THE Saints have marched their way into second position on the women's Premier League Hockey table following a 4-0 win away to Orange CYMS on Saturday.
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St Pat's gained the ascendancy early and never let go of it as the Fulton sisters, Macey and Millie, found the back of the net at different ends of the match and Amy Glenn scored twice.
Pat's struggled to get an edge over CYMS last season but it was a new story in the 2020 edition, as a clinical Saints squad produced what coach Ben Weal said was the tam's best performance of the season to date.
Weal said almost everything the side has aimed to improve through training did indeed lift to a new level in Saturday's match.
"It was probably the best hockey we've played so far. We held possession really well and transferred the ball really well. On top of that we scored some really nice goals," Weal said.
"Macey Fulton kicked us off when her sister took the ball up and she found her in the circle. It was really good hockey to watch."
Pat's used the momentum they gained from that opening goal to dominate the centre of the field and create chances through the game.
When Glenn was able to strike twice within the space of just a few minutes the game was almost put to bed - barring a CYMS miracle fightback.
It was probably the best hockey we've played so far. We held possession really well and transferred the ball really well.
- Ben Weal
That wasn't going to happen, as the sensible passing and strong structure Pat's went out with in the first half was able to stay consistent throughout the whole match.
"Everything we spoke about doing before the game, they did it," Weal said.
"We executed our game plan really well. That CYMS side isn't the same one from last year, and we went in there knowing that, but you've got to go over there ready to do the job, no matter who is on the field.
"The pleasing thing for me was that we got stuck into them early and we went on with the job."
Weal said the Saints had the speed to keep CYMS under the pump.
"We're pretty fit, which is great for us, and it was a surprisingly warm day in Orange. Our fitness held up well and our girls ran out most of the match really well," he said.
"I know the fitness isn't at the level it would be for a normal season but it's definitely helping us to get the job done."
Several players stood tall for Pat's in their trip west.
"I thought Paige Hay had a really great game for us, playing well as a utility. Amy Glenn obviously had a wonderful game, as did the Fulton girls. It was a great team effort," Weal said.
"Carly Sandry is our centre half and one of those players who sometimes goes unnoticed. She had a solid game too."