United defeated the former league leaders 2-1 to confirm their credentials as title contenders this season. 

Other sides are starting to take notice of the Parkes team as they have now secured an away draw against heavy-weights Lithgow Panthers and a win over City. 

The two sides were the preseason favourites to fight out this year’s title and currently sit first and second on the table.

After a number of disappointing seasons, United have stunned the hockey community with their successful turnaround. 

City started the match as most pundits anticipated, strong and fast while dominating possession. 

United withstood the early onslaught well and stood strong as a unit. Despite the early battle for possession, Parkes’ midfield provided a very good account of themselves.

A reshuffle of positions proved a major benefit as Louise Hawken moved into striker and Nicole Knox moved back into the midfield. 

Knox proved a rock down the left side of the field and worked well with inside forward Cass Hodges.  

Sarah Melhuish is proving very consistent in the centre so far this season while Bec Cowling had a cracking game on the right side, cementing her role in the team after weeks of hard work getting there. 

The first 25 minutes of the match were an even contest with both sides putting together some impressive attacking raids.

City continued to put United under pressure only to be frustrated by the ever strong defence of Codie Wakefield and Madelyn Williams. 

Parkes strung together some impressive attacking raids of their own through the right side with Wendy Rix, Syann Allen and Louise Field leaving City trying to regroup in defence. Rix has excelled the past two weeks, proving her ability with a tireless effort in the midfield.

She was at the helm of a number of attacking raids while providing important leadership in defence. 

As it appeared the first half was going to end with no goals scored, Bathurst caught Parkes ball watching down the left with 10 minutes to go and were able to work their way around the back before knocking the ball in the net. 

United keeper Amy Thornberry was unlucky not to save the shot after recovering well.

United coach Cliff Green’s half time talk had the desired effect as Parkes came out better in the second half, showing a spirit that has been missing in previous years.

United attacked down the right again with Louise Hawken chasing down a loose ball. 

Her impressive speed up front allowed her to skip away and slip the ball through an improbable gap between City’s keeper and the post to even the score at 1-all.

City looked to have hit straight back after working their way into the circle to be awarded a penalty corner. 

Fortunately for Parkes, the strike was too high and disallowed. 

United knuckled down and continued to frustrate Bathurst in defence. 

With seven minutes to go, all their hard work paid off.

Parkes earned a penalty corner through Jess Ross. 

Janelle Thompson got the ball out straight and with a quick trap by Rix and a cracking shot by Cass Hodges, Parkes saw themselves in the lead for the first time in the match. City applied a lot of pressure in the remaining minutes with youngsters Sami Afele and Emily Dean holding strong for United to come away with a 2-1 win.

Wendy Rix was voted Players’ Player by her team mates while Rix and Louise Hawken earned Best and Fairest points off the umpires. 

United were very thankful of their home crowd for their support which has been greatly appreciated so far this season.