IT was a game in which Lithgow Panthers' experience told, but before Souths walked off the turf on Saturday afternoon one of its least experienced players had made her presence felt as well.
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In just her second game of women's Premier League Hockey, Samantha Brown was one of the best on field for a Souths outfit which went down 5-2.
Lining up at inner, Brown was relentless in her efforts as she took on rivals who held the advantage in size, age and experience.
Her tenacity gave injured Souths captain Tahni Isedale a big positive to take away from the contest.
"Sammy Brown, that's her second game of Premier League ever. She was unbelievable," Isedale said.
"She's 14-years-old and probably all of 50 kilos, but she just muscles up and has a crack."
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In the first quarter at Bob Roach Field, Souths stuck it to a Panthers outfit looking to make it three wins in succession.
Another of Souths' young talents - Emily Thomas - scored the opener two minutes out from the break as her reverse stick effort clattered into the bottom left corner of the goal.
However, just under two minutes into the second period Panthers were on level terms as a powerful Clare Bosman drive from the top of the circle found the mark.
With Panthers' midfield taking control - their transfers a particular highlight - more goals came.
The visitors led 2-1 at half-time and pushed the margin out to 5-1 with a quarter remaining.
But Souths' continued to show fight. Fullback Nikki Thurtell made countless tackles inside the circle, goalkeeper Kate Brown turned away a number of shots and with three minutes of the game left, a quick counter-attack resulted in a Sophie McCauley goal.
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"We scored the first goal and we scored the last goal - to put goals away against Panthers, you come off the field happy. They are the benchmark team and I think the girls did a really good job," Isedale said.
"The first quarter was unbelievable, they played really, really well. But Panthers' strength through the middle just developed as the game went on. Credit to them, the best team won."
