clean up a deflection from a penalty corner play after the siren, her side drew the contest to remain two points clear of City on the ladder.
“It was a little frustrating with that goal on the bell, that sucks,” City coach Nick Klower said.
“But it was still a positive performance, especially with how far this team has come in the last two weeks. It was great to play like that against one of the top sides.
“We had our centre four back, which was great, they showed their class today with that result.
“It was an awesome game, everyone played really well. I think across the park it was great.
“The refs let a lot go to play advantage and both teams had the skill to take advantage of them doing that and we saw some awesome hockey.”
With Lisa Quinn, Brooke McFadden, Kelly Baker and Kirsten Howard reunited in the centre for Bathurst City, the hosts were quick to apply pressure through their speed and slick passing.
CYMS survived three penalty corners in the space of two minutes, but in the ninth minute City had the opening goal it wanted. A quick counter-attack released Quinn down the right with Baker there to meet the cross and slot it away.
Eight minutes later City went 2-0 ahead when Bridget Ellis tucked in a shot from a tight angle on the right post.
But CYMS put on some brilliant, quick, transitional passing of its own and it was such a play which led to Ashlea Warrender scoring.
Five minutes out from the break CYMS players then thought they were back on level terms when a penalty corner shot found the mark, but the ball was judged to have not come out of the circle.
With its opponents momentarily losing composure City pounced again. Baker grabbing her second to make it 3-1 at the break.
Still, CYMS regrouped at the break and came out in the second half with renewed focus.
Having had two penalty corners to City’s five in the first half, CYMS earned more chances at the set play. It was to prove telling.
Russell blasted in a powerful shot from the top of the circle from CYMS’ fourth penalty corner with 19 minutes remaining before Ferguson cleaned up a rebound after the siren.
“I was just thinking 'Get the rebound',” Ferguson said.
“It was a great game, a great fight. Keeping our composure was the main thing.
“As much as we were frustrated, we needed to keep going, keep our heads up.”
